Chronic Illness Therapists in 60601
Amy Weider
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
Major life changes, such as being diagnosed with a chronic illness, starting a new career path, losing a loved one, or becoming a caregiver, can be overwhelming. They can make us question our values, goals, and sense of self. In these pivotal moments, therapy becomes a powerful tool to navigate our journey, make meaning and find our authentic voices. It's time to give yourself permission to evolve and embrace the process of self-discovery.
Major life changes, such as being diagnosed with a chronic illness, starting a new career path, losing a loved one, or becoming a caregiver, can be overwhelming. They can make us question our values, goals, and sense of self. In these pivotal moments, therapy becomes a powerful tool to navigate our journey, make meaning and find our authentic voices. It's time to give yourself permission to evolve and embrace the process of self-discovery.
Cassandra Kandah
Psychologist, MS, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
Your heart drops into your stomach and you are at a loss for words. Maybe you feel numb. Maybe you can't stop crying. No matter what your reaction is, your life as you know it has changed in one instance. You've been diagnosed with a terminal or chronic illness. A flood of questions comes to your mind: is this the beginning of the end, how will this effect my career, how do I tell my family? I have dedicated my life to guiding people through the emotional difficulties related to managing conditions such as: mild cognitive impairment, dementia, TBI, stroke, cancer, transplant, and pregnancy/fertility concerns.
Your heart drops into your stomach and you are at a loss for words. Maybe you feel numb. Maybe you can't stop crying. No matter what your reaction is, your life as you know it has changed in one instance. You've been diagnosed with a terminal or chronic illness. A flood of questions comes to your mind: is this the beginning of the end, how will this effect my career, how do I tell my family? I have dedicated my life to guiding people through the emotional difficulties related to managing conditions such as: mild cognitive impairment, dementia, TBI, stroke, cancer, transplant, and pregnancy/fertility concerns.
Taylor Flores
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
I specialize in supporting clients experiencing depression; religious, medical, or sexual traumas; disability/chronic illness; and incarceration/court-related issues.
I work together with my clients to help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood and self-esteem, manage relationships and life transitions, and provide the tools and resources to express and cope with emotions. I support my clients who feel stuck or dissatisfied gain better insight into negative thought patterns that may be hindering their ability to achieve a fulfilled life. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process, with you being the expert of your own life. By working together, I will create an individualized approach tailored specifically to each client in order to best suite your specific needs.
I specialize in supporting clients experiencing depression; religious, medical, or sexual traumas; disability/chronic illness; and incarceration/court-related issues.
I work together with my clients to help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood and self-esteem, manage relationships and life transitions, and provide the tools and resources to express and cope with emotions. I support my clients who feel stuck or dissatisfied gain better insight into negative thought patterns that may be hindering their ability to achieve a fulfilled life. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process, with you being the expert of your own life. By working together, I will create an individualized approach tailored specifically to each client in order to best suite your specific needs.
Jeanelle Kline
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60601 (Online Only)
Are you tired of spending all your time in therapy educating your therapist instead of working on what you need? Looking for a therapist who specializes in struggles with identity, sexual orientation, diverse sexual groups, such as kink/BDSM; relationship orientation such as polyamory, relationship anarchy, or swinging; anxiety, depression, HIV/AIDS, and other chronic illness; secular or alternative faiths such as paganism; and are seeking patient-centered, compassionate, and affirming care?
Are you tired of spending all your time in therapy educating your therapist instead of working on what you need? Looking for a therapist who specializes in struggles with identity, sexual orientation, diverse sexual groups, such as kink/BDSM; relationship orientation such as polyamory, relationship anarchy, or swinging; anxiety, depression, HIV/AIDS, and other chronic illness; secular or alternative faiths such as paganism; and are seeking patient-centered, compassionate, and affirming care?
Nia J Butler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
Everyone could use more support these days, if you're ready to make the decision to start therapy then I am here to help. As a licensed clinical social worker, it's my passion to help you facilitate growth, healing and progress. I specialize in anxiety, depression, loss and grief, life transitions, relationship issues and chronic illness.
