Mike Keaveny, Psy.D.
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Therapy for Chronic Health Conditions
Mike Keaveny, Psy.D.
Living with a chronic health condition changes everything. It isn’t just the physical symptoms—it’s the endless medical appointments, the trial-and-error of treatments, the hope that a new medication might help only to feel crushed when it doesn’t, and the daily frustration of a body that doesn’t cooperate.
For many, the hardest part is how invisible it can feel. People may look at you and assume you’re fine, not realizing the effort it takes just to get through the day. Loved ones may not fully understand, and casual comments like “Why don’t you just try…?” can cut deeply. You may grieve the loss of who you used to be and the activities you once loved. The world isn’t built with your challenges in mind, and even small daily tasks can feel like battles. Over time, sadness, anger, anxiety, and isolation can pile on top of the physical pain.
You’re not alone in this. Living with a chronic health condition is exhausting, frustrating, and lonely—and therapy can be a place where those experiences are truly seen and taken seriously.
An ACT Approach to Healing
My work is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which helps people carry the weight of difficult experiences without being consumed by them. With chronic illness, ACT is not about “thinking positive” or pretending things are fine—it’s about making space for the reality of your condition while also moving toward what makes life meaningful.
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Values – We’ll identify what matters most to you now, and how you can connect with those values even when symptoms get in the way.
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Acceptance – Fighting against pain and loss often makes suffering worse. Together we’ll practice new ways of relating to difficult experiences without letting them take over.
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Present Moment Awareness – Chronic illness can trap you in fear of the future or grief about the past. Grounding in the present can help you reconnect with small joys and moments of peace.
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Cognitive Defusion (Thought Distancing) – Thoughts like “I'm a burden” can feel absolute. We’ll practice seeing those as thoughts, not truths, so they lose some of their grip.
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Self-as-Context (Identity) – You are more than your diagnosis. We’ll strengthen your sense of self so you can see yourself beyond the illness.
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Committed Action – We’ll explore realistic steps toward activity, connection, and meaning—modified when needed, but always moving toward life instead of away from it.
What to Expect in Session
In our work, I bring compassion, patience, and respect for the reality of what you’re going through. Some sessions may focus on grief—acknowledging the losses, changes, and unfairness of chronic illness. Others may be more practical, helping you problem-solve around daily challenges, relationships, or routines.
We’ll talk about how to balance pushing yourself versus pacing yourself, how to stay connected even when symptoms flare, and how to communicate your needs to loved ones in ways that invite understanding rather than pity. I’m not here to judge or minimize your struggle—I’m here to listen, explore, and walk with you as you find new ways to live with your condition.
This isn’t about “curing” what can’t be cured. It’s about learning how to live fully in the life you have, and finding ways to stay connected to what matters most to you.
Moving Toward What Matters
My hope is that therapy gives you space to reconnect with the parts of life that matter most — time with loved ones, activities that bring meaning, and a steadier sense of who you are beyond your condition. It won’t erase the challenges, but it can help shift your focus toward the things that fill you up, so life feels fuller, more balanced, and more your own.
Over time, this might mean being able to enjoy hobbies again in a way that fits your body, having more energy for relationships, or feeling confident in planning for the future without so much fear of setbacks. It’s about creating more moments of peace, joy, and connection — the kind of everyday experiences that make life feel worth living. Together, we’ll build toward a life where your condition no longer takes center stage, and where you can feel more like yourself again.