The Chronic Illness Therapist Podcast Episodes
A place where people with chronic illnesses can come to feel heard, seen, and safe while listening to mental health therapists and other medical professionals talk about the realities of treating complex medical conditions.
The Five Root Causes of Chronic Fatigue: Insights from Dr. Jenny Tufenkian
Discover the five root causes of chronic fatigue, long COVID, and other complex conditions in this insightful conversation with Dr. Jenny Tufenkian, a naturopathic physician with over 20 years of experience. Learn how identifying these root causes can help you find a path to healing.
Bigger than Pain: Insights on Improving Movement, Sleep, and Healing with David McGettigan
David McGettigan, a pain and movement specialist, has helped countless individuals who’ve been overlooked by traditional medicine. With over 15 years of experience and clinics in Ireland and Iceland, he combines evidence-based techniques with a compassionate approach to chronic pain and mobility. Discover his insights on improving movement, sleep, and long-term healing for those managing chronic illness.
Strength Training For Fibromyalgia with Rachel Smith, MS, CPT
This article examines key insights from Rachel Smith, MS, CPT, a personal trainer specializing in chronic illness. Her evidence-based approach to fibromyalgia management offers valuable perspectives on exercise adaptation for chronic pain conditions. Smith's professional journey from middle school teacher to fibromyalgia patient to specialized fitness expert provides a framework for understanding the intersection of chronic pain and physical activity.
Why It's Not Just About Eliminating Foods: The Truth About IBS and Nutrition
Struggling with IBS? Simply eliminating foods won’t fix the root cause of your digestive issues. Learn why restrictive diets can do more harm than good and how working with a gut health dietitian can help you heal your gut, manage symptoms effectively, and restore food freedom.
Understanding Attachment Styles and Chronic Illness: Insights from Miranda Campbell LCSW
Discover how attachment styles impact chronic illness management in this conversation with Miranda Campbell, LCSW. Learn how anxious, avoidant, and disorganized attachment patterns shape relationships, caregiving, and self-care—and how to move toward secure attachment for better support and resilience.
Ep 80: Movement Shouldn't Make Your Body Feel Worse w/ Monica Blied, PhD, MACL, BSP
Here's the thing about living in a chronically ill or painful body: most people don't get it. They don't understand that some days, just getting out of bed feels like running a marathon. They don't get that we can't just "push through" or that what worked yesterday might not work today. And that's okay – they don't need to understand. But YOU need to understand and honor where your body is at.
The Realities of a Child's Chronic Illness: Insurance, Support, and Advocacy
Navigating a child’s chronic illness can be overwhelming, from medical uncertainties to financial strain and educational challenges. In Episode 79 of the Chronic Illness Therapist podcast, therapists Destiny Davis and Ronda Thorington discuss advocacy, insurance resources, and the power of parental expertise in securing the best care. Learn how to navigate this journey with confidence and support.
Building Trust and Safety: What to Look for in a Disability-Affirming Therapist
In episode 78 of The Chronic Illness Therapists Podcast, Samantha Allweiss, LCSW, and Niki Colon, LSW, discuss the intersection of mental health, chronic illness, and trauma and the importance of finding a therapist that honors your physical and mental experience. Together, they explore how moving beyond traditional talk therapy to embrace the mind-body connection can create new pathways for healing.
Ep 73: The Wellness Trap: Rethinking Chronic Illness, Healing, and Accessibility with Grace Quantock
Grace Quantock is a renowned counselor and author of Living Well with Chronic Illness: Write your own road map to healing in tough times. In this interview, she discusses the pitfalls of the “bootstrap wellness narrative” and presents new approaches to individualized wellness routines.
Ep 71: How Universal Design Benefits Everyone with Tiffany Yu
Tiffany Yu is a disability advocate, author, and community builder who has dedicated her career to creating a more inclusive world. Drawing from her own background and experiences, Yu advocates for inclusive design and highlights how universal access benefits all.
Ep 70: A Compassionate Guide to Palliative & Hospice Care with Annie Brashem, LCSW
In this conversation with licensed clinical social worker Annie Brashem, we break down two complex healthcare terms: palliative care and hospice care. This guide highlights critical components of each, helping you feel informed and empowered when exploring care options for yourself or a loved one.
Ep 68: Food Allergies - Building Confidence and Safety for our Kids with Food Allergies w/ Amanda Whitehouse, PhD
A 4-part blog about Food Allergies - Building Confidence and Safety for Our Kids. Part 1 discusses the differences between food allergies and food sensitivities.