Type 1 Diabetes
You’ve wished for freedom fromdiabetes.
Diagnosis & Honeymoon
Support for adolescents and adults with a recent type 1 diabetes diagnosis
Diabulimia
Knowledgeable and sensitive care for people with type 1 diabetes and an eating disorder
Diabetes Distress
Therapy without blame and judgement for people who are burned out from type 1 diabetes
Diagnosis & Honeymoon
Not long ago you or your kid were eating Skittles for fun. Now Skittles are a lifesaver for low BG. Or maybe Skittles are still fun, but they come with a list of other variables to consider.
Adjusting to life with type 1 diabetes can be head-spinning. Ordinary activities suddenly become math problems, and there’s a whole language and set of skills to figure out.
It’s no wonder you feel mentally fried and emotionally drained. Not to mention a grab-bag of other emotions – sadness, worry, anger, fear, bewilderment – so you’re hoping therapy can ease the transition.
How do you explain type 1 diabetes to a therapist when you’re still trying to figure it out yourself? You’ll never have to explain basal, bolus, CGM, or what a low feels like to me.
Instead, we can focus on what it means to you and your life to live with diabetes, from day to day hassles to hopes (and maybe anxieties) about the future. You’ve had so much info dumped on you that maybe you haven’t had time to even think about your mental wellbeing, but taking time to explore the emotional impact can be important for longterm health.
And if you have a low while we meet, I’ve got plenty of Skittles to share.
Diabetes Distress
When diabetes feels like never-ending drudgery and you’ve hit a wall, I’m here here to lend a helping hand. Your exhaustion is understood, and your weariness will be acknowledged.
We’ll explore the fatigue and frustration that come with managing type 1 diabetes. You don’t have to pretend to be strong here; it’s okay to admit that you’ve checked out. Together, we’ll navigate the emotional rollercoaster, finding ways to lighten the burden and reimagine a good life with type 1 diabetes.
We’ll work on coping mechanisms, rekindling motivation, self-compassion, and rediscovering the joy that diabetes may be overshadowing.
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Let me accompany you on a path towards renewal, and reclaim your strength and resilience along the way.
Diabulimia
Therapy for diabulimia is a lifeline for healing. Step into a space of compassion and understanding where the complexities of diabulimia are unraveled. Here, we’ll address the intertwined relationship between type 1 diabetes and disordered eating in a safe environment to explore the underlying emotional factors.
We’ll work on transforming harmful patterns and developing sustainable strategies for diabetes management and nourishing yourself. Together, we’ll navigate the challenges, uncover the root causes, and cultivate self-compassion.
Through personalized guidance and support, therapy offers a path towards recovery, empowering you to reclaim control over your health and well-being. Break free from the grips of diabulimia and cultivate a positive, balanced relationship with food, body, and diabetes.
You don’t have to face this alone. I’m here to walk alongside you, offering guidance, understanding, and a beacon of hope. Your healing journey begins here, and together, we’ll create a brighter, healthier future.
Personal Experience + Professional Expertise
This photo was taken in 1978, 2 months after I was diagnosed. Diabetes care was different then, but no matter what or when, it’s a lot of work that isn’t particularly easy.
Growing up, there wasn’t mental health support. My diabetes care was a trainwreck from my teens to 20s. Therapy finally helped me deal with anger and grief I didn’t realize I had.
To make sense of my experience, I became interested in research about diabetes and mental health. Ultimately, I wrote my master’s thesis on art therapy for adolescents with type 1, and as a doctoral student, I researched art-sharing on social media for adults with type 1.
Advocacy and activism have been a positive outlet. I had a well-regarded diabetes blog, ’00s into the early ’10s. I also initiated art-sharing projects: Diabetes Art Day and the World Diabetes Day Postcard Exchange.
This lifetime of work, from early private struggles to research and community-building, drives my commitment to help others with type 1 with empathy and nonjudgemental understanding.
Services
Adolescents
Teens will have space to navigate the unique challenges of living with type 1 diabetes. They will be supported to freely express their concerns, frustrations, and hopes. Together, we develop coping skills, build resilience, and explore strategies for diabetes management and emotional well-being. Therapy equips adolescents with the tools to navigate the emotional and BG rollercoasters, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-acceptance. Individualized, empathetic care can help them find their voice, gain confidence, and embrace a balanced and fulfilling life while living with type 1 diabetes.
Adults
Adulting is hard enough, so I offer a dedicated space for adults to navigate the added intricacies of living with type 1 diabetes. We’ll explore the emotional impact of managing the daily challenges and trying to find balance. We’ll consider coping strategies, self-care routines, and building resilience. You’ll have a safe and non-judgmental environment to process emotions, alleviate burnout, and enhance overall quality of life. You deserve to live well with type 1 diabetes while prioritizing mental health, gaining insight, and rekindling motivation to navigate the complexities of life with type 1 diabetes.
Getting Started Is Easy
Free 15 Minute Consultation
Schedule a consultation to learn more about starting
Book Appointment
Contact me to create an account and get scheduled