How to Find a Chronic Illness Therapist in Toronto
Getting diagnosed with a chronic illness can be frightening and overwhelming, and many people turn to therapy to help navigate this change.
Searching for a therapist can be another stressful task to add to your already busy schedule, so we’re here to help make the process easier for you.
Here at KMA Therapy, we’ve been helping our clients and community find and connect with great therapists for over 15 years. We’ve created this short list of steps to help you find a chronic illness therapist who suits your needs.
After reading this article, you’ll know what chronic illness therapists can help with, what techniques they use, and three steps to help you find a great therapist near you.
What Issues Do Chronic Illness Therapists Help With?
Working with a chronic illness therapist can help you navigate
A chronic illness therapist can help with:
- Grief
- Anxiety
- Sadness
- Navigating change
- Navigating relationships
What Techniques Do Chronic Illness Therapists Use?
Chronic illness therapists will use a variety of techniques to help you cope with the transitions and stress that can accompany a chronic illness diagnosis.
Types of therapy they might use include:
- Interpersonal therapy
- Problem-solving therapy
- Cognitive behavioural therapy
You may choose to see a therapist individually or see a family or couples therapist.
3 Ways to Find a Chronic Illness Therapist in Toronto
Now that you know more about what you’re looking for from a chronic illness therapist, here are three tips to help you find one.
1. Check databases like Psychology Today
Doing an online search is a great place to start, and reputable websites like Psychology Today can make your search quick and effective.
Psychology Today also allows you to filter by:
- Age
- Price
- Gender
- Insurance
- Types of therapy
You can also ask your doctor to recommend therapists in your areas that have experience supporting people with the challenges you’re facing.
2. Be specific about what you’re looking for
Being specific about what you're looking for in a therapist can help make your search more effective and less stressful.
When researching therapists, take note of:
- Their location and accessibility
- Their therapeutic values and approach
- Their cost-per-session and if they take your insurance
- Their other areas of expertise, and if they have experience supporting people with the specific issues you’re facing
Don’t be afraid to be picky - you deserve a therapist who checks all of your boxes!
3. Explore local support groups
You may also be interested in a Chronic Illness Support Group, which can be a helpful way to connect with other people facing the same situation as you are.
Joining a chronic illness support group has benefits including:
- Reducing loneliness and isolation
- Learning new skills to cope with challenges
- Getting realistic and practical feedback about treatment options
- Learning about other local resources from people who’ve used them
- Gaining support for staying on track and motivated with management and treatment plans
Many people find it helpful to attend support groups and therapy at the same time, which allows you to receive individual help while building a supporting network.
How to Know if Your Therapist is the Right Fit
After you’ve chosen a therapist you like, it’s important to make sure they’re the right fit.
Don’t be afraid to choose a new therapist if the first one you see isn’t working - just because one therapist doesn’t work for you, it doesn’t mean therapy won’t work for you.
Next Steps for Beginning Chronic Illness Therapy
After reading this article, you know three steps to take to find a great chronic illness therapist in Toronto.
Here at KMA Therapy, we’re passionate about helping you find the best therapist for you - whether you find them here or at another great therapy practice in Toronto.
KMA Therapist Warren Solomons is well versed in dealing with and managing chronic illness. As an insulin-dependent Type 2 diabetic he has personal, ongoing experience with having and handling a chronic illness.
He’s here to:
- Help you come to terms with and accept your diagnosis
- Guide you through dealing with chronic illness burnout & distress
- Help you manage the expectations of those who support and love you
- Provide long-term strategies to manage your chronic illness from both a practical and mental health viewpoint
Book an appointment with Warren today or reach out to our team if you have any questions about our therapy process.
If you’d prefer to keep reading, we’ve chosen these articles for you:
