The Chronic Illness Therapists

By Destiny Davis LPC CRC

Disrupting the mental health and medical system for people with chronic, invisible illnesses. We will no longer accept lack of answers, empathy, and guidance from the professionals we are told to trus... more

5

2323 ratings

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FAQs about The Chronic Illness Therapists:

How many episodes does The Chronic Illness Therapists have?

The podcast currently has 111 episodes available.

The Chronic Illness Therapists episodes:

February 20, 2025 Ep 81: Confusing Realities: Reflection for Neurodivergent and Chronically Ill Bodies
Click here for the WORKSHEET for this episode

CLICK HERE to sign up for our Reclaiming Intimacy: A Workshop for Bodies in Pain this Saturday Feb 22nd 2025 at 10:30am EST

Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.

...more
12min
February 20, 2025 Ep 80: Movement Shouldn't Make Your Body Feel Worse w/ Monica Blied, PhD, MACL, BSP
In this episode, Dr. Monica Blied and I have a real conversation about creating a healthier relationship with movement when living with chronic illness. Dr. Blied shares her personal journey with lupus, fibromyalgia, and later-diagnosed ADHD and autism, which led her to develop the free Faces of Health app offering mental health skills and somatic exercises. She provides a practical three-step approach to movement: using technology (like the FitOn app) for accessible workouts, embracing slow pacing rather than pushing too hard, and working out with friends for accountability.
Throughout the episode, we demonstrate simple chair yoga and range-of-motion exercises, emphasizing that movement shouldn't make your body feel worse. Dr. Blied highlights the importance of self-compassion, reminding listeners that progress isn't linear and that it's okay if your best looks different each day.
The episode concludes with a bonus announcement about a new body doubling group in the Mentally Well While Chronically Ill membership, where members can join together for PT exercises, cleaning, meal prep, and other activities that benefit from community support.
***

Resources mentioned:
→ ⁠FitOn⁠
→ ⁠Faces Of Health⁠
→ ⁠Body Doubling Group ⁠(Inside Destiny's Mentally Well While Chronically Ill Membership)

MEET DESTINY: ⁠Website⁠ / ⁠Instagram⁠ / ⁠BlueSky⁠ / ⁠YouTube⁠ / ⁠TikTok⁠

MEET GUEST: ⁠Website⁠

SIGN UP FOR MY NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP
→ ⁠Reclaiming Intimacy: A Workshop For Bodies In Pain⁠ Feb 22nd 2025 @ 10:30am EST / 3:30pm GMT

→ ⁠READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE⁠

ASK DESTINY ANYTHING
→ ⁠Submit your questions here⁠

FOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERS
⁠Join The Membership⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)

FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS
🛋️ ⁠Join The Mastermind!⁠ (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)
🧭 Get Your Client Roadmap For Navigating Complex Trauma and Chronic Illness (specifically for mental health therapists) (COMING SOON- ⁠sign up for the waitlist⁠)
**
SAY THANKS - Reviews tell the app, “hey, people like this! Show it in the algorithm to more people!” :)
💜 ⁠Leave a review on Apple Podcasts⁠
🟢 ⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠
**
Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.

...more
56min
February 20, 2025 Ep 80: Movement Shouldn't Make Your Body Feel Worse w/ Monica Blied, PhD, MACL, BSP
In this episode, Dr. Monica Blied and I have a real conversation about creating a healthier relationship with movement when living with chronic illness. Dr. Blied shares her personal journey with lupus, fibromyalgia, and later-diagnosed ADHD and autism, which led her to develop the free Faces of Health app offering mental health skills and somatic exercises. She provides a practical three-step approach to movement: using technology (like the FitOn app) for accessible workouts, embracing slow pacing rather than pushing too hard, and working out with friends for accountability.
Throughout the episode, we demonstrate simple chair yoga and range-of-motion exercises, emphasizing that movement shouldn't make your body feel worse. Dr. Blied highlights the importance of self-compassion, reminding listeners that progress isn't linear and that it's okay if your best looks different each day.
The episode concludes with a bonus announcement about a new body doubling group in the Mentally Well While Chronically Ill membership, where members can join together for PT exercises, cleaning, meal prep, and other activities that benefit from community support.
***

Resources mentioned:
→ FitOn
→ Faces Of Health
→ Body Doubling Group (Inside Destiny's Mentally Well While Chronically Ill Membership)

MEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTok

MEET GUEST: Website

SIGN UP FOR MY NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP
→ Reclaiming Intimacy: A Workshop For Bodies In Pain Feb 22nd 2025 @ 10:30am EST / 3:30pm GMT

→ READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE

ASK DESTINY ANYTHING
→ Submit your questions here

FOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERS
Join The Membership (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)

FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS
🛋️ Join The Mastermind! (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)
🧭 Get Your Client Roadmap For Navigating Complex Trauma and Chronic Illness (specifically for mental health therapists) (COMING SOON- sign up for the waitlist)
**
SAY THANKS - Reviews tell the app, “hey, people like this! Show it in the algorithm to more people!” :)
💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify
**
Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.

