Medical Mystery & Chronic Illness Therapy

Absolutely. Many women navigate unexplained physical symptoms or 'medical mysteries' that don't fit into a neat category. You don't need a label to deserve support. We focus on nervous system regulation and coping with the psychological weight of medical uncertainty. Therapy can help you cope with the uncertainty itself, develop grounding practices for when symptoms flare, process the emotional impact of not being believed, and reconnect with trust in your own body's signals.

Feeling unseen by the people closest to you adds another layer of difficulty to what you're already navigating. In therapy, we can explore how to communicate your needs, set boundaries that protect your energy, and process the grief and frustration that comes with not being fully understood. We can also work on strengthening your connection to what you know to be true, even when others can't validate it.

Yes. Medical trauma is a real response to being dismissed, misdiagnosed, or ignored by the healthcare system. Using Somatic EMDR, we work to rebuild your sense of safety and trust in your own body's signals after these distressing encounters.

Therapy complements your medical care rather than replacing it. While your doctors address the physical aspects of your condition, therapy supports your emotional wellbeing, helps you cope with uncertainty, processes the identity shifts that come with chronic illness, and develops nervous system regulation that can positively impact your overall health. Many clients find that addressing the emotional and somatic aspects of their experience actually improves their relationship with medical treatment.

While talk therapy processes your thoughts, somatic therapy addresses how chronic pain and illness live in your nervous system. By focusing on mind-body healing, we can reduce the 'stress load' on your body, which often helps manage symptom flares.

I understand that unpredictable symptoms, fatigue, and life circumstances can make consistency challenging. We can discuss flexible scheduling options that work for your situation.

For some clients, weekly or biweekly sessions provide the steady support they need. Others find as-needed appointments more sustainable given their energy levels and symptoms.

I also offer therapy intensives for women who need concentrated support but can't commit to regular weekly sessions. Intensives are longer, focused sessions (typically 3 hours a day over 1-3 days) where we can dive deep into what you're navigating without the pressure of maintaining a weekly schedule. This format can be especially helpful if you're dealing with significant identity transitions, processing medical trauma, or need support during a particularly challenging period.

What matters most is finding a rhythm that supports you rather than adding stress. During your free consultation, we can explore what structure would best serve your healing journey and your current capacity.

Yes, I offer secure video sessions across Michigan, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York. Virtual appointments are highly effective for somatic work and provide essential flexibility for those with limited energy or unpredictable physical symptoms.