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Chronic Illness Counseling in Virginia Beach, VA
Living with a chronic illness is about more than managing symptoms. It impacts your identity, your relationships, and how you manage your energy throughout the day.
But a chronic illness diagnosis doesn’t mean you can’t build a life on your own terms.
Life in Virginia Beach is a one-of-a-kind experience. From serene walks along the Atlantic coastline to the vibrant energy of the Oceanfront, there are endless ways to explore and connect with others. But if you are living with a chronic illness, you may be feeling alone and isolated. You may be struggling to process feelings of grief and the intense emotions that come with it, or feel pressured to accept your diagnosis and move on with your new normal. Your emotions may ebb and flow unpredictably, leaving you feeling stuck.
Whatever diagnosis you’ve received, you deserve a space where you are truly seen and fully supported. A place where you can acknowledge all feelings and grieve without worrying about an arbitrary timeline. As someone who has faced health challenges myself, I would welcome the opportunity to walk alongside you on your journey and help you develop tools and strategies to heal and move forward with purpose and peace.
The Unspoken Truth About Living With Chronic Illness
Maybe your family and friends don't get why you have to cancel plans or why you can’t partake in activities you used to enjoy.
You might find yourself constantly explaining yourself or feeling like you’re letting people down.
On top of that, you are dealing with doctors’ appointments and feeling dismissed or struggling to find the right answers.
As time goes on, you start to doubt yourself and feel ashamed about your symptoms and what you’re going through. You're left feeling alone and anxious about what comes next when you need the most support.
How Therapy Helps Manage The Stress Of Chronic Illness
Chronic illness can take a toll on your mental and physical well-being. You may be experiencing:
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Not feeling at home in your body.
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Constantly worrying about whether you're doing what's best to take care of yourself .
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Experiencing the loss of the life you've lost and scared about what comes next.
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Feeling overwhelmed as you manage your symptoms and daily life.
You deserve a space where you don’t need to explain yourself or downplay your struggles. And you definitely shouldn’t have to figure everything out alone.
I also live with chronic Lyme disease and lipedema, so I understand how important it is to feel seen, heard, and understood.
As a holistic mental health counselor, I look at the whole person, not just your symptoms. We'll explore how you're sleeping, nourishing your body, and incorporating physical activity to support your well-being.
Together, we can work through conflicting emotions and find ways to manage the stress that comes with health challenges. We'll also look at how to manage your responsibilities, set boundaries, and advocate for your needs.
Making Space for a Different Way of Living
You don't have to give up on the things that matter to you.
Yes, you may have to decide what you can realistically take on. And think about what a good day looks like for you now. That's not always easy, especially if you're used to putting everyone else first.
But you can find new ways to enjoy the things you love. You can learn to reconnect with your body, honor your needs, and make choices that help you feel your best.
Chronic Illness Therapy in Virginia Beach, and Online across Virginia
When I work with clients, I often ask, "What do you want?" Because when you have built your life around the needs of others, figuring out what matters to you needs some introspection.
In therapy you can explore that question and start building a life that feels like your own, even if it looks different from the one you imagined.
I offer in-person therapy in Leesburg, and online therapy across Virginia, so you can access support in a way that works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your session fees and how often will we meet?
My fee for a 55-minute individual counseling session is $160. When we begin working together, I encourage weekly sessions to build momentum and establish a strong therapeutic relationship. As you make progress, we may naturally transition to every other week, and then monthly. However, this varies from client to client and ultimately depends on your individual needs and circumstances. Some clients prefer to continue meeting weekly long-term, while others gradually space out sessions as they reach their goals.
Do you accept insurance?
No, I'm private pay only. However, I offer superbills so clients can obtain reimbursement from their respective providers. Please visit the Benefits Checker to verify your eligibility instantly.
How do I get started?
If you’re ready to take the next step, I invite you to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation. We will explore what you are struggling with and what you want relief from. I'll share how I work and how I can help so you can get a feel for whether we're a good fit.
My Specialties
EMDR Therapy
Grief Counseling
Chronic Illness Counseling
Therapy for Women
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