Chronic Illness Counseling

Mental Health Therapy for Chronic Illness

Working with a professional therapist to receive counseling can make a huge difference in the lives of patients with chronic illnesses. Some patients need counseling for the associated depression and anxiety, but even patients without those mental health disorders can benefit.

A chronic illness therapist often focuses on:

• Relaxation training
• Problem-solving
  
• Improving or maintaining the quality of life despite the illness
  
• Self-advocacy skills
  
• Lifestyle management skills
  
• Illness management plans
  
• Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and meditation are commonly used techniques for patients with chronic illnesses.