The Chronic Illness Therapist

Oh, hi there! I'm Kirsty, a BACP registered therapist who specialises in working with people living with chronic illness, chronic pain, or chronic fatigue.

If you're tired of:

Being told "but you don't look sick"
Having to justify your symptoms to healthcare providers
Feeling like your old life is slipping away
Struggling with an inner critic that says you're lazy or not trying hard enough

Then you've landed in exactly the right place.

I create a space where you can show up as you are – no masking pain, no pretending to be okay, no apologies needed for cancelling when your body says "not today." Just real, down-to-earth therapy that acknowledges your reality while helping you build a meaningful life on your terms.

About me

From Unheard to Empowered

Together, we'll work on moving you from feeling:

Dismissed → Validated
Uncertain → Confident
Isolated → Connected
Defined by illness → Living alongside it

No matter where you are in your chronic illness journey, whether newly diagnosed or managing long-term conditions, therapy can help you navigate the emotional impact and rebuild your relationship with yourself.

Come for a chat, stay for a change.

About Therapy

The Chronic Illness Therapy Blog

A woman sitting contemplating looking at a beautiful landscape

Growing Around Grief: The Chronic Illness Experience

Kirsty Corvan

Apr 164 min read

When Medical Gaslighting Meets Chronic Pain: The Endo Experience

Kirsty Corvan

Mar 64 min read

Living with Chronic Illness and your Ableist Inner Critic

Kirsty Corvan

Jan 264 min read

Ever wonder what actually happens in chronic illness therapy? 💜

I've seen people transform their relationship with their chronic illness, from the client who finally connected how their medical trauma feeds their anxiety, to the one who courageously explored a future without children.

I've watched someone find their voice to set proper work boundaries (and their confidence SOARED), helped another navigate their complex medical decisions with clarity, and celebrated with a client who attended a social event without anxiety hijacking their evening.

These aren't just therapy wins, they're life-changing shifts that ripple through every aspect of living with chronic illness.

The journey with chronic illness can feel isolating, especially when it seems like no one truly gets it. That harsh inner critic telling you you're lazy, lying or not enough? That's not you. That's the voice of an ableist society that you've internalised.

If reading these examples stirred something in you, like a quiet "I want that too," then consider this your gentle nudge.

I have a few therapy spots available for May. DM me "intro" for a free 15-minute call to see if we might be a good fit to work together. No pressure, just a chat to explore possibilities.

#chronicillnesstherapy #spooniesupport #invisibleillness #chronicpain #dynamicdisability #therapyforspoonies #chronicillness

Some hard truths for my spoonies today 👇🏼

📌 Families who say "but you don't look sick" aren't always trying to be supportive, sometimes they're just refusing to accept your reality. Not everyone needs to be "your people" , even family. It's okay to walk away from those who constantly gaslight you about your condition.

📌 Not every chronic illness story needs a silver lining. Sometimes it's just sh*t, and acknowledging that can be healthier than toxic positivity. Living in a future of "when I'm better" isn't the recipe for finding peace today.

📌 You don't need to become a chronic illness warrior or wellness influencer. The pressure to have an "inspiring story" is just another burden you don't need. You don’t owe anyone anything.

📌 Sometimes, surrender and acceptance take more courage than constantly battling your body. Finding that balance between fighting and allowing yourself peace isn't giving up, it’s wisdom.

📌 Having a chronic illness doesn't automatically make you a saint. Being dealt a shtty hand doesn't excuse shtty behaviour.

I'd love to hear your thoughts below! 👋

#chronicillness #chronicpain #spooniesupport #spoonielife #chronicillnesswarrior #painwarrior #spoonie #chronicillnesstherapy

Chronic illness grief isn't a one-time event, but an ongoing process that society rarely acknowledges.

Nobody prepares you for the constant little deaths of possibility that come with chronic illness. The career paths that close, the relationships that change, the independence you lose, the identity you have to rebuild.

And the worst part is everyone around you expects you to "accept it and move on" as if you're grieving a one-time loss rather than facing new losses every single day.

Some days it's the big things like watching friends build careers while yours is on hold. Other days it's something small that breaks you, like not being able to style your own hair anymore.

This grief isn't linear. You don't move through neat little stages and come out "healed" on the other side. It comes in waves, often when you least expect it.

Your grief is valid. Your anger is valid. Your fear about what else you might lose is valid.