...more
56min
February 07, 2025Ep 79: Insurance, Support, Advocacy, and The Realities of a Child's Chronic Illness:
Episode Summary:
In this episode, LPC Rhonda Thorington shares her dual perspective as a therapist and mother navigating her daughter's chronic illness. From advocating in medical settings to maintaining family bonds, she offers practical strategies for parents facing similar challenges. Learn about crucial resources most families don't know exist, including insurance benefits, financial assistance programs, and educational rights. This conversation goes beyond medical management to explore how families can thrive while facing chronic illness together.

Resources mentioned:
YouTube - search your specific condition and watch videos from actual medical professionals

Insurance nurse case managers: Insurance companies often offer nurse case managers for complex medical cases, and this is a service that is included in your plan, not an extra cost. These nurse case managers can help navigate the system and advocate for treatment.

Patient Advocates: Some patient advocates are very helpful in navigating the complexities of medical care, and if you find a good one, stick with them. If not, don't be afraid to ask for someone else. They are also provided through your insurance at no extra cost.

Pharmaceutical company programs: Pharmaceutical companies sometimes offer programs that can help offset the cost of expensive medications.

Non-profit arms of insurance companies: Some insurance companies have non-profit arms that provide money to families to cover services not covered by insurance. The United Healthcare Children’s Foundation is one example of this type of resource.

MEET DESTINY: ⁠Website⁠ / ⁠Instagram⁠ / ⁠BlueSky⁠ / ⁠YouTube⁠ / ⁠TikTok⁠

MEET GUEST: ⁠Website⁠ / ⁠Instagram⁠ / ⁠Facebook⁠
Ronda helps parents facing the overwhelm of their child’s medical diagnosis regain control, reduce stress, and reconnect with their family. She helps them rediscover joy, build resilience, and strengthen their connection, even in uncertainty.

OUR NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP
→ Sex + Intimacy With Chronic Pain Feb 22nd 2025 @ 10:30am EST / 3:30pm GMT

→ READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE

ASK DESTINY ANYTHING
→ ⁠Submit your questions here⁠

FOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERS
⁠Join The Membership⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)

FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS
🛋️ ⁠Join The Mastermind!⁠ (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)
🧭 Get Your Client Roadmap For Navigating Complex Trauma and Chronic Illness (specifically for mental health therapists) (COMING SOON- ⁠sign up for the waitlist⁠)
**
SAY THANKS - Reviews tell the app, “hey, people like this! Show it in the algorithm to more people!” :)
💜 ⁠Leave a review on Apple Podcasts⁠
🟢 ⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠
**
Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.
**
...more
56min
February 07, 2025Ep 79: Insurance, Support, Advocacy, and The Realities of a Child's Chronic Illness:
Episode Summary:
In this episode, LPC Ronda Thorington shares her dual perspective as a therapist and mother navigating her daughter's chronic illness. From advocating in medical settings to maintaining family bonds, she offers practical strategies for parents facing similar challenges. Learn about crucial resources most families don't know exist, including insurance benefits, financial assistance programs, and educational rights. This conversation goes beyond medical management to explore how families can thrive while facing chronic illness together.

Resources mentioned:
YouTube - search your specific condition and watch videos from actual medical professionals
Insurance nurse case managers: Insurance companies often offer nurse case managers for complex medical cases, and this is a service that is included in your plan, not an extra cost. These nurse case managers can help navigate the system and advocate for treatment.
Patient Advocates: Some patient advocates are very helpful in navigating the complexities of medical care, and if you find a good one, stick with them. If not, don't be afraid to ask for someone else. They are also provided through your insurance at no extra cost.
Pharmaceutical company programs: Pharmaceutical companies sometimes offer programs that can help offset the cost of expensive medications.
Non-profit arms of insurance companies: Some insurance companies have non-profit arms that provide money to families to cover services not covered by insurance. The United Healthcare Children’s Foundation is one example of this type of resource.

MEET DESTINY:Website /Instagram /BlueSky /YouTube /TikTok

MEET GUEST:Website /Instagram /Facebook
Ronda helps parents facing the overwhelm of their child’s medical diagnosis regain control, reduce stress, and reconnect with their family. She helps them rediscover joy, build resilience, and strengthen their connection, even in uncertainty.

