Chronic Pain or Illness

I support clients in navigating the complexities of chronic pain or illness by addressing both emotional and practical aspects, including *the stress and uncertainty* of significant medical diagnoses. This includes those disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Drawing from my own experience with unexpected health challenges, I bring a personal understanding to our work. Together, we'll collaborate on ways to better your quality of life and cope with the ongoing impacts of chronic conditions.

Chronic health issues are not just challenging physically-they take an emotional toll. Chronic pain and chronic illness can increase feelings of anxiety about the future and feelings of isolation. Therapeutic techniques included Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can provide interventions to decrease overwhelming feelings of depression and anxiety as well as mindfulness skills to manage distress in healthy ways.

My methodology begins by investigating the intricate elements of your chronic pain experience. I analyze the nature, intensity, frequency, and impact on your daily life, using this knowledge to handcraft a holistic treatment plan tailored to your needs.

I provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain. This is an evidence-based therapy for chronic pain that encourages clients to adopt an active, problem-solving approach to the many challenges of chronic pain. Clients will engage in meaningful activities, learn to manage stress, tackle unhelpful thoughts, and become more engaged in life again.

We can work together collaboratively in softly challenging distorted unhelpful/exaggerated/unrealistic harsh judgements/thoughts/beliefs that appear during your pain. Just because we have a thought doesn't make it true. We can work together to accept uncomfortable emotions/pain rather than act harsh towards it. Our pain, although sometimes misguided, are trying to help us. Self compassion is powerful!

The mind and the body are connected in in a deep way. What happens in our bodies affect the mind and vice versa. I use my knowledge of the mind-body connection to help clients develop skills and self-compassion. My background is in medical social work and I also have lived experience of chronic illness. Together, these experiences give me knowledge of navigating health care systems from both perspectives.

From 1999-2018 I worked as a social worker in each segment of the health and mental health care system; hospitals, homecare, short term rehab, long term care, hospice, community mental health, inpatient psychiatric care, and other settings providing case management, counseling, therapy and other services to those in need. I also live with a number of chronic health conditions and am involved with the Ehlers Danlos society, Spinal Leak Foundation and Dysautonomia International.

Hi, I’m Dr. Catalina. I believe our sexual wellbeing is central to overall health. As a clinical health psychologist for the past 20 years, I’ve worked with individuals affected by the big guns – cancer, death and dying. Through this work, I witnessed that True Authentic Connection is what makes life worth living. Health impacts how we see ourselves and how we connect with others. I address sexual and relationship concerns for individuals and couples impacted by chronic illness

I facilitate a monthly support group for parents whose children live with Epilepsy through the Epilepsy Network of Orange County (ESNOC). I see myself as part of a client's "care team" and enjoy working with other health professionals (physicians, psychiatrists, school psychologists or counselors, etc.) to ensure the highest quality of care.

Chronic pain and illness change your life significantly. Sometimes, it can be difficult finding answers from doctors and you can feel really hopeless about what to do next. Therapy can be a great place to talk about all of these experiences. I'm very open to finding a way to make therapy a helpful addition to any other treatment you may be having.

I am a Chronic Pain/Illness and Chronic Fatigue informed provider. I myself live with Chronic Fatigue/Pain/Illnesses and I understand firsthand the feelings of shame and frustration when we have to reschedule something or cancel. I know how hard it is when your friends and loved ones don’t seem to understand your daily limits especially if you are running out of spoons, (Spoon theory)How we have limited energy resources and we expend more energy on basic tasks than healthy people.

I understand firsthand how difficult and isolating living with a chronic illness can be. Family members and friends can’t understand, and doctors often dismiss symptoms when labs are “optimal.” Chronic illness isn’t just about physical symptoms that impact our quality of life, but also the emotional overwhelm of adjusting to new limitations in invalidating environments. Together, we explore thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that impact symptom development.

I have lived experience with a chronic health issue and have supported many people with this as well. I have specific knowledge and experience with endometriosis, PCOS, hormonal imbalances and diabetes. My work with people experiencing chronic illness is to alleviate the mental and emotional challenges that come with a new or existing diagnosis, implementing self-care routines and cultivating support to navigating a challenging healthcare system.

I have helped hundreds of clients who are actively suffering from chronic pain, chronic illnesses, and debilitating disabilities. Coming-to-terms with your physical struggles, learning how to navigate life with them, and finding your personal strengths all are very useful ways to beat the depression and anxiety that these issues cause. Good therapy can help.

I use EMDR & ACT to work with chronic illness and/or pain.

Not unlike my education regarding LGBTQ issues, my family life brought me to understand the challenges of chronic pain and illness. I would have much rather learned this through formal education, readings or seminars, but unfortunately I was enrolled in the school of hard knocks. While I don't want to share too much detail online, I'm particularly focused and supportive of the challenges of "long haulers" or long-COVID/PASC, cancer and autoimmune disorders.

Managing chronic illness such as Lichen Sclerosus, as a woman comes with unique challenges, and I specialize in providing empathetic support. In our collaborative journey, we develop coping strategies and a personalized approach to enhance your overall well-being. With a focus on resilience, I guide you in navigating the complexities of living with chronic conditions. Together, we'll empower you to thrive and find joy despite the challenges that chronic illness may bring.

I support clients in navigating the complexities of chronic pain or illness by addressing both emotional and practical aspects, including *the stress and uncertainty* of significant medical diagnoses. This includes those disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Drawing from my own experience with unexpected health challenges, I bring a personal understanding to our work. Together, we'll collaborate on ways to better your quality of life and cope with the ongoing impacts of chronic conditions.

Dr. Clendaniel is a pediatric psychology who specializes in the treatment of children, adolescents and young adults with anxiety and health-related adjustment issues. She has particular expertise in pain management and treatment of chronic headache and functional gastrointestinal illness.