If you're carrying the weight of these ongoing losses alone, therapy can be a place where you don't have to pretend you're "staying positive" or "making the best of it." Where you can name these losses and have them witnessed without judgment.

DM me "INTRO" to book your free 15-minute call to see if we'd be a good fit to work together. 💜

#chronicillness #chronicillnessgrief #spoonie #spoonielife #chronicpain #invisibleillness #chronicillnesstherapy #spooniesupport #griefandloss

"My therapist only cares because I'm paying her"

Ever think this to yourself? That wee voice in your head suggesting the only reason your therapist gives a shit is because of the invoice at the end of the session? 💷

The truth is, I find myself thinking about my clients all the time, like "I wonder if Mark managed that conversation with his boss" or "Did Sarah remember to try that grounding technique during her doctor's appointment?", because I'm a human first before I'm a therapist.

The therapeutic relationship is professional, yes. But that doesn't make the care any less real. 🫂

Chronic illness can make you feel unworthy of care, like you're "too much" or a "burden" on everyone around you. And sometimes that feeling creeps into therapy, too.

But your worth isn't measured by your productivity or health status. And my care for you isn't limited to the 50 minutes we spend together each week.

Living with chronic illness is hard enough without questioning whether the people who are there to support you actually give a damn. So let me be clear: I do. ✨

Ready for therapy with someone who genuinely cares about your wellbeing? Someone who gets the unique challenges of navigating life with chronic illness? DM me 'intro' to book your free 15-minute intro call and let's see if we'd be a good fit to work together. 💙

#chronicillness #spooniesupport #therapyforspoonies #chronicillnesstherapy #invisibleillness

Unless you've been there yourself, nobody gets that special kind of exhaustion that comes with living with chronic illness.. the one where you're constantly having to validate your experience to others.

The truth is, medical gaslighting adds an extra layer of trauma on top of what you're already dealing with physically. And it's shit. It's completely unfair that on top of managing your symptoms, you also have to manage other people's perceptions of your illness.

Whether it's your partner sighing when you can't do the shopping, your kids not understanding why you're missing their events, or colleagues thinking you're slacking when you're actually pushing through immense pain, being unseen when you're suffering is its own special kind of hell.

You're not lazy. You're not exaggerating. You're not seeking attention.

Your experience is real. Full stop. And you deserve spaces where that's never questioned.

If you're tired of fighting to be seen and heard, therapy can be that space. A place where your experience is validated, where your struggles are acknowledged, and where you can learn to advocate for yourself without the constant self-doubt that comes from years of being dismissed.

DM me "INTRO"to book your free 15-minute call to see if we'd be a good fit to work together. 💜

#chronicillness #spoonie #spoonielife #chronicpain #invisibleillness #medicaltrauma #chronicillnesstherapy #spooniesupport

That flare hitting you hard today? This is your official permission slip to STOP 🛑

Rest. Cancel plans. Say no. Use your mobility aid without explanation. Whatever you need.

Not that you ACTUALLY need permission... but I know that voice in your head is telling you that you do. The one that whispers "lazy" or "you're letting everyone down" when you need to prioritise your body.

I've seen this time and again with my clients where they struggle to slow down even when your body's demanding it. The guilt, the feeling that you should be doing more, being more.

I get it, I live with chronic pain too. That guilt when you need to cancel? The fear of being judged? The constant internal battle? It's exhausting on top of already feeling wrecked.🫠

In our therapy sessions, we can work on quieting that inner critic that says you're not doing enough. Together we'll help you build the confidence to respect your needs without the guilt.

DM me "INTRO" for info about working together, or drop a ❤️ below if you gave yourself permission to rest today. You deserve it.

#chronicillness #spoonielife #invisibleillness #chronicillnesstherapy #flareday

Ever wondered what actually happens in therapy when you're living with chronic illness? 💜

I've broken it down in this carousel because therapy can feel like a mystery when you've never tried it before.

As someone who gets the chronic pain experience, I know how exhausting it is to constantly explain yourself. My therapy space isn't like your doctor's appointment. There's no "rate your pain from 1-10," and definitely no "it's all in your head." Just a genuine human connection where you're believed, validated, and heard.

I won't pretend to have magic solutions or tell you to "just think positively." What I will offer is a BS free zone where we can laugh, swear, cry, and figure out what works for YOU.