Everyone could use more support these days, if you're ready to make the decision to start therapy then I am here to help. As a licensed clinical social worker, it's my passion to help you facilitate growth, healing and progress. I specialize in anxiety, depression, loss and grief, life transitions, relationship issues and chronic illness.
Dr. Austin Aibel
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60601 (Online Only)
Hello there! My name is Dr. Austin Aibel. I am a licensed clinical psychologist and I specialize in eating disorders and body image issues. I have also done a lot of work with folks struggling with trauma, OCD, chronic illness/complex medical conditions, and identity concerns. I often work with individuals in their teens, twenties, and thirties (but love working with people across the age spectrum). I am passionate about this work and this shows in sessions. I am not a "smile and nod therapist"- Clients have described me as interactive, genuine, and energetic.
Hello there! My name is Dr. Austin Aibel. I am a licensed clinical psychologist and I specialize in eating disorders and body image issues. I have also done a lot of work with folks struggling with trauma, OCD, chronic illness/complex medical conditions, and identity concerns. I often work with individuals in their teens, twenties, and thirties (but love working with people across the age spectrum). I am passionate about this work and this shows in sessions. I am not a "smile and nod therapist"- Clients have described me as interactive, genuine, and energetic.
Alexandra Brooke Mathewes
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MEd, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601 (Online Only)
I work with individuals and couples to address a range of concerns including mood disorders, substance use, eating disorders, cancer and chronic illness and trauma. My specialties include working with lawyers and law students, doctors, first responders and professional executives. I also specialize in working with patients and families going through cancer from onset of diagnosis to end of treatment. My role as a LCPC is to be an objective guide and source of support to the people I am working with; A voice to help clarify goals and make changes that have often felt out of reach. Please email for the fastest response time.
I work with individuals and couples to address a range of concerns including mood disorders, substance use, eating disorders, cancer and chronic illness and trauma. My specialties include working with lawyers and law students, doctors, first responders and professional executives. I also specialize in working with patients and families going through cancer from onset of diagnosis to end of treatment. My role as a LCPC is to be an objective guide and source of support to the people I am working with; A voice to help clarify goals and make changes that have often felt out of reach. Please email for the fastest response time.
Isabel Longwell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601 (Online Only)
The therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in creating an environment for individuals to feel safe being vulnerable. I have experience working with adults of all ages experiencing life transitions, anxiety, depression, family conflict, abuse or neglect, grief, and loss. I specialize in working with older adults and their families who might be experiencing caregiver stress and burnout, hoarding issues, challenges related to dementia or other chronic illness, and end-of-life planning. I believe that everyone can benefit from therapy and it is never too late to begin one’s own journey of healing.
The therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in creating an environment for individuals to feel safe being vulnerable. I have experience working with adults of all ages experiencing life transitions, anxiety, depression, family conflict, abuse or neglect, grief, and loss. I specialize in working with older adults and their families who might be experiencing caregiver stress and burnout, hoarding issues, challenges related to dementia or other chronic illness, and end-of-life planning. I believe that everyone can benefit from therapy and it is never too late to begin one’s own journey of healing.
Dr. Aisha Kazi
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60601 (Online Only)
I have advanced training in working with individuals struggling with chronic illness, cancer, infertility, pregnancy loss, third-party reproduction, postpartum depression and anxiety, and grief.
I believe it's important to have a place where you can feel safe and comfortable when in therapy. I try to provide that for my clients. There is usually a point in everyone's life where they need a little extra help and guidance to deal with depression, anxiety or stressful life events. The best thing you can do for yourself and your family is to get that help and work on improving your quality of life. You won't regret making yourself a priority even with all the other demands on your time.
I have advanced training in working with individuals struggling with chronic illness, cancer, infertility, pregnancy loss, third-party reproduction, postpartum depression and anxiety, and grief.
