Calgary Chronic Illness Counselling
Are you struggling with the emotional toll because of a chronic illness? We provide specialized counselling and support, uniquely tailored to help individuals in Calgary navigate the challenges of chronic illness while fostering resilience and hope.
We are Here to Help
At Prairieview Psychology, we understand how the physical, mental, and emotional challenges of living with a chronic condition can deeply affect your overall well-being and quality of life. Our specialized counselling services are designed to support individuals facing chronic illness, offering personalized care that addresses both the psychological and emotional aspects of managing long-term health conditions.
Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or uncertain about your future, our team is here to help you build resilience, manage stress, and improve your mental health. Don't let chronic illness define your life—reach out to Prairieview Psychology today to start your journey toward emotional well-being and a better quality of life.
What is Counselling for Chronic Illness?
Therapy for chronic illness involves a multifaceted approach to help individuals manage the complex interplay of physical, emotional, and psychological challenges associated with long-term health conditions.
The primary goals of chronic illness therapy include:
Providing psychological support through counselling and cognitive-behavioral techniques to address emotional distress and develop better coping strategies.
Pain management techniques to address coping with the physical symptoms of chronic illness.
Lifestyle and self-care education.
Skills to “get back out there”, in a way that works for a person to navigate daily life alongside their illness.
What to Expect in Chronic Illness Counselling?
Initial Assessment: Your therapist will conduct an in-depth evaluation to understand your experience with chronic illness and personal history.
Goal Setting: Together, you and your therapist will set realistic and personalized treatment goals.
Skill Building: You’ll learn techniques, such as increasing your distress tolerance and emotional regulation, shifting your narrative and vocabulary, and making lifestyle changes to adjust to living life alongside your illness, rather than living a life that is defined by it.
Common Benefits of Therapy for Chronic Illness
A sense of feeling seen and heard; many chronic illnesses are “invisible” diseases, and so being acknowledged in a judgement-free therapeutic space can be validating and healing.
Having space to grieve the losses, both past and anticipatory, of the life you thought you’d live.
Improved coping mechanisms and improved adaptability to life changes.
Enhanced social skills, communicating needs to loved ones, and management of the emotional effects of isolation.
When Should You Seek Chronic Illness Counselling in Calgary?
Chronic illnesses can significantly impact your quality of life, both physically and mentally. Therapy for chronic illness can offer support, help you manage symptoms, and improve overall well-being. So what are signs that you would benefit from seeking therapy for chronic illness?
Persistent Emotional Distress: Often people living with chronic illness experience prolonged feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness; therapy can help you cope with these emotions.
Difficulty Adjusting to Changes: Many chronic conditions require adjustments to daily living, whether that means making changes to your diet, day to day functioning or routines. If you struggle to make or come to terms with these changes, therapy can provide the tools to improve coping, increase acceptance and help you to better adjust to the changes in your health.
Unmanageable Pain or Symptom Burden: Chronic pain and other symptoms can be debilitating and can feel overwhelming. These experiences can greatly reduce a person's quality of life and can place strain on personal relationships or responsibilities. Therapy can help you better navigate pain and symptom burden by introducing skills to modify these experiences, or the reactions to them, so that they are less impactful and distressing.
Social Withdrawal or Isolation: Chronic illness can lead to withdrawal from friends, family, and social activities due to limitations or embarrassment. Therapy can help address and re-frame the social and emotional barriers that contribute to isolation.
Inability to Cope with Flare-Ups or Setbacks: Chronic illnesses often come with periods of flare-ups or setbacks. If you find it difficult to cope with the rollercoaster of fluctuations, therapy can provide strategies to manage the stress or frustration that can accompany these moments.
Difficulty Maintaining a Positive Outlook: Chronic illness can lead to feelings of hopelessness or helplessness. If maintaining a positive mindset feels impossible, therapy can help you reframe negative thoughts and develop a more balanced, hopeful outlook.
You Feel Like You’re Not Getting the Support You Need: If you feel like your physical healthcare providers are not addressing the emotional or psychological aspects of your chronic illness, therapy can offer additional support that complements your medical care.
What is Chronic Illness?
A chronic illness is a long-term health condition that can significantly impact a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
Beyond the physical challenges and symptoms, chronic illness also poses ongoing issues related to coping, identity, and relationships. The unpredictability of the illness, combined with the need for continuous management, can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, or depression. Supporting individuals with chronic illness involves helping them develop effective coping strategies, bolstering their mental resilience, and navigating the emotional toll of living with a condition that may not have a clear endpoint. Therapy often focuses on coming to a place of acceptance, fostering a sense of agency and identity, and supporting individuals in adjusting their expectations and goals for their lives.
Our Calgary Illness Counselling Approach
At Prairieview Psychology, we adopt a holistic approach to address the complex interplay between chronic illness and mental health. We bring a compassionate lens to our work and specialize in supporting individuals coping and adjusting to life with various chronic conditions.