Living with chronic illness is hard enough without adding shame to the mix. You're not lazy. You're not making it up. You're not too much. You're doing the best you can with the cards you've been dealt.

Curious if we might click? DM me "INTRO" for a free 15-minute intro call. No pressure, just a chance to see if my approach feels right for you.

#chronicillness #spooniesupport #spoonielife #spoonie #chronicpain #invisibleillness #dynamicdisability #chroniclife #therapyforspoonies #chronicillnesstherapy

That mask you wear? The one where you smile through the pain, nod when people say "but you look so well!" and drag yourself to social events even when your body is screaming for rest?

Yeah, that s**t is exhausting. 🥱

The truth is, living with chronic illness means being a master of deception, looking put together on the outside while feeling like you're drowning on the inside.

It's the constant mental gymnastics of:

"Should I cancel again?"
"Will they think I'm making excuses?"
"Am I actually lazy, or is my body genuinely at its limit?"

And that emotional baggage? It gets HEAVY. The medical gaslighting, the guilt about "being a burden," the grief for your pre-illness self..where the hell are you supposed to put all that?

Here's the thing, though your chronic illness has taken enough from you physically. Your mental health doesn't have to suffer, too. 💙

I help millennials with chronic conditions rebuild their relationship with themselves and quieten that inner critic that says they're lazy, lying, or not enough.

No waffly therapy language. No magical "just think positive" bs. Just a down-to-earth space where you can bring your whole self.. pain, exhaustion, frustration, and all.

DM me 'intro' to book your free 15-minute chat to see if we'd be a good fit to work together. Come for a chat, stay for a change. ✨

#chronicillness #spooniesupport #spoonielife #spoonie #chronicpain #invisibleillness #dynamicdisability #chroniclife #therapyforspoonies #chronicillnesstherapy

Cleaning my office today and thinking about the absolute NONSENSE I'd never put my clients through👇

✨️ Acting like everyone with the same diagnosis has the same experience. Come on now! Your illness is as unique as you are- what works for one spoonie might be completely useless for another.

👀 Telling you to push through pain to reach goals faster. Nope. Your body isn't being dramatic- its communicating something important. And guess what? Ignoring those signals only leads to bigger crashes later.

🛑 Minimising how those perfect-woman societal expectations affect your sense of self. The 'I should be able to do it all' pressure hits differently when you're chronically ill.

Living with chronic illness in an ableist society is HARD ENOUGH without a therapist who doesn't get it. You deserve a space where you don't have to mask your pain and where your limitations aren't treated as character flaws.

If you're nodding along, I might be the therapist for you! Follow for more no-bs content about navigating life with chronic illness. Let's quiet that inner critic that says you're lazy or not enough 💙

#spoonie #spooniesupport #spoonielife #chronicillness #chronicpain #owngoals

Setting boundaries when you have a chronic illness isn't just about saying no—it's about saying yes to your wellbeing.

The people who truly care about you will understand. Those who don't? They're probably benefiting from your lack of boundaries.

I see this all the time in my therapy practice: the guilt that comes with setting limits, the fear of disappointment, the worry about being labelled 'difficult.'

But I also see the transformation when clients start protecting their energy.

It's not easy at first, but it gets easier with practice (and sometimes with support).

What's the hardest boundary for you to maintain? Share below—your experience might help someone else feeling the same struggle. 💜

#chronicillness #spooniesupport #boundaries #spoonieboundaries #selfadvocacy #chronicillnesstherapy

That moment when you realise you've spent more energy explaining your chronic illness than you have on actually taking care of yourself. 🥴

I see this with my clients all the time - the endless explanations, the metaphors, the diagrams of spoon theory, practically preparing presentations just to justify why they can't make it to Friday night drinks.
The result? They're exhausted, resentful, and still hearing "but you don't look sick!" 🙄

Then comes the radical change: stopping the explanations.

Not because they're hiding, but because their limited energy deserves better allocation. Getting selective about who gets the full picture, who gets the summary, and who just gets "I can't today."

The transformation is incredible:

Their closest relationships actually deepen.
The energy vampires naturally drift away.
Their anxiety about socialising drops dramatically.
They stop feeling like they need to "prove" their illness.

The truth is, those who truly care about you don't need a medical dictionary to respect your boundaries. And those who demand explanations? They're telling you exactly where they belong in your life.

