Chronic Medical Conditions

Living with chronic medical conditions (either yours or a loved one's)

I first began treating chronically ill patients as an intern at Pennsylvania Hospital's cancer center.  I also evaluated candidates for bariatric surgery in the hospital's outpatient behavioral health clinic -- many of whom suffered from serious health problems secondary to morbid obesity. 

Although I was nervous as a new therapist to encounter patients suffering from formidable pain and illness, I discovered that acute and chronic physical ailments are incredible catalysts for patients to address long-ignored issues--including ones that had nothing to do with their present illness!  Since 2007, I have worked with patients living with chronic health problems, including multiple sclerosis, autoimmune disease, cancer, sickle-cell anemia, diabetes, asthma, sleep apnea, musculoskeletal pain, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, vulvodynia, urological issues, infertility, and hypertension.  

I assist patients with illness, pain, and debility (whether newly-diagosed or long-standing and chronic) in achieving: 

• coping mechanisms for dealing with the daily stressors of ongoing health problems
• minimization of distress about social stigma and self-image  
• effective self-advocacy with healthcare professionals
• (in cases of a terminal diagnosis) meaningful ways to live while confronting death.  Goals may include providing a legacy for one's loved ones or community; fulfilling last wishes; repairing important relationships; maximizing quality of life; attaining peace.  

Even relatively minor or transient medical issues can potentially wreak havoc with a person's self-esteem, relationships, ability to work, and orientation to the future.  Please let me know your medical history regardless of your primary reason for seeking therapy. 

My practice is also open to spouses, children, parents, and miscellaneous significant others who are caregivers to people living with chronic illness, or who have lost loved ones to an illness.  Caregiving for companions, spouses, and family members are tremendous responsibilities with their own emotional privileges and burdens.