Chronic illness & Chronic Pain

Living with a chronic illness or persistent pain condition often entails far more than managing physical symptoms. It can profoundly alter one’s routines, energy levels, relationships, identity, and psychological well-being. The emotional and existential toll of ongoing illness or pain is frequently underestimated, even by those closest to the individual.

Clients may find themselves navigating fatigue, discomfort, and medical uncertainty while simultaneously coping with grief, frustration, isolation, or fear about the future. The experience of feeling misunderstood, disconnected from one’s body, or compelled to “push through” despite depleted reserves is not uncommon. These challenges often contribute to secondary psychological concerns, including anxiety, depression, irritability, shame, or a diminished sense of self-efficacy, especially when health-related limitations disrupt meaningful roles or life goals.

At Rise Psychology, Dr. Lauren Helm provides evidence-based psychotherapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based interventions to address the unique experiences of individuals living with chronic illness or pain. Her work focuses on helping clients process the complexity of their experience and build a more compassionate and empowered relationship with their bodies and lives.

Therapy often focuses:

• The psychological impact of medical trauma, identity disruption, and grief

• Emotional regulation during pain flare-ups, uncertainty, and chronic exhaustion

• Health-related anxiety, self-criticism, and feelings of hopelessness

• Development of self-compassion and nervous system regulation

• Flexible coping strategies for long-term adaptation and resilience

• Reconnection with meaning, purpose, and personal agency in the context of illness

Rather than emphasizing symptom elimination, therapy focuses on reducing psychological distress, increasing adaptive coping, and restoring a sense of agency and value-driven engagement to help clients live well within the realities of chronic conditions.

If you are living with chronic illness or chronic pain, therapy can help reduce emotional suffering and support a more empowered, values-based way of living. Dr. Lauren Helm of Rise Psychology provides a compassionate, evidence-informed approach to navigating the emotional challenges of long-term health conditions.