Counseling for Women Living with Chronic Illness in Cary & throughout NC
Rediscover joy.
It’s easy to let the worry take over. “How long will I suffer?” “How bad will the symptoms get?” It’s hard to concentrate, which makes you ineffective both at home and work. A lack of energy Is zapping your ability to get daily activities done.
With so much time taken for appointments and daily care, it’s hard to find the time and energy to socialize. Maybe friends and family have been less than supportive and you feel hurt and resentful. Perhaps your symptoms are visible, and you’re embarrassed to go out in public. Either way, you feel isolated and lonely.
The doubt is so loud. “Is God real?” “Is He good?” “Does He love me?” You may feel bitterness toward God. Your prayer life and devotional times suffer. Counseling for chronic illness can help.
How Chronic Illness Affects Your Mental and Emotional Health:
Depression
Anxiety
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Feelings of worthlessness & guilt
Loneliness & isolation
Has a diagnosis rocked your world?
Have Any Questions? Send Us A Message!
Grieve your diagnosis
Learn how to live in the present
Tolerate, and come to enjoy, social activities
Engage in self care
Learn to cope with unhelpful advice & expectations
Meet your suffering with kindness rather than condemnation
Allow for both the joy & sorrow of life
Learn how to adapt & find a new normal
therapy can help YOU CAN LEARN TO COPE, EVEN THRIVE, WHEN FACING CHRONIC ILLNESS.
Over time, therapy will help you grieve your diagnosis, honor your body & create a new normal.
chronic illness counselors
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Pat Lawson | Holistic Counselor
Women
trauma | ministry leaders & helping professionals | crises of faith | chronic illness/pain | anxiety | depression | grief & loss | relationships
Pat understands that chronic illness affects far more than your physical health. It can change your identity, relationships, faith, and the way you experience everyday life. She creates a space where women can honestly process the grief, frustration, uncertainty, and emotional exhaustion that often accompany chronic health conditions while learning to care for themselves with compassion instead of self-criticism. Her holistic approach helps clients build resilience, reconnect with what gives life meaning, and create a life that feels full even in the midst of ongoing challenges.
Imagine if you…
Accept your body
Find meaning & hope
Feel heard, seen, & less alone
Reengage with the people & things you enjoy
rediscover a life of meaning & joy
A Holistic Approach to Chronic Illness Counseling in Cary, NC
A holistic approach incorporates mental, physical, spiritual, and social practices to both prevent symptoms and cope with them when they arise. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness are especially helpful for chronic illness.
We’ll work together to develop a strong self-care routine to prevent and cope with symptoms. This includes mindfulness and self compassion practices, journaling, movement, nutrition, social connectivity, and spiritual practices. We’ll teach breathing practices and other grounding techniques to help your nervous system become less reactive.
We’ll also work together to develop a repertoire of coping strategies for when you have symptoms. This includes understanding how activators affect your thoughts, feelings, body sensations, and actions. You’ll learn new ways to interact with your symptoms. You will make connections with possible trauma and past experiences that may have activated your symptoms. If desired, you’ll have faith-based coping tools as well, such as scriptures, affirmations, and prayer. Rather than beating yourself up, you’ll develop kindness and compassion toward yourself.
Each therapy session will leave you with new and tangible skills to help you feel empowered to cope with chronic illness and pain.
faqs
Common questions about chronic illness counseling
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We offer therapy to people with a vast range of chronic illnesses, from autoimmune disorders to cancer (and more!). We also work with many clients who are still trying to determine the cause of their symptoms.
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There is no timeline for chronic pain & illness. It’s a personal journey. Just being seen and heard during our time together will help you feel less burdened and more free. Over time you will become more empowered to cope with symptoms rather than being defined by them.
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Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy as well as Acceptance and Commitment are effective ways to treat struggles with chronic illness.
These methods help you become more present and change your relationship with your symptoms. They also help your body reprocess pain signals.
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Give us a call, fill out a contact form, or schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation with our Care Coordinator. We’ll talk on the phone and get a better understanding of your needs and determine if we’re a good fit.
Learn More About Chronic Illness Therapy
i’m just not sure if i should move forward with counseling
Common barriers for women seeking chronic illness therapy
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We offer both Telehealth sessions as well as in-person sessions at our Cary office. If getting out of the house is difficult, don’t hesitate to schedule Telehealth sessions!
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Counseling for chronic illness or pain is another appointment; however, it will empower you to better function at all of your other appointments and in life in general. Think about it as the one appointment we care about all of you, not just your physical symptoms.
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You’re right! Therapy isn’t going to take away your pain or illness; however, it will help you process the way it affects your life and change your relationship with your pain.
WE want you to know:
You don’t have to suffer in silence.
We are chronic illness counseling specialists. It’s time to process your new reality and create a new normal.