Your chronic illness isn't an essay that needs defending. Your boundaries aren't up for debate.

If you're tired of explaining yourself and ready to protect that precious energy, I can help. DM me 'intro' to book your free 15-minute call to see if we'd be a good fit to work together. Let's find ways for you to preserve your energy for what truly matters. ✨

#chronicillness #spoonielife #boundaries #invisibleillness #spooniesupport #chronicpain #relationshipboundaries #chronicillnesstherapy #dynamicdisability

Success looks different when you're navigating Chronic Illness. The standards society pushes on you often don't account for the daily challenges, limitations, and unpredictability 🩷

Creating your own metrics for success isn't giving up - it's revolutionary self-preservation in a world that's too focused on measuring worth by outdated milestones.

What's one way you've had to redefine success in your life with chronic illness? Share below, and let's celebrate your victories together 🙌

#chronicillness #ChronicPain #spooniessupport #redefiningsuccess #invisibleillness

Ever catch yourself thinking you're lazy for needing rest? Or feeling worthless when you can't be "productive"? You might be fighting YOURSELF harder than your chronic illness. 💜

Living with chronic illness is tough enough without carrying the weight of society's BS narratives about what makes a person valuable. As someone who lives with chronic pain myself, I know firsthand how these thoughts can be more exhausting than the actual symptoms.

Internalised ableism is that nasty inner critic that takes all those external messages about productivity, "pushing through," and "just trying harder" and turns them against you. It's the voice telling you that your limitations are character flaws rather than legitimate medical realities.

The thing is – therapy can help quiet that voice. Not with toxic positivity or generic advice to "just love yourself", but by creating a space where you're actually heard, breaking down those harmful narratives, and building genuine self-compassion that doesn't require you to be "productive" to be worthy.

I've seen clients transform their relationship with themselves once they realise they've been at war with their bodies instead of working with them. That precious energy you've been using to beat yourself up? Imagine redirecting it toward things that actually bring you joy.

👉 If this resonates, I'd love to know: which of these internalised ableist thoughts hits closest to home for you? Drop it in the comments – sometimes naming these thoughts is the first step to challenging them.

And if you're ready to explore how therapy might help you make peace with yourself, DM me "INTRO" for a free 15-minute call to see if we'd be a good fit to work together.

#ChronicIllness #InternalisedAbleism #SpoonieSupport #ChronicPain #TherapyForSpoonies #DynamicDisability #SelfCompassion #ChronicIllnessTherapy

Plot twist: I had no idea that chronic pain would become my unwanted sidekick 🤷‍♀️

Life has a funny way of sending us down paths we never planned to walk. This wasn't in my 10-year plan, but here we are!

The journey with chronic pain has been s**t at times (okay, a lot of the time), but it's also given me something unexpected—a deeper understanding of what it means to rebuild your relationship with yourself when your body feels like it's working against you.

Turns out my biggest struggle became my superpower as a therapist. Now I get to help other millennials with chronic conditions who are tired of hearing "but you don't look sick" or feeling like they're lazy, lying, or not enough.

The truth? You're allowed to grieve who you were before your diagnosis AND find joy in who you are now. 💙

If you're navigating life with chronic illness and your inner critic is being a total **** about it, you're in the right place. Follow along for no-BS support, validation, and the occasional swear word (sorry not sorry).

Drop a ❤️ if chronic illness has changed your path too. What unexpected gifts has it given you alongside the struggles?

#chronicpain #chronicillness #spooniesupport #spoonielife #therapyforspoonies #invisibleillness

✨ A new chapter begins! ✨️

These beautiful flowers aren't just brightening my office - they're marking a significant moment in my therapy journey. After years of balancing multiple roles, I've finally made the leap to practising therapy full-time!

This decision wasn't made lightly, but it feels absolutely right. As someone living with chronic pain myself, I've experienced firsthand how important flexibility is - both for me and for the incredible people I work with.

Moving to full-time therapy means I can finally offer the scheduling options my clients deserve while also respecting my own health needs. Practising what I preach!

Living with chronic conditions means unpredictability is our constant companion - now I can better accommodate those changing needs with more flexibility in my schedule.

My vision for this next chapter is creating an even more accessible, supportive space where people with chronic illness can rebuild their relationship with themselves. A place where you never have to explain why you need to reschedule or justify your experiences.

