Living Well With Chronic Illness

When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not yet ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back.

—Paulo Coelho

Invitation to Health

Living with a chronic illness and pain can be frustrating, depressing and stressful. It can affect your self-esteem and every aspect of your life and relationships. In addition, research has shown that life-stressors can affect the immune system and increase medical symptoms.

You might be tempted to say that you’re not healthy unless you are symptom free. But, I invite you to consider a different definition of health — living your life in balance, as a whole being. Whether you are newly diagnosed, newly exploring wellness, or very experienced with healing, I can help you learn to live well.

I humbly invite you to join me in a journey to Health… may it be fulfilling and powerful!

How I Can Help

Research has shown that the most effective treatment for chronic illness is a mind-body approach… addressing the psychological as well as physical aspects of an illness. My training in the mind/body interventions of Hypnosis, Imagery for Health and Healing, Mindfulness and Psychoneuroimmunology, allows me to offer you techniques that can help you increase your health and wellness.

I will provide you with the tools to:

  • Manage and diminish your symptoms
  • Develop potent coping skills
  • Decrease depression, anxiety and stress
  • Diminish pain
  • Increase your self-esteem
  • Work effectively with your health care providers
  • Decrease fatigue
  • Develop a viable self-care plan
  • Improve your relationships
  • Understand and implement balance and pacing
  • Recognize thoughts that hurt… thoughts that help… thoughts that heal

I have extensive experience working with those living with chronic illness. I have trained mental health professionals to better serve their clients and authored, “Steps to Wellness”, a guide to developing an individualized wellness and self-care plan.

To ensure that my clients get the best care, I work in conjunction with primary-care physicians, physical therapists, neurologists, psychiatrists, and complimentary and alternative practitioners. I have also helped couples and families to better address the needs of everyone affected by an ongoing medical condition.

Rocks as Metaphor for Living With Chronic Illness

To live well with chronic illness it is helpful to understand how to balance your health with the rest of your life.