Telehealth Therapy Services in Los Angeles County
Call/Text to schedule: 661-228-0225
Email: info@harpershavencounseling.com
Aetna, Optum, United Healthcare, Carelon
Out of Network Benefits is accepted (Benefits Checker)
Chronic Illness & Invisible Disabilities Group in Los Angeles & online throughout California
Knowing Your Worth: Living with Chronic Illness and Invisible Disabilities
You Are More Than Your Diagnosis
Living with invisible disabilities can be physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausting. Conditions that others cannot see often come with challenges, including chronic pain, fatigue, medical uncertainty, changes in identity, grief, anxiety, depression, and feeling isolated. Many individual struggle with feeling misunderstood by others while trying to balance work, family responsibilities, relationships, and self care.
Is the Invisible Disabilities Support Group right for me and my condition?
Chronic Illness and invisible disabilities can be isolating. Many people face challenges they did not expect to face in their lives. A support group can help remind you that you are not alone, and provide a community of peers who are sharing in your experience.
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If you are feeling grief over your diagnosis, upset for the life or body you thought you would have, you are not alone in that. Maybe you are feeling dismissed or not truly seen because "you don't look sick." You are not alone in that either. Perhaps you are navigating a new diagnosis and don't even know where to begin. Guess what? Not alone. Our support group is here to help you and support you through all phases of your journey.
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A lot can change in your life when dealing with chronic illness or disability. You may be having chronic pain that is affecting your ability to live life the way you wish to. It might even be impacting your daily life to where you need assistance with things you used to be able to do yourself. You might be feeling guilt over needing help, or having trouble asking for help when you need it. This is not uncommon at all, and a support group can help you work through how to manage these things.
People sometimes struggle with anxiety around flare-ups or upcoming medical appointments, or sometimes experience depression linked to a prolonged illness or disability. Some people experience burnout from needing to constantly manage their appointments, manage their symptoms, and manage their treatments. It can be a lot on one person, and can easily lead to overwhelm.
We also see the emotional toll these conditions can take. Our group can help you navigate the identity shift that comes with a diagnosis, and help you to redefine yourself beyond the diagnosis or limitations you may face. We can help support you in your relationships if or when they become strained. When friends or family don't fully understand what you're going through, it can be tough - and we're here to help with that.
How We Help
Our Invisible Disabilities Group provides our clients with a supportive and understanding space for those living with ongoing health conditions to feel heard, supported, and understood. This group offers an opportunity to connect with others who understand the realities of managing a condition that may not always be visible to the outside world, but is very real and sometimes scary.
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Group discussions focus on coping with chronic pain, managing stress, navigating healthcare challenges, adjusting to life changes, setting healthy boundaries, addressing anxiety and depression, improving self advocacy, and identity challenges. We encourage you to share experiences, utilized the gained support, learn and use coping skills discussed, and we hope that you develop meaningful connections with others that are facing similar challenges.
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Whether you have recently received a diagnosis or have been managing a chronic condition for years, you deserve support, understanding, and a space where your experiences are valued and respected.