I feel incredibly grateful to everyone who has trusted me with their stories, challenges, and growth over the years. Your courage and resilience inspire me daily and have made this transition possible.

If you've been thinking about therapy but weren't sure about fitting it into your schedule, now might be the perfect time to reach out. My DMs are open if you have questions! 💜

#chronicillnesstherapy #spooniesupport #dynamicdisability #spoonielife #spoonie #therapyforspoonies #invisibleiillness

What if everything you've believed about your worth as a spoonie is wrong? 👀

Living with chronic illness often means fighting an internal battle between what your body needs and what society expects.

That inner critic telling you that you're lazy for resting? The guilt you feel when prioritising yourself? That voice saying you're not enough because you can't "keep up"?

None of it is true. ✨

The reality is that chronic illness changes the rules—but it doesn't change your inherent value.

Your worth isn't measured by productivity. Your time isn't a currency to spend pleasing others. You deserve rest without justification.

As a therapist who specialises in working with millennials with chronic conditions (and lives with chronic pain myself), I've seen how transformative it can be when we finally quieten that inner critic.

Imagine moving through life confident in your decisions, setting boundaries without guilt, and feeling truly at peace with who you are—health challenges and all.

Ready to rebuild your relationship with yourself and discover what YOU really want from life? 💜

DM me "INTRO" to book your free 15-minute intro call so we can chat about working together.

#chronicillnesstherapy #spooniesupport #chronicpain #invisibleillness #selfworth #therapyforspoonies #dynamicdisability

That feeling when you're sitting in your car, hiding the wince as you shift positions, wondering if anyone actually gets it 👀

Living with chronic pain can feel like speaking a language no one else understands. The exhaustion of explaining why you cancelled plans (again). The frustration when someone suggests yoga will "fix everything." The inner critic that whispers maybe you're just weak or making it up.

I see you in that car with your coffee, taking a moment to yourself because sometimes that's all the energy you have. The quiet space where you don't have to pretend or explain why simple tasks feel impossible today. Where the mask can slip for just a second 💔

Here's the thing - I get it. Not just as a therapist, but as someone who lives with chronic pain too. That's why my therapy space is different. No medical jargon. No "just push through it" toxic positivity. Just real conversations where you don't have to mask your pain or justify your experience.

Your chronic illness has taken enough from you physically - your mental health doesn't have to suffer too.

Ready to work with someone who truly understands? DM me 'intro' for a free 15-minute call to see if we'd be a good fit to work together. ✨

#chronicillness #spooniesupport #chronicpain #invisibleillness #therapyforspoonies #spoonielife

When chronic illness takes over, it's more than just physical symptoms – it's the guilt, self-criticism, and feeling like your identity has been hijacked.

I'm Kirsty, and I get it. Having lived with chronic pain myself for nearly a decade, I know first-hand the emotional toll it takes when your life doesn't fit society's "productive" mould anymore.

I help millennials with chronic health conditions rebuild their relationship with themselves and quiet that inner critic that says they're lazy, lying, or not enough. Together, we'll work through:

Processing medical trauma and validating your experience

Managing the anger, grief, and anxiety that come with chronic illness

Building confidence to set boundaries that actually improve your relationships

Finding purpose again when everything feels uncertain

My approach? Down-to-earth, relational therapy without the BS or jargon. No toxic positivity here – just a space where you're heard, believed, and supported as you navigate the complicated emotions that come with chronic health challenges.

Living with chronic illness can be incredibly isolating, but you don't have to face the emotional burden alone. Ready to move from just surviving to actually thriving on your own terms?

DM me 'INTRO' for a FREE 15-minute call to see if we'd be a good fit to work together.

#chronicillness #spooniesupport #spoonielife #chronicillnesstherapy #dynamicdisability #invisibleillness #chronicpain #therapyforspoonies

The chronic pain pledge we make to ourselves every morning...and then promptly ignore 🙈

Anyone else constantly caught in this cycle? That moment when your body is literally SCREAMING at you to stop, but your brain's like "just one more thing" and then BAM - you're paying for it for days.

I've lost count of how many times I've done this exact thing. Just last week, I convinced myself I absolutely HAD to finish some work on the laptop despite my pain flaring. The satisfaction of getting it done hadn't even arrived before the pain really kicked in... and then I spent the weekend horizontal on the sofa with heat packs wondering why I'm like this 🫠

The truth is, we've been conditioned to push through pain. To believe rest is lazy. To feel guilty when we're not being "productive". It's that ableist rubbish that measures our worth by what we accomplish rather than who we are.

