Chronic Illness Coaching

Take control of your life-altering or chronic illness by getting the help you need through one-to-one coaching catered to you. Accessible by Zoom, FaceTime or phone from where you are, at your convenience.

Special Offer

Your Sixth Session, My Treat: Sign up for five sessions, and I'll cover the cost of your sixth. Because I believe in your journey.

Man with chronic illness walking alone down a wooded path

Chronic Illness Coaching with Dr. Lynn Rogers

Whether you are newly diagnosed, have been living with a chronic illness for some time, or are a caretaker, you may be experiencing confusion, uncertainty and/or fear.

As someone who has been a caregiver as well as a patient, and has accompanied many clients on their healthcare journeys, I know that there are ways to clarify the confusion, make decisions to reduce the uncertainty, and find a way through fear.

I will help you sort through options and issues that arise at different junctures along this journey, communicate with your medical and support teams, and face life’s unpredictabilities with more comfort and confidence.

You don't need to Google your way to find answers. Together we will address your unique experiences with your family, your doctors and your condition.

Join with me on a journey to tap into your hidden strengths, identify where you need support, and together, we’ll work our way to creating a more manageable and less stressful environment for you and your chronic illness.

Are you ready?

What People Are Saying

  • Dr. Rogers has a gift for asking patients the key question that unlocks their understanding of their current personal dilemma, be it medical, psychological or spiritual. The result is immediate progress in processing those existing issues

    ROBERT JOHNSON, MD
    Former Chief of Palliative Care & Oncology
    Kaiser Hospital, Walnut Creek, CA

  • Lynn is compassionate, caring and competent, with a broad base of knowledge and experience. Her great sense of humor put me right at ease. Her greatest strength as a coach is her ability to inspire hope and self-acceptance.

    ELIZABETH LEONARD-ISO
    Marriage and Family Therapist

  • Life threatening complications from my sister’s “routine” surgery a week before Thanksgiving was a horrifying and confusing experience for our entire family (some nearby, some across the country) as well as our close friends. Lynn was there. She met with family, doctors and whoever needed support. She helped us sort through the painful and difficult decisions and emotional reactions. She helped keep our family together.

    A. Winkleman
    Family member

  • Thank you, Lynn, for relieving me of the burden of organizing a memorial service for my husband. You led a meaningful gathering that provided me - and our friends - an opportunity to express our feelings, share memories, and grieve our loss together. I don't know what I would have done without you.

    J.M.
    Puerto Vallarta

About Our Sessions

Everyone reacts differently when faced with a severe illness, based on life circumstances, personality style, spiritual beliefs and the stage of disease (acute, chronic or life-threatening). People living with life-altering and chronic illnesses often need support in facing the unfamiliar and unforeseen circumstances and feelings that emerge.

How I can help

I combine a uniquely practical and reassuring blend of therapy, coaching and medical expertise. My intention is to be collaborative, empowering and compassionate at all times. I will listen deeply and take your concerns seriously, whatever they are. I also will help you navigate the medical maze and cope with the emotional, psychological and spiritual impact of your diagnosis.

Together, we’ll look at the complex issues you, your family and your caregivers face and navigate a plan best suited for your unique needs and challenges. We will thoroughly assess and prioritize your concerns and:

●      Explore ways to deal with issues that are most stressful, frustrating or overwhelming

●      Address practical, day-to-day concerns

●      Identify strengths, tools and resources

Navigating a path for coping with illness

Some clients connect with me periodically as specific issues and challenges arise. Others choose an ongoing healing collaboration with me to:

●      Receive emotional, psychological and spiritual support

●      Learn practical tools to help balance daily life with health issues

●      Develop and use a proactive strategy and support team

●      Communicate more effectively with doctors, caregivers and family

●      Clarify priorities, visions and goals

●      Find meaning and support through your experience

Working together

Working together is easy, with no need to leave your home or hospital. We will meet by phone or Zoom and include your family and caregivers when appropriate. Sessions are usually scheduled for an hour, though that is flexible based on what works best for you.

Beagle puppy lying in bed with a chronic illness.

What is a Chronic Illness?

A chronic illness is a health problem that stays with a person for a long time, often for the rest of their lives. Chronic illnesses don't go away on their own and need ongoing medical care. They can have a significant effect on a person's daily life.

It’s important to note that the term 'chronic disease' encompasses a diverse range of medical conditions, each with unique characteristics. Additionally, the duration required for a condition to be classified as 'chronic' can vary significantly.

Chronic Illness Conditions Include:

●      Heart disease

●      Cancer

●      Stroke

●      Pulmonary disease

●      Diabetes

●      Fibromyalgia

●      ALS

●      Parkinson’s

●      Alzheimer’s

●      Crohn’s disease

●      Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

●      Chronic fatigue

●      Lyme disease and more

Misty path through woods indicating the toll of a chronic disease and need for a chronic illness coach

What Is The Role of a Chronic Illness Therapist or Coach?

Navigating the maze of chronic illness is far from easy and is filled with ups, downs, and unexpected detours. That's where a Chronic Illness Therapist comes into play.

Chronic Illness Therapists are not just specialized therapists, coaches or guides but co-pilots on your journey, helping you understand the intricate mind-body connection, teaching you how to cope with the emotional and psychological toll, and empowering you to reclaim your life.

They offer a safe space to vent, validate your experiences, and equip you with tailored coping strategies. From helping you manage the stressors associated with chronic conditions to building a robust support system, a Chronic Illness Therapist is your ally in transforming your challenges into stepping stones toward a more fulfilling life.

Have questions about Chronic Illness Coaching and how it can help you?

Schedule a no-obligation consultation, and we’ll review things together.

The Impact of Stress

Stress is the uninvited companion of chronic Illness, often making the journey even more challenging.

Physical Toll: When stress takes the driver's seat, our body's defenses can drop, making us more susceptible to infections and slowing down our healing.

Symptom Amplifier: Have you ever noticed how pain feels sharper, fatigue feels heavier, and flare-ups become more frequent during stressful times? That's stress intensifying your chronic symptoms.

Mental Maze: The emotional side of stress can pave the way for mood disorders like depression and anxiety.

The Worry Cycle: Worrying about our health can become its own source of stress, creating a loop that's hard to escape.

Sources of stress:

●      Chronic illness

●      The unpredictability of it all

●      Disability

●      Financial difficulties

Stress symptoms:

●      Irritability and difficulty in relationships

●      Anxiety, tension, sadness

●      Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed

●      Disturbed sleep

●      Fatigue

●      Body aches and pains

●      Headaches

●      Cognitive issues

Remember, you're not alone in this. Recognizing the impact of stress is the first step, and together, we can find ways to lighten its load and make your journey smoother.

photo of stressed out cat, chronic illness stress

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

  • While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recognizes many chronic illnesses as conditions that significantly limit major life activities, societal perceptions often limit the term 'disability' to visible impairments. This overlooks the profound, often invisible challenges of chronic illnesses, such as chronic pain and fatigue. Thus, while not all chronic illnesses are legally termed disabilities, their impact can be equally debilitating.

  • Anxiety, often seen as a temporary feeling, may become a chronic disorder, particularly when combined with other conditions. Chronic illness, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, may increase anxiety due to emotional stress.

  • ADHD is a lifelong form of neurodivergence that impacts many people’s everyday quality of life. Although symptoms change with age and coping strategies, often organized support and intervention can be helpful.