We recognize that each individual's experience with chronic illness is unique. Our personalized treatment plans encompass evidence-based strategies, focusing on:
Coping Skills - Equipping clients with effective coping mechanisms to manage stress, anxiety, and the emotional toll of chronic illness.
Illness Adjustment and Acceptance - Assisting individuals in adapting to life changes, fostering acceptance, and promoting a healthy mindset despite their challenges.
Learning to Cope - Implementing techniques to address and alleviate physical discomfort associated with chronic conditions.
Behavioral Interventions - Offering behavioral therapies to enhance resilience, promote healthy habits, and improve overall quality of life.
Supportive Counselling - Providing a safe and supportive environment for individuals to express their concerns, fears, and emotions related to their illness.
Family Support - Working with you and your identified supports to address concerns with adjustment, changing abilities and coping.
FAQ on Calgary Chronic Illness Counselling
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The primary goal of therapy for chronic illness is to help individuals manage the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of their condition, while continuing to live a productive and meaningful life. This includes alleviating symptoms, improving quality of life, and enhancing coping skills. Therapy aims to help individuals lead a fulfilling life despite the challenges posed by their chronic illness
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Therapy for chronic illness often includes:
Supportive Counselling: To address emotional and psychological challenges, such as anxiety, depression, or stress.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): To help modify unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that can impact illness management and daily living.
Pain Management Techniques: Including relaxation exercises, pacing and mindfulness.
Lifestyle and Self-Management Support: To discuss lifestyle changes, exercise, and maintaining daily activity.
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Therapy can assist in managing chronic pain through various methods. Pain management strategies may include cognitive-behavioral techniques to change the perception of pain and develop coping mechanisms. Relaxation techniques and mindfulness can help reduce the impairment of pain and facilitate better functioning. Additionally, therapy can address any emotional or psychological factors contributing to the pain, improving overall pain management and quality of life.
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Therapy supports emotional wellbeing by providing a safe space to discuss and process the feelings of frustration, sadness, grief, or anxiety that often accompany chronic illness. Techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy can help individuals challenge unhelpful thoughts and develop positive coping strategies. Counselling can also offer emotional support and connection, reducing feelings of isolation and improving overall mental health.
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Integrating complementary interventions, such as behaviour activation, meditation or mindfulness can enhance overall well-being and support traditional medical treatments. These therapies can help reduce stress, improve physical function, and promote a holistic approach to health. They often complement conventional treatments by addressing aspects of health that might not be fully explored through standard medical care.
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Yes, therapy can help manage the impact of chronic illness on daily life by providing strategies to cope with the practical and emotional challenges of the condition. This includes developing effective self-care routines, managing stress, improving communication with family and healthcare providers, and finding ways to maintain a satisfying quality of life despite your illness.
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Therapy assists with navigating the emotional challenges of chronic illness by offering a supportive environment to explore and address feelings of grief, frustration, or anxiety. Techniques commonly used such as cognitive-behavioral therapy can help individuals manage thoughts and emotions while tapping into their resilience. Therapy can also help with developing tools to enhance coping strategies and improve emotional wellbeing.
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Coverage for therapy related to chronic illness varies depending on the insurance plan. Many insurance policies cover mental health services, including therapy for managing chronic illness, but the extent of coverage, including the number of sessions and co-pays, can differ. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific benefits and any requirements for coverage.
How it Works - Finding the Right Calgary Therapist
Our care approach for chronic illness counselling in Calgary revolves around meeting your specific needs.
Prairieview Psychology is focused on providing quality Calgary chronic illness counselling that is catered to your unique needs. Begin by reaching out to book a free 15 minute consultation where you can discuss your goals for therapy and we can determine who on the team is the best fit to help you meet those goals. We believe that therapy is a collaborative process between therapist and client. We provide guidance, support, and evidence-based techniques to help you navigate challenges, gain insights, and develop coping strategies for improved mental well-being.
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Contact Us
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Book a Free Consultation
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Find the Right Therapist
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Work on Your Goals
From The Calgary Chronic Illness Counselling Blog
“The dark does not destroy the light; it defines it. It's our fear of the dark that casts our joy into the shadows.”
Brene Brown
Struggling with a chronic illness?
Reach out to Prairieview Psychology today. We offer free 15 minute consultations to discuss your goals for therapy to determine if we have the right background to assist you. Fill out the contact form, send us an email or give us a call to schedule a consultation today.
Prairieview Psychology respectfully acknowledges that we reside in Calgary, Alberta on the traditional territory of the Treaty 7 Nations. These include the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprising the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani Nations), the Tsuut'ina Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including the Bearspaw, Wesley, and Chiniki Nations). We also acknowledge the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.
We honour and recognize their enduring connection to this land, its waters, and its resources. We are grateful for the opportunity to live, work, and learn on this land, and we commit ourselves to fostering respectful relationships and meaningful partnerships with the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples who call this region home.
