Coping with Chronic Illnesses, Injuries, and Diseases
Receiving a new diagnosis of a medical problem is a life-changing event. Many people hear their physician say the name of their medical problem or disease and they just stop listening. There are so many emotions and thoughts that can feel overwhelming. But the good news is, you don't have to face them alone.
Behavioral Medicine is a branch of psychology that focuses on helping people with illnesses, injuries, and diseases navigate their lives after they have been diagnosed. I have worked with clients with many different conditions and at various stages of their diseases, from new diagnoses to relapses in health episodes to end-of-life. My work focuses on helping people with chronic health problems (or their family members) live full and meaningful lives, while also addressing the psychological aspects that can make these conditions worse.
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In our work together, you will learn skills you can use every day to improve your mental and physical well-being. These skills, based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), have been shown to work through many research studies. In addition to learning CBT skills, you will also learn about the biology and physiology of how these skills work, and how our psychological well-being can affect our physical health. I not only explain what skills to use, but I can also teach you why they work. In my experience, people who know why they are doing something are much more likely to have better outcomes.
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Since 2016, I have trained in Behavioral Medicine (also called Health Psychology). In fact, my Ph.D. is specifically in Clinical Health Psychology. I took specialized courses in graduate school on Behavioral Medicine and I have specialized clinical experience and training for coping with chronic conditions. I am currently on Staff at Massachusetts General Hospital in the Behavioral Medicine Program, and I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient units at the Miami VA Hospital and at MGH to improve the mental and physical health of people with a variety of illnesses, injuries, and diseases.
Medical conditions I specialize in treating:
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ALS
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Autoimmune Disorders
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Cancer
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Coping with a loved one’s dementia-related disease
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Degenerative Disorders
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Diabetes
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End-of-life planning
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Gastrointestinal Diseases
(IBS, UC, Chron’s Disease) -
Health Anxiety
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Heart Disease
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HIV
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Kidney Disease
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Liver Disease
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Long COVID
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Loss of a loved one
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Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
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Higher Weight
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Organ Transplants
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Orthopedic injuries
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Pain and chronic pain
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Spinal Cord Injuries
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Stroke
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Traumatic Brain Injuries
Although I have worked with individuals with these medical conditions above, each person and each person's experience of medical problems is unique. My expertise is in the areas of psychological adjustment and coping with medical conditions, and I am confident we can work together effectively, even if I have not had experience with your specific condition.
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I am also very experienced in speaking with physicians and coordinating your care outside of sessions. With a release of information, I am able to liaise with your medical team to ensure you receive the best possible psychological (and medical) care available. ​