I believe it's important to have a place where you can feel safe and comfortable when in therapy. I try to provide that for my clients. There is usually a point in everyone's life where they need a little extra help and guidance to deal with depression, anxiety or stressful life events. The best thing you can do for yourself and your family is to get that help and work on improving your quality of life. You won't regret making yourself a priority even with all the other demands on your time.
Donald Glenn
Counselor
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
Life can sometimes feel too difficult to navigate alone, and having a supportive and safe outlet can make all the difference. Relationship struggles, life purpose, grief and loss, identity issues, family dynamics, chronic illness, and other stressors can be overwhelming, but with counseling, they can be transformative. I am passionate about working with anyone experiencing emotional hardships and understand how effective therapy can help. I welcome all orientations and walks of life experiencing mental health concerns. I bring 25 years of experience in the medical field to counseling and value the power of the mind-body connection.
Life can sometimes feel too difficult to navigate alone, and having a supportive and safe outlet can make all the difference. Relationship struggles, life purpose, grief and loss, identity issues, family dynamics, chronic illness, and other stressors can be overwhelming, but with counseling, they can be transformative. I am passionate about working with anyone experiencing emotional hardships and understand how effective therapy can help. I welcome all orientations and walks of life experiencing mental health concerns. I bring 25 years of experience in the medical field to counseling and value the power of the mind-body connection.
Erin L McCombs
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW, BCN, CYT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
I work with adults seeking treatment for mood/anxiety disorders, PTSD, trauma, eating disorders, grief/loss, developmental challenges, ADHD, chronic illness, relationship issues, and stress management.
As a clinician with 23 years of experience, I offer a body-based treatment approach to wellness. In collaboration with clients, I draw on my extensive training in traditional talk therapy, neurofeedback, biofeedback, mindfulness meditation, yoga and somatic healing to address symptoms and patterns that interfere with living to one's fullest potential.
I work with adults seeking treatment for mood/anxiety disorders, PTSD, trauma, eating disorders, grief/loss, developmental challenges, ADHD, chronic illness, relationship issues, and stress management.
As a clinician with 23 years of experience, I offer a body-based treatment approach to wellness. In collaboration with clients, I draw on my extensive training in traditional talk therapy, neurofeedback, biofeedback, mindfulness meditation, yoga and somatic healing to address symptoms and patterns that interfere with living to one's fullest potential.
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Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60601 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in working with individuals struggling to manage chronic illness, work/life balance, self-esteem, anxiety, and relationships.
Are you constantly comparing yourself to others around you? Not feeling good enough, smart enough, attractive enough? Do you find yourself frequently frustrated about where you are in your life? I work with clients who are feeling stuck, anxious, and are tired of living on a hamster wheel of habits that no longer feel authentic to the person they want to become. I recognize that sharing and processing life events can be incredibly challenging and vulnerable. I show up for you, helping you develop skills to navigate difficult and necessary conversations.
I specialize in working with individuals struggling to manage chronic illness, work/life balance, self-esteem, anxiety, and relationships.
Are you constantly comparing yourself to others around you? Not feeling good enough, smart enough, attractive enough? Do you find yourself frequently frustrated about where you are in your life? I work with clients who are feeling stuck, anxious, and are tired of living on a hamster wheel of habits that no longer feel authentic to the person they want to become. I recognize that sharing and processing life events can be incredibly challenging and vulnerable. I show up for you, helping you develop skills to navigate difficult and necessary conversations.
Jelena Bulic Milenovic
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
These traumas are often at the root of many problems a person can experience in the overwhelming modern world, like anxiety, depression, and chronic illness.
Life is full of transitions and adjustments; in each of these, you deserve a safe and supportive space to talk about it in a relaxed, guided manner. I believe in the importance of language- how you talk to and about yourself and others- and in the power of stories that make life. I want to help you recognize which stories you wrote in alignment with your values and which were imposed on you by society, culture, and the people close to you. In therapy, I utilize evidence-based techniques while also recognizing that your mind is a vast universe to be approached from a philosophical and spiritual place.