OUR NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP
→ Sex + Intimacy With Chronic Pain Feb 22nd 2025 @ 10:30am EST / 3:30pm GMT

→READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE

ASK DESTINY ANYTHING
→ Submit your questions here

FOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERS
Join The Membership (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)

FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS
🛋️ Join The Mastermind! (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)
🧭 Get Your Client Roadmap For Navigating Complex Trauma and Chronic Illness (specifically for mental health therapists) (COMING SOON-sign up for the waitlist)
**
SAY THANKS - Reviews tell the app, “hey, people like this! Show it in the algorithm to more people!” :)
💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify
**
Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.
**
...more
56min
January 30, 2025 Ep 78: Building Trust and Safety: What to Look for in a Disability-Affirming Therapist
Join Destiny's The Mentally Well While Chronically Ill Membership today! → Our next live workshop will be about Sex Therapy and Chronic Pain on Feb 22nd 2025. https://www.skool.com/mentally-wellchronically-ill-4863/about

MEET DESTINY: ⁠Website⁠ / ⁠Instagram⁠ / ⁠BlueSky⁠ / ⁠YouTube⁠ / ⁠TikTok⁠

→ ⁠READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE⁠

**

SUMMARY
In this episode, we're joined by Samantha Allweiss LCSW and Niki Colon LSW from Room to Breathe Psychotherapy and Yoga in Chicago. We explore the intricate relationship between chronic illness, trauma, and body-based therapeutic approaches.

Key Topics Covered:
→ How body-based practices like Hanna Somatics and mindfulness can support healing
→ Why cognitive-only approaches often aren't enough when working with chronic illness
→ The power of group therapy and shared experiences in chronic illness recovery
→ Understanding medical trauma and the impact of systems of oppression
→ The importance of naming experiences and validating physical realities
→ How therapists can create truly inclusive spaces for chronically ill clients
Resources Mentioned:
→ Spoonies Unite support groups (led by Niki Colon at Room to Breathe Chicago)
→ "The Invisible Kingdom" by Megan O'Rourke
→ Works by Andrea Gibson
→ Care Work: Dreaming Disability Justice
→ Room to Breathe Chicago: ⁠roomtobreathechicago.com⁠
→ Chronic Illness Therapist Directory: chronicillnesstherapist.com/directory
Connect with Our Guests:
→ Room to Breathe Psychotherapy and Yoga
→ Website: ⁠roomtobreathechicago.com⁠
→ Email Niki: ⁠[email protected]⁠
→ Groups: Spoonies Unite (Wednesdays 5:30-6:45pm and Fridays 4:00-5:15pm CST, virtual, Illinois residents only)
Note: This podcast is for educational purposes only. For specific questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed medical professional in your state of residence.*
...more
1h 8min
January 30, 2025 Ep 78: Building Trust and Safety: What to Look for in a Disability-Affirming Therapist
Join Destiny's The Mentally Well While Chronically Ill Membership today! → Our next live workshop will be about Sex Therapy and Chronic Pain on Feb 22nd 2025. https://www.skool.com/mentally-wellchronically-ill-4863/about

MEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTok

→ READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE

**

SUMMARY
In this episode, we're joined by Samantha Allweiss LCSW and Niki Colon LSW from Room to Breathe Psychotherapy and Yoga in Chicago. We explore the intricate relationship between chronic illness, trauma, and body-based therapeutic approaches.

Key Topics Covered:
→ How body-based practices like Hanna Somatics and mindfulness can support healing
→ Why cognitive-only approaches often aren't enough when working with chronic illness
→ The power of group therapy and shared experiences in chronic illness recovery
→ Understanding medical trauma and the impact of systems of oppression
→ The importance of naming experiences and validating physical realities
→ How therapists can create truly inclusive spaces for chronically ill clients
Resources Mentioned:
→ Spoonies Unite support groups (led by Niki Colon at Room to Breathe Chicago)
→ "The Invisible Kingdom" by Megan O'Rourke
→ Works by Andrea Gibson
→ Care Work: Dreaming Disability Justice
→ Room to Breathe Chicago: roomtobreathechicago.com
→ Chronic Illness Therapist Directory: chronicillnesstherapist.com/directory
Connect with Our Guests:
→ Room to Breathe Psychotherapy and Yoga
→ Website: roomtobreathechicago.com
→ Email Niki: [email protected]
→ Groups: Spoonies Unite (Wednesdays 5:30-6:45pm and Fridays 4:00-5:15pm CST, virtual, Illinois residents only)
Note: This podcast is for educational purposes only. For specific questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed medical professional in your state of residence.*
...more
1h 8min
January 25, 2025 Ep 77: Breakfast Solutions: Finding Your Safe Foods with Chronic Illness
Episode Summary:
This is a candid discussion between two therapists, Destiny Davis and Victoria Rodriguez, about their personal experiences with breakfast, disordered eating, and navigating food choices while living with chronic illnesses. They discuss how their relationships with food have evolved from restrictive eating patterns and diet culture influences to more balanced, intuitive approaches. Both share their struggles with food aversions, learning to listen to their bodies, and finding "safe foods" that work for them. They offer practical breakfast suggestions while emphasizing that what works for one person may not work for another. The conversation touches on cultural aspects of food, the complexity of making food choices with chronic illnesses, and the importance of breaking free from rigid food rules.

