teen chronic illness & disability

counselling support in Edmonton & Sherwood Park

If your teen faces a new or persistent health struggle, then chances are they have used a variety of strategies to help treat their condition, such as medication, physiotherapy, or surgery.

Your teen or young adult may be struggling with:

• a newly diagnosed health condition such as cancer

• a recent mental health diagnosis

• a physical disability

• long COVID symptoms of brain fog or extreme fatigue

• experiencing chronic illness

Counselling too can play an important role in a patient’s well-being, as studies suggest that certain conditions may improve when stress-reduction techniques and mental health care are a part of the treatment process.

Some of the ways that therapy can help include:

• Working through anger, fear, and grief around the condition, especially if you are reluctant to “vent” around loved ones

• Processing the trauma that led to your injury or disability

• Adapting to physical restrictions or life transitions.

• Rebuilding your identity and self-esteem, especially if you have body image issues.

• Practicing stress-reduction and mindfulness techniques

• Treating any co-occurring mental health concerns such as depression

Experiencing health struggles can be incredibly difficult to process. Thrive can help your teen work through these feelings, and adapt to their new circumstances with support and empathy. You are not alone.