SERVICES

As a Medical Family Therapist grounded in narrative theory and guided by Christian values, I provide support for individuals and families navigating cancer, chronic illness, and rare diagnoses. My work also includes addressing anxiety and depression related to physical health, as well as relationship challenges that often emerge in the face of medical adversity.

I believe in the power of story—helping patients externalize their struggles, rediscover meaning, and reclaim their identity beyond illness. Rooted in the belief that healing involves both emotional and spiritual restoration, I integrate faith into the therapeutic process for those who desire it, drawing on the hope, grace, and resilience found in Christ.

As Akshay Dubey writes, “Healing doesn’t mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls your life.” And as Carl Rogers describes, when we move toward the “congruent self”—where our thoughts, feelings, and actions align—we create space for deep, authentic healing. It’s an honor to walk alongside patients as they find strength, faith, and purpose in the midst of life’s most challenging seasons.

Support for Cancer, Chronic Illness, and Rare Conditions

A diagnosis of cancer, chronic illness, or a rare condition brings more than physical symptoms—it can reshape every aspect of life. The emotional impact is often profound, touching identity, relationships, faith, and the future.

Common concerns addressed in therapy include:

• Fear of recurrence or disease progression

• Depression, anxiety, and chronic stress

• Anger, irritability, or emotional numbness

• Uncertainty about the future and medical decisions

• Loss of control, independence, or prior roles

• Changes in body image, sexuality, or self-esteem

• Survivor’s guilt or grief over lost health

• Cognitive changes (“chemo brain”) and persistent fatigue

I work with individuals and families navigating a range of conditions, including but not limited to:
Cancer (breast, colon, prostate, leukemia)
Autoimmune disorders (lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis)
Neurological conditions (Parkinson’s, epilepsy, ALS)
Genetic and rare disorders (Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, cystic fibrosis, POTS)
Chronic pain and invisible illnesses (fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome)

Therapy offers a compassionate space to process complex emotions, strengthen coping skills, and reclaim a sense of meaning in the midst of medical uncertainty. Whether you are newly diagnosed, in treatment, or navigating survivorship, you don’t have to face it alone.

Anxiety, Depression, and the Role of Physical Health

Anxiety and depression can be triggered or worsened by underlying physiological conditions such as thyroid disorders, chronic pain, autoimmune diseases, neurological conditions (e.g., multiple sclerosis, epilepsy), or the side effects of medications. These challenges are often associated with invisible or episodic disabilities—conditions like fibromyalgia, lupus, long COVID, or migraines—that may not be outwardly apparent but significantly affect daily functioning and emotional well-being.

Recognizing the interplay between physical and mental health is essential for delivering integrated, compassionate, and effective care.

Relationship Difficulties and Health Challenges

Health challenges—whether sudden or chronic—can significantly affect relationships, often amplifying existing stressors or introducing new ones. Therapy offers a supportive space to explore these difficulties, improve communication, and foster resilience. Below are common ways relationship concerns present across different contexts:

Couples

Health-related stress can disrupt relationship dynamics, leading to emotional distance, frustration, or misunderstanding. Couples may seek therapy for issues such as:

• Difficulty communicating needs or emotions

• Feeling unsupported or overwhelmed by a partner’s illness or caregiving role

• Changes in intimacy or sexual functioning

• Anxiety related to a partner’s health diagnosis

• Shifts in roles and responsibilities

• Financial strain tied to medical costs or loss of income

Therapy helps couples navigate these challenges by promoting empathy, improving communication, and restoring emotional connection.

Families

When one family member experiences a health crisis, it affects the entire family system. Families may face:

• Conflict over care decisions

• Disrupted routines and roles

• Emotional distancing or increased tension

• Grief, anticipatory loss, or unresolved trauma

• Difficulty supporting children or teens in the context of illness

Family therapy supports open dialogue, clarifies roles, and helps family members work together as a cohesive support system.

Caregivers

Caregivers often experience high levels of emotional, physical, and psychological strain. Common challenges include:

• Burnout and compassion fatigue

• Guilt, resentment, or helplessness

• Isolation from social support

• Balancing caregiving with personal and professional life

• Anxiety or depression related to the ongoing demands of care

Therapy can provide caregivers with a space to process their experiences, access coping strategies, and reconnect with their own needs and well-being.

Healing in Relationship

Illness impacts more than just the individual—it affects the relational, emotional, and systemic fabric surrounding them. Whether you’re navigating a diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or feeling the weight of relationship strain, therapy offers tools for deeper understanding, emotional support, and long-term relational health.