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Disability & Chronic Illness

Healing mind and body through
compassionate, integrated therapy

Living with a disability or chronic illness can affect more than your body — it can touch your emotions, your relationships, your sense of identity, and your daily experience of safety and control. At Health Allies Counseling, we understand the complex interplay between physical health and emotional wellbeing. Our therapists specialize in working with adults navigating chronic conditions, helping you build resilience, find support, regain meaning, and feel more grounded in your life.

Our Approach to healing

Bridge In Forest

1

What we mean by disability
& chronic illness

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about six in ten U.S. adults live with at least one chronic disease, and about four in ten have two or more. Chronic illness is typically defined as a condition that lasts from three months to a year or longer, and can include:

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  • Arthritis and other rheumatological conditions 

  • Asthma and other respiratory conditions 

  • Autoimmune disorders (e.g., Graves disease) 

  • Cancer

  • Cardiovascular disease 

  • Chronic fatigue syndrome 

  • Chronic kidney disease 

  • Chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia 

  • Diabetes 

  • Digestive disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease

  • HIV/AIDS

  • Lyme disease 

  • Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy  

  • Toxic mold illness  
     

These conditions can impact your life far beyond physical symptoms — they often affect your mental health, your relationships, your sense of independence, and your day-to-day experience.

2

What solutions can therapy help me with?

At Health Allies Counseling, our therapists will listen and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs as someone living with chronic illness or disability. Some of the ways therapy can help include:

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  • Developing coping mechanisms: Learn strategies for managing pain, stress reduction, mindfulness practices and body-based regulation.
     

  • Addressing mental health concerns: Chronic illness and mental health are closely linked; therapy can support you in managing anxiety, depression, grief or adjustment issues. 
     

  • Building a support network: Often living with chronic illness can feel isolating — therapy can help you strengthen connection with family, friends, and others in similar situations.
     

  • Improving communication: Learning to talk about your condition, your needs and limitations in relationships can ease tension, increase understanding, and support healthier dynamics.
     

  • Creating a collaborative treatment plan: Work with your healthcare team and your mental health therapist to integrate your medical, physical, and psychological care

3

What should I expect from therapy?

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1. Understanding your symptoms.

We explore your history, triggers, and current challenges with compassion and curiosity. No pressure, no judgment.

 

2. Building a Personalized Plan

Together we identify which therapeutic tools are most supportive for you — whether you want skills, deeper processing, nervous-system regulation, or a combination.

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3. Learning to Regulate Your Nervous System

You’ll learn grounding, mindfulness, and somatic strategies that help you feel calmer, steadier, and more connected in your daily life.

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4. Addressing Root Causes

When you're ready, we may explore underlying experiences, patterns, or beliefs contributing to anxiety or depression.

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5. Strengthening New Patterns

We help you practice new skills, reinforce healthier thoughts, and build routines that support long-term wellbeing.

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You’ll never be forced into a modality or pace you’re not ready for — therapy is always collaborative.

Does this sound like you?

Find a therapist
that can help you with these concerns now

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