But here's what I know from both personal experience AND working with my clients: Your body isn't betraying you - it's communicating with you. And learning to listen is probably the hardest skill we have to develop if we live with a chronic condition.

What's one thing you pushed through recently that you wish you'd hadn't? Drop it in the comments - let's normalise talking about our struggles and our attempts to break the cycle 🩷

And follow @thechronicillness.therapist for more support for chronic illness life

#chronicillness #chronicpain #chronicillnesstherapy #invisibleillness #dynamicdisability #spooniesupport #spoonielife

The truth that no one's talking about?

Social events become minefields when you live with chronic illness. It's not that you're "antisocial" - you're just tired of explaining why your life doesn't fit into neat little boxes when someone asks "What are you up to?"

I see my clients struggle with this all the time. That cycle of rejection, guilt, and then beating yourself up for something that's completely out of your control.

Society wasn't built for chronically ill bodies. Those ridiculous productivity expectations and life "goals" weren't designed with your unique challenges in mind.

That's exactly why I created a therapy space where you don't have to pretend. Where "I'm too exhausted to explain my life choices" is a perfectly valid statement. Where your worth isn't measured by how many events you attend or milestones you hit.

If you're nodding along to this carousel, know you're not alone. Your timeline is your own, and you're doing brilliantly navigating a world that often doesn't understand.

If you're tired of feeling like you need to apologise for your existence, maybe we should chat? I'm a therapist who actually gets it (living with chronic pain myself), and I promise there's no waffly therapy language - just real talk.

DM me 'INTRO' for a free 15-min call to see if we'd be a good fit. Come for a chat, stay for a change. 💜

#chronicillness #spoonielife #invisibleillness #therapyforspoonies #chronicpain #socialanxiety

That voice telling you your illness is karma for something you did? It's lying to you.

Many of my clients come to me believing their chronic condition is punishment for a perceived wrong or something they did as a child.

The truth? Chronic illness doesn't discriminate or choose based on your actions or character. It's not karma, it's not punishment, and it's absolutely NOT your fault.

Living with chronic illness is already hard enough without carrying the weight of guilt on top of your symptoms. The medical gaslighting, the friends who don't get it, the missed opportunities – none of that is because you "deserve" this.

In our therapy sessions, we create a space where you can put down that heavy burden of self-blame. Where you're believed, where your experience is validated, and where we work together to quiet that harsh inner critic that's making you feel unworthy.

Because you deserve compassion – especially from yourself.

DM me 'INTRO to book your free 15-minute call to see if we'd be a good fit to work together.

Come for a chat, stay for a change. 💜

#chronicillness #spooniesupport #chronicpain #invisibleillness #spoonielife #therapyforspoonies

I've felt the weight of this PIP announcement in almost every therapy session I've had this week.

The government's plans to change PIP assessments from 2026 has sent shockwaves through the chronic illness community - and for good reason. It's a disgrace.

What I'm hearing in my sessions is the deep pain of being invalidated AGAIN. Of being viewed as a budget line that needs cutting rather than as human beings deserving of support. Of watching society stay largely silent while the most vulnerable are targeted AGAIN.

Where's the outrage? Where are all the non-disabled people speaking up about this injustice? Why is it easier to target disabled people than implement a wealth tax on those who could actually afford it?

I see you. I hear you. I'm fucking mad about this too.

Your pain, your anger, your fear - it's all valid. The anxiety of potentially losing vital support that helps you manage your condition is REAL. The exhaustion of constantly having to prove you're "disabled enough" is REAL.

This space is for you. Share your thoughts in the comments if you need to vent. Support each other. Know you're not alone in this.

And remember - your worth is NOT determined by government policy. Your value does NOT decrease because some politicians can't see it.

#ChronicIllness #PIPChanges #Spoonie #InvisibleIllness #ChronicPain #DisabilityRights #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessTherapy

Let me share a secret? The chronic illness advocacy marathon is optional, not mandatory. 💜

It's hard enough navigating flares, medical gaslighting, and that inner critic telling you you're lazy - now social media's telling you to be a full-time warrior, too?

Different strokes for different folks! Some find power in advocacy, others need their precious spoons for just getting through the day. Both are valid.

