Living with Chronic Illness:
A Peer Support Group
Telehealth in California and New York
Overview
Living with Chronic Illness is a weekly peer support group for adults living with chronic or progressive medical conditions, including chronic pain, long-COVID, autoimmune illness, neurological conditions, and other complex health diagnoses.Facilitated by a licensed clinical psychologist, specializing in health psychology — this group is designed to support individuals navigating the emotional, cognitive, and lifestyle challenges that often accompany chronic illness. Specifically, it is a space for participants to connect with, support, and receive support from other individuals living with chronic or progressive illness. This group is offered as an adjunct to individual psychotherapy and is not a replacement for primary mental health or medical care. All participants must be engaged in individual psychotherapy, and will complete a free, brief consultation call (10-15 min). What to Expect
Session Length: 50 minLocation: Telehealth (CA & NY only)Start Date: March, pending recruitmentSchedule: Fridays, time TBD Cost: $75 per sessionOn living well with chronic illness, impacts on the nervous system, pacing, sleep optimization; topics depend largely on themes that emerge as participants check-in.
❋ PsychoeducationEach session will begin with a mindfulness practice, breathing exercises, or other nervous system regulation tool.
❋ Experiential PracticesAs relevant, facilitator may introduce various evidence-based tools for navigating life with chronic or progressive illness; topics depend largely on themes that emerge as participants check-in.
❋ Skills TrainingThe primary goal of this group is to offer a container where individuals living with chronic illness can both provide and receive support from one another.
❋ Community & Group SupportWho this Group is For
This group may be a good fit if you:Live with a chronic or progressive medical conditionExperience chronic pain, fatigue, brain fog, or fluctuating symptomsFeel overwhelmed, frustrated, or self-critical about your healthAre navigating identity changes, grief, or loss related to illnessAre seeking a supportive, peer support group led by a health psychologistHave an established individual therapist or psychiatrist for ongoing careAre not experiencing acute safety concerns (SI/HI)
About the Facilitator
Hi, I’m Elika! I’m a licensed clinical psychologist with advanced training in health psychology and mind–body medicine. For over 10 years, I have worked in integrated medical and healthcare settings, and also maintain a telehealth private practice serving residents of California and New York. As a psychologist, I’ve facilitated a number of support, psychoeducation, and skills-based groups in various healthcare settings, including: CBT for Chronic Pain Groups, ACT for Chronic Pain Groups, Long-COVID Support & Recovery Groups, Chronic Illness Support Groups, Trauma Skills Groups, Introduction to Relaxation Groups, and Mindfulness Groups for Parkinson’s Groups. These past groups have highlighted the unique and profound sense of healing that comes from engaging in a supportive community with shared experiences. I have worked across the medical system, including in Pain Management, Sleep Medicine, Movement Disorders/Parkinson’s Disease, Oncology, Primary Care, Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, and Palliative Care. My approach integrates ACT, mindfulness, pacing strategies, CBT-informed tools, and self-compassion. Please reach out if you’re interested in scheduling an intake screening for this group.