These traumas are often at the root of many problems a person can experience in the overwhelming modern world, like anxiety, depression, and chronic illness.
Life is full of transitions and adjustments; in each of these, you deserve a safe and supportive space to talk about it in a relaxed, guided manner. I believe in the importance of language- how you talk to and about yourself and others- and in the power of stories that make life. I want to help you recognize which stories you wrote in alignment with your values and which were imposed on you by society, culture, and the people close to you. In therapy, I utilize evidence-based techniques while also recognizing that your mind is a vast universe to be approached from a philosophical and spiritual place.
Mary Maraventano-Stried
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601 (Online Only)
Each person processes physical and emotional experiences differently. My approach in treating these experiences as they become overwhelming to ones physical and mental health is with compassion and authenticity. When working in the respiratory therapy field I watched many of my patients struggle with managing their complex emotional responses due to the chronic respiratory illnesses. Anxiety, stress and depression has an impact not only on our mental well being but our physical health as well.
Each person processes physical and emotional experiences differently. My approach in treating these experiences as they become overwhelming to ones physical and mental health is with compassion and authenticity. When working in the respiratory therapy field I watched many of my patients struggle with managing their complex emotional responses due to the chronic respiratory illnesses. Anxiety, stress and depression has an impact not only on our mental well being but our physical health as well.
Corina Morgan
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a rich and meaningful life and therapy can be a powerful catalyst for change. I consider it a privilege to accompany others on their journey to well-being and strive to create an empowering and non-judgmental space that supports development. My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and I don’t hesitate to effectively and responsibly incorporate humor into the therapeutic process. As a multicultural and feminist psychologist, I am aware of the unique concerns of those with marginalized identities and welcome clients from a variety of diverse backgrounds.
I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a rich and meaningful life and therapy can be a powerful catalyst for change. I consider it a privilege to accompany others on their journey to well-being and strive to create an empowering and non-judgmental space that supports development. My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and I don’t hesitate to effectively and responsibly incorporate humor into the therapeutic process. As a multicultural and feminist psychologist, I am aware of the unique concerns of those with marginalized identities and welcome clients from a variety of diverse backgrounds.
Nikki Malazarte
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
I enjoy working with individuals navigating their anxiety, feelings of walking between two cultural worlds, complex grief & loss, depression, family dynamics, forced displacement, gender identity, intergenerational trauma, all life stage transitions, spirituality, & relationship with a breast cancer diagnosis. With a trauma-focused & intersectional lens, I primarily work with adolescents, young adults & elderly people from AAPI, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, immigrant & refugee communities. I focus on 1.5 and 2nd generation Filipino/a/x & South Asian American Immigrants, young adults with breast cancer & older adults chronic comorbidities.
I enjoy working with individuals navigating their anxiety, feelings of walking between two cultural worlds, complex grief & loss, depression, family dynamics, forced displacement, gender identity, intergenerational trauma, all life stage transitions, spirituality, & relationship with a breast cancer diagnosis. With a trauma-focused & intersectional lens, I primarily work with adolescents, young adults & elderly people from AAPI, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, immigrant & refugee communities. I focus on 1.5 and 2nd generation Filipino/a/x & South Asian American Immigrants, young adults with breast cancer & older adults chronic comorbidities.
Healthy Life
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60601 (Online Only)
In one moment, your life can change forever. These turning points in life often lead to us question everything we have known. As we try to pick up the pieces of our life, we can get lost along the way. We are here to help you to find your way and overall become healthier.
In one moment, your life can change forever. These turning points in life often lead to us question everything we have known. As we try to pick up the pieces of our life, we can get lost along the way. We are here to help you to find your way and overall become healthier.
Amber Walker
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60601
Amber Walker is a graduate from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and is currently obtaining her licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Illinois. She received her M.A. in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in child and adolescent treatment from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Before CCBH, Amber worked closely with children and families residing in underserved populations. Amber provided continuous support and used strength-based and evidence-based models such as the Parent as Teacher model to strengthen family engagement, family dynamics, and parenting practice.
