Counseling for Individuals Living with Lipedema
Counseling plays a crucial role in addressing the psychological and emotional challenges associated with lipedema, a chronic condition that often leads to frustration, isolation, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and body image disorders due to pain, reduced mobility, misdiagnosis, and societal pressures. Professional counseling helps individuals process these emotional burdens, develop coping strategies, and manage the mental health impacts of living with a long-term illness.
Dr. Darleen Claire Wodzenski, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor who provides supportive services to the Lipedema community. As a Thriver with Lipedema herself, she brings personal experience and profound compassion to the healing space.
Therapists specializing in chronic illness or body image issues are particularly beneficial, as they can guide patients toward self-compassion and acceptance, recognizing lipedema as a medical condition rather than a personal failing. Counseling can be accessed through provider directories, such as those offered by lipedema foundations, which connect patients to specialists familiar with the condition. It’s recommended to seek one-on-one sessions to achieve mental management milestones, such as overcoming self-blame or dealing with sleep disturbances and concentration issues.
Dr. Darleen is licensed in Florida, Georgia, and Virginia. She additionally offers some non-clinical services including Quantum Success Hypnotherapy across the country and internationally. Reach her at +1 (770) 686-0894 or by email at DrDarleen@orchardhumanservices.org
Therapy for Individuals Living with Lipedema
Support for lipedema encompasses psychological, social, community-based, and physical approaches to improve quality of life. On the psychological side, various forms of therapy can provide support to relieve distress and improve overall quality of life for thrivers with lipedema.
Examples of therapeutic modalities include Mindfulness Practices, Metacognitive Awareness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy [CBT]. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Hypnotherapy are evidence-based strategies that can change negative thought patterns and redirect focus, attention, and emotional state to improve mood and quality of life. Additionally, Cognitive Behavioral and Psychotherapeutic approaches can help thrivers reconcile with the diagnosis, manage social stigma, self-advocate, and incorporate stress management techniques like relaxation, meditation, yoga, and journaling. Psychotherapy and supportive services may also support thrivers to overcome despair, anger, depression, and anxiety post-diagnosis, while promoting a positive outlook and healthy coping mechanisms. Psychological therapy overall aims to integrate into treatment plans to enhance well-being and reduce the synergistic effects of pain and reduced physical activity on mental health.
Physical therapy is equally important, often involving manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), compression garments, and exercises to manage symptoms like swelling, improve circulation, and enhance mobility. These therapies support lifestyle changes and are part of a multidisciplinary approach to reduce inflammation and improve lymphatic flow. Group therapy sessions can combine psychological support with activities like swimming or dancing to foster emotional outlets and peer connections.
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Supportive Services for Individuals Living with Lipedema
Supportive services provide community, education, and resources to help individuals and caregivers navigate lipedema beyond clinical treatment. Support groups, both online (e.g., large Facebook communities with global members) and local, are vital for reducing isolation, sharing experiences, and offering emotional encouragement through events, workshops, and educational sessions. Organizations like the Lipedema Foundation offer patient registries for research participation, clinical trial finders, brochures, videos, and directories to locate providers.
Monthly virtual roundtables, such as the Lipedema Patient Roundtable (held on the third Wednesday at 8:00 PM EST), allow for discussions and access to past sessions for ongoing support.
Additional resources include mental health hotlines like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988), community-based and non-profit organizations that provide support for counseling services, and financial assistance programs like The Loveland Foundation for Black women seeking therapy. These services emphasize a holistic approach, integrating behavioral health into the standard of care through multidisciplinary teams, to empower patients and improve overall well-being.
With all medical conditions, work with your medical provider and add additional supports, services, and resources to you can find your stride to thrive with Lipedema. Dr. Darleen Claire Wodzenski, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor who provides supportive services to the Lipedema community. As a Thriver with Lipedema herself, she brings personal experience and profound compassion to the healing space.
Dr. Darleen is licensed in Florida, Georgia, and Virginia. She additionally offers some non-clinical services including Quantum Success Hypnotherapy internationally. Reach her at (770) 686-0894 or by email at DrDarleen@orchardhumanservices.org
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