Medical Issues

How can medical issues impact me?

Living with a chronic health issue, receiving a life-threatening diagnosis, or taking care of someone who is experiencing these things are a source of anxiety and depression for many people. Seeing a plethora of specialists and cumbersome treatments can feel overwhelming. Declining physical abilities and physical pain can cause feelings of hopelessness. These are not easy issues and they should not be sugar-coated or minimized. In addition, caregivers often put their needs aside and experience anticipatory grief, fatigue, and may feel overwhelmed.

Would I benefit from therapy?

Therapy can give you a place to process your stressors, how they impact you, and to be intentional about how you want to handle them. It allows you a place to share, identify your honest feelings, and feel supported through the process. My extensive experience as a medical social worker allows me to understand the resources, systems, and processes you are dealing with. We will work towards accepting your reality (while quite possibly not liking it) and find ways to think and respond to it in the best way possible. Finding ways to increase your support system, find some pleasure/meaning in your life, and take care of your needs are important. I like equipping my clients with coping skills to manage hard situations.