Resources mentioned:
→F.E.A.S.T. https://feast-ed.org/ (online support groups)
→⁠https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/⁠
→⁠https://anad.org/get-help/eating-disorders-helpline/⁠
→⁠https://www.theprojectheal.org/⁠

MEET VICTORIA: ⁠Website⁠ / ⁠Instagram⁠
MEET DESTINY: ⁠Website⁠ / ⁠Instagram⁠ / ⁠BlueSky⁠ / ⁠YouTube⁠ / ⁠TikTok⁠

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP
→ ⁠Your Perfect Morning Routine⁠ 🥞

ASK DESTINY ANYTHING
→ ⁠Submit your questions here⁠

**
FOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERS
⁠Join The Membership⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)

**
FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS
🛋️ ⁠Join The Mastermind!⁠ (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)
🧭 Get Your Client Roadmap For Navigating Complex Trauma and Chronic Illness (specifically for mental health therapists) (COMING SOON- ⁠sign up for the waitlist⁠)

**
Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.

...more
58min
January 22, 2025 Ep 77: Breakfast Solutions: Finding Your Safe Foods with Chronic Illness
Episode Summary:
This is a candid discussion between two therapists, Destiny Davis and Victoria Rodriguez, about their personal experiences with breakfast, disordered eating, and navigating food choices while living with chronic illnesses. They discuss how their relationships with food have evolved from restrictive eating patterns and diet culture influences to more balanced, intuitive approaches. Both share their struggles with food aversions, learning to listen to their bodies, and finding "safe foods" that work for them. They offer practical breakfast suggestions while emphasizing that what works for one person may not work for another. The conversation touches on cultural aspects of food, the complexity of making food choices with chronic illnesses, and the importance of breaking free from rigid food rules.

Resources mentioned:
→F.E.A.S.T. https://feast-ed.org/ (online support groups)
→https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/
→https://anad.org/get-help/eating-disorders-helpline/
→https://www.theprojectheal.org/
→https://www.alsana.com/programs/online-support-group/

MEET VICTORIA: Website / Instagram
MEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTok

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP
→ Your Perfect Morning Routine 🥞

ASK DESTINY ANYTHING
→ Submit your questions here

**
FOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERS
Join The Membership (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)

**
FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS
🛋️ Join The Mastermind! (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)
🧭 Get Your Client Roadmap For Navigating Complex Trauma and Chronic Illness (specifically for mental health therapists) (COMING SOON- sign up for the waitlist)

**
Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.

...more
58min
January 12, 2025 Ep 76: January is for resting + reflecting (Mini Talks w/ Destiny)
NEXT WORKSHOP: Your Perfect Morning Routine w/ Grace Quantock
Join us on January 25, 2025 @ 10:30am EST / 3:30 pm GMT.
Cost $17 USD but NEED A FREE TICKET?
We offer a pay-what-you-can honor system pricing. If you have the means to support our work, please do.
All profit goes toward The Farmer Fund to help support farmers in the midst of post-disaster recovery.
Discount codes:
WORKSHOP50 for 50% off |
WORKSHOP75 for 75% off |
WORKSHOPFREE for free

Purchase here: https://destinywinters1.podia.com/checkout/cart
__________________________________________________
In this episode, Destiny Davis discusses why January should be viewed as a month of rest rather than intense productivity, exploring the natural cycles of seasons and their impact on our well-being.

Key Topics Discussed
- January's role as a winter month meant for rest and reflection
- Personal examples of documenting both positive and challenging life events
- The value of writing down both good and difficult experiences

"January is a month of rest. It is not a month of productivity, it is in the winter season, and winter is a time for rest and reflection."

Tools & Resources Mentioned
- Notion - Free online organization tool

Membership Information
- Program: "Mentally Well While Chronically Ill"
- Details:
- Monthly fee: $17
- Includes free access to monthly workshops
- Individual workshops: $27 w/o membership
- Pay-what-you-can honor pricing available
- For: People dealing with conditions such as:
- MCAS
- Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
- Chronic Lyme
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic GI issues/Crohn's
- Group focus: Balanced approach between support and positivity

JOIN HERE: https://www.skool.com/mentally-wellchronically-ill-4863/about

__________________________________________________
Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.
...more
6min

FAQs about The Chronic Illness Therapists:

How many episodes does The Chronic Illness Therapists have?

The podcast currently has 111 episodes available.

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