Chronic Illness Therapist
Chronic Illness Counseling Therapy in NC and CO
Chronic Pain, Illness, and Medical Concerns
What it's like living with a chronic illness:
Regular simple tasks can drain your batteries.
Frequent doctors' appointments, endless phone calls for referrals, and going to the pharmacy regularly
Unopened medical bills, bills in collections, and avoiding the phone calls from bill collectors.
Your tiredness is not like other people's "tired."
Experiencing health anxiety, worried that you may have a new health concern.
Pushing yourself to the limit, and your family, friends, and coworkers do not understand why you always want to nap.
At times, feeling like your life is being stripped away from you.
Experiencing feelings of that life is unfair- "Asking why me?"
Living with a chronic condition can be challenging. You may feel alone, misunderstood, and overwhelmed. For some individuals living with a chronic illness and pain can pose significant barriers to overall daily functioning. Social and medical norms often do not consider the individual's actual lived experience. For instance, conditions such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) may get chalked up to needing more exercise, eating healthier, and developing better sleep patterns (which we know may not always help).
I feel and hear you. You may need to listen to this but, you aren't alone. It's okay- not to feel okay. Your feelings are valid. I can't tell you that everything will be all bursts of sunshine and unicorn rainbows. Life is hard at times living with a chronic illness and pain. You are right; it isn't fair. Let me tell you what's fair, though- you are still human. You have values and goals. Life may not be easy right now, but it doesn't mean you have to do it feeling invalidated and alone. Let me tell you how I can help.
Chronic Illness and Pain Counseling may involve:
Exploring your feelings, beliefs, and values about living with a chronic condition
Existential discussions
Grief and loss counseling
Pain management (non-medication approaches)
Addressing caregiver stress & fatigue
Advocating for your needs
Supporting and helping you navigate medical care
Empowering you to live the life you deserve
“Sometimes you will be in control of your illness and other times you’ll sink into despair, and that’s OK! Freak out, forgive yourself, and try again tomorrow.” – Kelly Hemingway
The Virtual Couch’s approach to Chronic Illness and Chronic Pain Counseling in Fayetteville, North Carolina and Colorado
At the Virtual Couch, I help you effectively develop coping skills and empower you to move from simply “coping” to “thriving” and live the life you desire while still being a chronic illness warrior! I do not take a one size fits all approach to counseling, so our sessions may look different with everyone. We may work on self-esteem issues for some individuals, develop effective stress management skills, and explore feelings of depression, anxiety, and guilt about future uncertainties. I take a highly collaborative approach, using Feedback Informed Treatment to align with your values and hit all of your therapy goals. But, if you are curious when working with individuals living with a chronic illness, I may implement Brainspotting, acceptance and commitment approaches, mindfulness, compassion-focused therapy, and existentialism. The common theme with all of these approaches is that it allows you to be gentle with yourself and realize that the human condition is complex, yet we are connected.
You are more than your chronic illness and pain.
You don’t have to feel misunderstood anymore.
Let’s begin Chronic Illness and Chronic Pain Therapy in Fayetteville, North Carolina and Colorado.
Call me for a FREE 20-minute consultation at 910-216-9256 or explore the website to discover how therapy with me can help you feel validated and create the life you desire. My Fayetteville, NC online counseling practice offers accessible and affordable services, with an emphasis on trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches in a safe, welcoming, and nurturing atmosphere.
Contact The Virtual Couch
Schedule a free meet and greet with Patricia Duggan, a chronic pain therapist.
Create the life you desire today!
Other Counseling and Mental Health Services The Virtual Couch in Fayetteville, NC and Colorado
Chronic illness and pain counseling isn’t the only service I offer in my Fayetteville, NC practice. Other focus areas and mental health services at The Virtual Couch include grief and loss therapy, trauma therapy, anxiety counseling, depression therapy, disability affirming care, and Brainspotting. These services are available via online counseling in North Carolina from Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Wilmington, Greenville, Charlotte, and Asheville, Greensboro. You can also check out The Virtual Couch’s Blog to learn more about chronic illness, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, grief & loss, and other therapy-related topics.
Are you still curious?
You can learn more about me and my Fayetteville, NC counseling practice here! This is where you can find out more information about my approach to therapy and my values and beliefs when working together. If you are still curious to learn about online counseling, I encourage you to visit my page about what to expect during a session.