Sometimes, being a "good spoonie" feels like another job on top of managing your condition. But here's the thing - you don't need another job. You need rest, validation, and permission to just BE in your chronically ill body without performative displays of thriving.

If educating others fills your cup, brilliant! If it drains you dry, put that oxygen mask on yourself first!

What's your take - feel the pressure to educate everyone about your condition?

Or have you found your own way? Drop me a comment - no wrong answers here! 👇

#spooniesupport #chronicillness #chronicpain #chronicfatigue #spoonielife #advocacy

The outside says "warrior" but inside, you're wondering if you're just a burden. 💜

Ever notice this disconnect? To the world, you're brave, determined, and strong - the chronic illness warrior fighting the good fight. But on the inside? It's a whole different story of anxiety, overthinking, and that voice constantly asking, "Am I doing enough?"

This isn't just you being dramatic. It's the reality of living with chronic illness in an ableist society that expects you to either be miraculously cured or perpetually inspirational.

The truth is, both sides exist in you. You ARE brave and determined when you need to be. You're also allowed to feel anxious and overwhelmed without it making you any less of a warrior.

Therapy isn't about erasing the inside circle - it's about learning to live with both realities without letting the inner critic take over. It's having a space where you can admit "I'm tired of being strong all the damn time" without judgment.

DM me 'INTRO' to book your free 15-minute call and chat about how therapy can help bridge this gap. You don't have to fight this battle alone. ✨

#chronicillness #spooniesupport #spoonielife #invisibleillness #chronicillnesstherapy

When was the last time someone told you it was truly okay to rest without earning it? 💙

That feeling of guilt that creeps in when you need to take a break? I see it in so many of my clients living with chronic illness. That inner critic whispers that you're "lazy" or "not doing enough" when your body is literally begging for rest.

The truth is, our society has conditioned us to believe that our worth is tied to productivity. But for those of us living with chronic conditions, this mindset can be especially harmful.

Rest isn't a reward. It's not something to be earned after pushing yourself to exhaustion. Rest is necessary medicine for your body - just as important as any treatment or prescription.

I work with so many amazing people who struggle to give themselves permission to rest. They push through pain, ignore their body's signals, and end up in an even worse flare as a result.

What if today, you chose to see rest as an act of self-compassion rather than something to feel guilty about? What if you honoured what your body is asking for, without judgement?

Drop a 💙 in the comments if you're giving yourself permission to rest today without the guilt.

#chronicillness #spooniesupport #spoonielife #spoonie #chronicpain #invisibleillness #dynamicdisability #chroniclife #therapyforspoonies #chronicillnesstherapy #restisproductive

Spoonies, when was the last time someone validated your reality instead of trying to fix it? 💙

These are the everyday moments that those living with chronic illness understand all too well - the complex relationship with our homes, redefining what productivity looks like, finding peace in small rituals, and remembering our worth even when no one sees us.

Society expects us to either be completely disabled or miraculously recovered. The messy, complicated middle ground where most of us actually live? That part gets erased from the conversation.

I see you navigating this complexity every day. The guilt when you can only manage one small task. The mixed feelings about a home that's both sanctuary and confinement. The tiny acts of self-care that keep you going when your body won't cooperate.

What if these weren't things to feel conflicted about or apologise for, but simply normal parts of living with chronic pain and illness that deserve acknowledgement?

This is exactly what we explore in therapy together - how to quiet that inner critic that calls you lazy or not enough, how to rebuild your relationship with yourself, and how to find meaning despite the limitations your body places on you.

I currently have space for new clients starting in April. If you're tired of feeling misunderstood and ready to work with someone who gets the nuances of chronic pain and illness (and lives with it too), DM me 'INTRO' book your free 15-minute call to see if we'd be a good fit to work together.

Come for a chat, stay for a change 💙

#chronicillness #spooniesupport #spoonielife #spoonie #chronicpain #invisibleillness #dynamicdisability #chroniclife #therapyforspoonies #chronicillnesstherapy

Can I share a secret? Even therapists don't have their s**t together all the time. 👀

I wanted to get real about the emotional side of chronic illness - and how none of us is immune to those "not good enough" thoughts, even when we help others work through them!

