Great to meet you!
About 194 million U.S. adults are living with at least one chronic medical condition (CDC 2023-2025)
roughly 76% of all U.S. adults (roughly 3 out of 4 people)
-60% of adults 18-34
-78% of middle aged adults
-93% of older adults (65+)
-51% have multiple chronic conditions
With that said-
I am an Author, MSSA, LISW
Case Western Reserve University
Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, 2010
And I lived this as a young adult. I learned that there was a lack of understanding, compassion and misinformation within society, and even among the medical community itself. Medical trauma is real. Root causes exist. Invisible illnesses and disabilities that cause limitations exist, even though they are not physically obvious at all times. Have you ever heard, "I hope you get/feel better soon" and then your heart sank deep into your stomach, because your chronic condition isn't acute, and it does not operate like that.
I am a Clinician with professional expertise in chronic illness management, chronic pain, depression, trauma, PTSD, C-PTSD, life adjustments, job/career issues, dissociation, anxiety and mood disorders. I have worked in both public/private sectors and have seen progress and positive outcomes collaborating on client treatment goals. I believe in a holistic approach and a biopsychosocial model that includes concepts like human development, trauma informed practice, Maslow's Hierarchy of needs and the Chakra System. Nervous system regulation is fundamental to my practice. If receptive to it we can explore more somatic based skills in addition to core coping mechanisms. What is your body trying to tell you? Does it whisper, scream or just confuse you?