Understanding Autoimmune Disease: A Therapist's Guide to Invisible Illness

(Paperback)

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Understanding Autoimmune Disease is the first guide designed for mental health professionals who work with clients living with autoimmune disease. Understanding Autoimmune Disease is the first guide designed for mental health professionals who work with clients living with autoimmune disease. Only by understanding the impact of autoimmune diseases have on an individual's life-from pre-diagnosis, to diagnosis, to post-diagnosis-can a mental health professional provide the type of help, support and guidance these individuals desperately need. For individuals struggling with autoimmune diseases, finding the right therapist can feel daunting. Suffering from "invisible illnesses" that are as mysterious as they are poorly understood, those most in need of mental health support will often feel unseen, being told their symptoms are "all in their head." At times, it can even seem like the only person capable of understanding what they're going through is someone with an autoimmune disease of their own. Understanding Autoimmune Disease helps those with autoimmune diseases feel both safe and seen, and enables both doctor and patient to work from common ground towards a better quality of life.

Reviews

"...offers new insights and essential skills for mental health professionals working with people with autoimmune illness." Rebeca Scherman, PsyD

...an essential read for any clinician committed to truly seeing and supporting this underserved population. Lisa Orb-Austin, PhD, author of Own Your Greatness

"...a groundbreaking and compassionate guide to the psychological realities of living with autoimmune disease and how invisible illness intersects with identity, trauma, and systemic bias." Natalie R. Chen, PsyD, founder of Mindwise Pyschology, PC

"...offers not just validation, but a path forward toward self-advocacy and reclaiming a sense of empowerment." Marisa, a patient living with autoimmune disease

Author Bio

Nicoletta Skoufalos, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in New York City where she works with adults and couples. She received her PhD from Fordham University and trained in multiple New York City hospitals and institutions where she had opportunities to work with patients who had various medical conditions. She currently specializes in working with people who live with chronic medical illnesses, primarily autoimmune diseases and gynecological conditions. Sue Gloor is the Northeast Division Vice President of the Lupus Foundation of America and has worked with them for over 15 years. She has also served as a National Director at several voluntary health nonprofits including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, The Foundation Fighting Blindness and Autism Speaks. Cristina Dorazio, PhD, is a New York State licensed psychologist. At her private practice, Unity Psychological Consulting, PLLC, she provides individual and couples therapy to adults who are navigating a variety of chronic health concerns related to their reproductive health. She earned her Doctorate from Columbia University and has published in the Encyclopedia of Counseling as well as Training and Education in Professional Psychology.