As someone who lives with chronic pain, I know what it's like when your physical capabilities limit what you can do. The guilt of not being the parent you pictured yourself being. The pressure to "have it together" because of your job. The reality of home-bound pictures instead of exciting adventures.

Because sometimes, in the middle of medical appointments, pain management, and explaining yourself to others for the millionth time, your mental health gets overlooked.

If you're tired of feeling like you're not enough because of your physical limitations, therapy might be that space where you don't have to pretend or minimise what you're going through.

DM me 'INTRO' if you'd like a free 15-min chat to see if we might be a good fit. No therapist 'phone voice', no judgment - just a normal conversation about what support might look like for you. 💙

#ChronicIllnessTherapist #Spoonie #ChronicPain #InvisibleIllness #TherapistLife #chronicpainlife #spooniesupport

Ever been told "it's all in your head" when your body feels like it's falling apart? 🙄 Ah, the classic "you don't have a chronic illness, you just have anxiety" line—as if your physical symptoms would magically disappear if you'd just do a bit of yoga and think positive thoughts.

If you've had your very real physical symptoms written off as "just anxiety," you're not alone. Medical gaslighting is frustratingly common, especially for those with invisible or complex conditions. That inner voice questioning if maybe they're right? That's not you being dramatic—that's the result of having your reality repeatedly invalidated.

The truth is: You can have anxiety AND a chronic condition. You can have anxiety BECAUSE of your chronic condition. And sometimes, your anxiety might even flare your symptoms. All these realities can exist at once, and none of them mean your illness isn't real 🩷

In therapy, we work through that voice of doubt. We rebuild the confidence to trust your body's signals and advocate for yourself, even when faced with dismissive comments or inadequate care.

Living with chronic illness is hard enough without constantly questioning your own experience.

✨️Ready to rebuild trust in yourself and quiet that inner critic? DM me 'intro' for a free 15-minute chat to see if we'd be a good fit to work together.

Follow along @thechronicillness.therapist for more spoonie support

#chronicillness #medicaltrauma #spoonietherapy #medicalptsd #invisibleillness #chronicallyill #chronicpain #spoonielife #therapyforspoonies #chronicillnesstherapy #anxiety

Ever feel like the world just doesn't get what living with endo is really like? That frustrated sigh when someone suggests 'just think positive!' for the millionth time... 👀

The emotional weight of endometriosis is just as real as the physical symptoms - from explaining yourself constantly to navigating a healthcare system that often dismisses your pain. I hear it from my clients, it exhausts them.

That's why therapy with me looks different. As someone who lives with chronic pain myself, I offer what I wish I'd had years ago - a space where you never need to justify your symptoms, downplay your struggles, or pretend you're fine when you're not.

What that actually means: online sessions (no precious energy wasted on travel), flexible rescheduling for flare days, and absolutely zero toxic positivity or suggestions to "just try yoga."

We work on processing medical trauma, building boundaries, and finding your way forward - even on the hardest days.

DM me "INTRO" for a free 15-minute chat to see if we might be a good fit to work together ✨

And follow @thechronicillness.therapist for more chronic illness emotional support

#endometriosis #endowarrior #chronicillnesstherapy #spoonielife #spooniesupport #invisibleillness

That voice in your head saying you're 'too much' or 'not enough'? Yeah, I hear it too. 🙃

Living with chronic illness as a millennial hits different - we grew up with hustle culture, impossible productivity standards, and the constant pressure to prove our worth through what we accomplish. Add invisible symptoms that others question? It's the perfect storm.

But here's what I want you to know: You're not letting anyone down. You're not being dramatic. You're navigating a difficult reality with incredible resilience every single day.

If you're tired of being told to 'just be positive' when you're dealing with very real challenges, I get it. As someone who lives with chronic pain AND supports others through their health struggles, I offer therapy that actually works for your reality - zero toxic positivity, flexible scheduling for flare days, and a safe space to process all of it.

DM me 'INTRO' for a free 15-minute chat to see if we'd be a good fit to work together. You deserve care that honours your whole experience ✨

#chronicillness #invisibledisability #spoonielife #chronicillnesstherapy #millenniallife #spooniesupport

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@thechronicillness.therapist

The Chronic Illness Therapist

The Chronic Illness Therapy Blog

Growing Around Grief: The Chronic Illness Experience

When Medical Gaslighting Meets Chronic Pain: The Endo Experience

Living with Chronic Illness and your Ableist Inner Critic

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