Amber Walker is a graduate from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and is currently obtaining her licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Illinois. She received her M.A. in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in child and adolescent treatment from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Before CCBH, Amber worked closely with children and families residing in underserved populations. Amber provided continuous support and used strength-based and evidence-based models such as the Parent as Teacher model to strengthen family engagement, family dynamics, and parenting practice.
Lexus Goings
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60601 (Online Only)
To schedule sessions, please book a call with our Client Care Coordinator here: www.calendly.com/adminccbh Lexus is dedicated to fostering a nurturing and empowering environment for individuals to explore their unique experiences. With a focus on enhancing inner strength and resilience, she specializes in providing support for various challenges, including trauma, relationship difficulties, neuro-divergence, grief/loss, and coping skill development. Lexus creates a flexible and supportive space that accommodates the needs of all individuals.
To schedule sessions, please book a call with our Client Care Coordinator here: www.calendly.com/adminccbh Lexus is dedicated to fostering a nurturing and empowering environment for individuals to explore their unique experiences. With a focus on enhancing inner strength and resilience, she specializes in providing support for various challenges, including trauma, relationship difficulties, neuro-divergence, grief/loss, and coping skill development. Lexus creates a flexible and supportive space that accommodates the needs of all individuals.
Sunshine Ballentine
Licensed Professional Counselor, BS, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60601 (Online Only)
I view the counseling relationship as a partnership between the counselor and client. After getting to know you as an individual, we will work together to help you deal with emotional trauma, patterns in relationships, and other things in the past that are impacting your future. Improving communication, coping skills, strengthening self-esteem, and promoting behavioral change will help you feel better about yourself, your relationships, and your life. I offer virtual and evening appointments to accommodate your busy schedule. I provide a holistic, nonjudgemental, and inclusive environment to aid in your therapeutic experience.
I view the counseling relationship as a partnership between the counselor and client. After getting to know you as an individual, we will work together to help you deal with emotional trauma, patterns in relationships, and other things in the past that are impacting your future. Improving communication, coping skills, strengthening self-esteem, and promoting behavioral change will help you feel better about yourself, your relationships, and your life. I offer virtual and evening appointments to accommodate your busy schedule. I provide a holistic, nonjudgemental, and inclusive environment to aid in your therapeutic experience.
See more therapy options for 60601
Chronic Illness Therapists
How does therapy for chronic illness work?
Many people living with a chronic illness may feel they cannot speak honestly about their experience out of embarrassment or fear of being a burden, or because those close to them do not understand, for example, that they may “look good” even if they do not feel good. Therapy sessions are an opportunity to speak openly with someone who knows their symptoms are not in their head and who can offer practical, proven suggestions for managing feelings of grief, shame, or fatigue, such as techniques to challenge unhelpful thoughts about symptoms and develop new ways to respond to them, such as distraction or calming breathing practices.
Can therapy help with physical symptoms of chronic illness?
Yes, especially if an individual with chronic illness has developed depression. People with depression are less likely to maintain their health treatment regimens or to take positive steps to manage physical symptoms when they arise, thereby potentially complicating their medical prognosis. Treatment of depression, through talk therapy, medication, or both, will often improve one’s physical state as it eases the emotional burden of illness.
What are the most effective treatment options for chronic illness?
No one living with a chronic illness, or their loved ones, should see depression as an unavoidable result of their condition. Instead, they should actively seek treatment. Research shows that people with depression are less likely to devote the required time and effort to maintaining or monitoring their health, and so therapy to limit the risk of depression can be vital for physical health as well. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction have been found to help individuals reduce stress and anxiety.
How long does therapy for chronic illness take?
There is no set timeline for therapy for people living with chronic illnesses, but many will see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 weekly sessions. Some people feel that they experience progress faster than others but even some who quickly feel improvement may continue with sessions for months or years. Some people may benefit from maintenance therapy if their symptoms change or they experience a decline in physical health. Others find that the skills learned in short-term therapy can be used on an ongoing basis, even after therapy has concluded.