Health Psychology

Vintage catalog cabinets

Why See a Health Psychologist?

Dealing with health issues can be stressful and draining. You might be feeling overwhelmed by managing a newly diagnosed condition, or demoralized by the grind and the uncertainty of living with chronic illness. Perhaps you are frustrated by symptoms doctors can't yet explain, or anxious about the possibility of future illness.

Working with a health psychologist can help identify ways you can better manage your symptoms, reduce the impact of your illness on your daily life, and reconnect with meaningful and enjoyable activities.

Over the last few decades, numerous studies have shown that our physical and emotional health are deeply connected. This vital link is often overlooked, but understanding and addressing it can open up more complete paths to healing, whether you're recovering from a physical illness, emotional distress, or both.

What is Health Psychology?

Health psychology is a field dedicated to understanding how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can impact our physical health. It explores the connection between our minds and bodies, the ways in which we take care of ourselves, and concrete, measurable health outcomes. Health psychologists use this knowledge to help people prevent illness, cope with existing medical conditions, and improve their health outcomes and quality of life. Essentially, health psychology is about using psychological science to help you improve the emotional and behavioral aspects of your health journey and have a better chance at living a fulfilling life, even with illness as a part of it.

Evidence-Backed Benefits of Psychological Support During Medical Illness

When you're facing a medical condition, seeing a health psychologist can offer significant, scientifically established benefits. Therapy can provide you with:

  • Better Coping Strategies: Learn effective ways to manage stress, pain, and the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies illness.

  • Reduced Distress: Alleviate feelings of anxiety, sadness, and hopelessness that can arise from health challenges.

  • Improved Pain Management: Develop skills to better manage chronic pain and reduce its impact on your daily life.

  • Improved Adherence to Medical Treatment: Get support in following complex treatment plans and making necessary lifestyle changes.

  • Enhanced Quality of Life: Focus on living a more fulfilling life, even with a health condition, by addressing emotional barriers and building resilience.

  • Support for Medically Unexplained Symptoms: Explore and address potential psychological factors contributing to physical symptoms that lack a clear medical diagnosis.

  • Healing from Health-Related Trauma: Process and recover from distressing medical experiences or the trauma of a difficult diagnosis.

What would working with Jane look like?

I have extensive experience working with people living with illness and coordinating care with other medical providers. I understand the profound impact that medical illnesses and their treatments can have on emotional and mental health, and I offer a wide range of techniques to help lessen these effects.

My approach focuses on practical, evidence-based strategies designed to help you not just recover from the emotional toll of health-related issues, but also to build a more satisfying and meaningful life. I utilize therapies such as:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): To help you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors related to your health.

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): To help you accept what is out of your control and commit to actions that enrich your life, even in the presence of illness.

  • Motivational Interviewing: To support you in finding your own motivation for making positive health changes.

  • Mindfulness-Based Strategies: To help you stay present, manage stress, and cultivate a sense of calm.

These methods often incorporate behavioral and lifestyle modifications tailored to your specific situation.

I believe in a client-centered and collaborative approach. This means that your needs and goals are at the forefront of our work together. I am also happy to coordinate with your medical providers to ensure you receive comprehensive and holistic care.

If you're looking for emotional support for chronic illness, coping strategies for medical conditions, help with stress related to illness, or ways to manage anxiety about health, please reach out. Together, we can navigate the challenges of your health journey and work towards a greater sense of well-being.

Medical conditions I work with most often: