Women’s Mental Health Care Integrating Nervous System Regulation, Boundary-Setting Guidance, and Trauma-Informed Therapy to Address trauma-related pain, complex illness, exhaustion, and Support Optimal Wellbeing.

At this boutique therapy practice, I support women living with chronic, complex, or “mystery” illnesses—helping you navigate the emotional, cognitive, and physical impact of long-term health conditions. When the medical path feels fragmented, therapy becomes a space for integration, meaning, and emotional repair, supporting mind-body healing, nervous system regulation, and restoration of identity.

I specialize in women’s mental health during midlife transitions, perimenopause, and menopause, as well as the emotional and physiological challenges of chronic illness and chronic pain.

Research suggests that chronic stress and unresolved trauma can contribute to long-term nervous system dysregulation, immune imbalance, and inflammatory processes. For some individuals, this may overlap with the development or persistence of certain complex or chronic health conditions. Psychotherapy does not treat medical illness, but can support regulation, resilience, and coping alongside appropriate medical care.

Understanding the Impact of Chronic Illness on Women’s Mental Health

Women who are high-functioning externally often struggle internally with anxiety, depression, overwhelm, and fatigue caused by chronic or complex illness. Chronic health conditions can disrupt the nervous system, leaving the body in a constant state of hypervigilance and stress, which amplifies both emotional distress and physical symptoms.

At our practice, we provide a thoughtful, evidence-based, integrative approach that addresses the full scope of your experience—mind, body, and sense of self.

Complex & Chronic Conditions Commonly Associated With Nervous System Dysregulation and Chronic Stress

Mast Cell / Histamine-Related Conditions

• Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)

• Histamine intolerance

• Chronic allergic-type reactions without clear cause

Autonomic Nervous System Disorders

• Dysautonomia

• Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

• Orthostatic intolerance

• Vasovagal syncope

Chronic Fatigue & Energy Disorders

• Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)

• Post-viral fatigue syndromes

• Long COVID

Pain & Sensory Processing Conditions

• Fibromyalgia

• Chronic widespread pain

• Central sensitization syndromes

• Migraine disorders

• Tension-type headaches

Gastrointestinal Disorders

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Functional dyspepsia

• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

• Chronic nausea or motility disorders

Autoimmune & Inflammatory Conditions (Stress-Responsive)

• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

• Graves’ disease

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Lupus

• Psoriasis

• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis)

Pelvic & Genitourinary Conditions

• Interstitial cystitis / painful bladder syndrome

• Vulvodynia

• Chronic pelvic pain

Endocrine & Hormonal Dysregulation

• Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation

• Perimenopausal and menopausal symptom amplification

• Stress-related menstrual irregularities

Neurological / Functional Disorders

• Functional neurological symptom disorder (FND)

• Non-epileptic seizures (PNES)

• Chronic dizziness

• Brain fog / cognitive dysfunction

Cardiometabolic Stress-Linked Conditions

• Hypertension influenced by stress

• Metabolic syndrome influenced by chronic stress

Psychiatric & Neurobehavioral Conditions Commonly Intertwined With Trauma

• Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)

• Panic disorder

• Health anxiety

• Somatic symptom disorder

• Depression with somatic features

• Dissociative symptoms

These conditions are medical in nature and require appropriate evaluation and treatment by qualified healthcare providers. Trauma-informed psychotherapy does not diagnose or treat medical illness. Mental health treatment may support nervous system regulation, stress reduction, emotional processing, and quality of life, and may be used as a complementary component of care.

Why Nervous System Regulation Matters

The limbic system, which governs mood, stress response, sleep, pain perception, and emotional resilience, is often dysregulated in chronic illness. Dysregulation can contribute to:

• Anxiety, panic, or emotional numbness

• Depression and mood instability

• Chronic fatigue and low energy

• Sleep disruption and circadian rhythm issues

• Heightened pain sensitivity and inflammation

• Brain fog, memory challenges, and cognitive overwhelm

• Feeling unsafe or disconnected from your own body

Traditional talk therapy alone often isn’t enough. A nervous system-informed, integrative approach supports recalibration, healing, and emotional resilience.

Trauma, Chronic Stress, and Complex Illness

Chronic stress and trauma—whether from life experiences, medical trauma, or ongoing illness—can amplify physical symptoms and lead to medically unexplained conditions. Effects include:

• Immune system dysregulation and chronic inflammation

• Neuroendocrine disruption (cortisol, adrenaline, neurotransmitters)

• Heightened pain perception and central sensitization

• Sleep, digestive, and energy regulation challenges

• Emotional symptoms such as anxiety, depression, PTSD

• Behavioral patterns that reinforce chronic illness symptoms

Psychosomatic symptoms are real, rooted in neurobiology, and integrative therapy helps retrain the nervous system, reduce symptom intensity, and restore a sense of safety.

Integrative Therapy Approach

Our therapy blends evidence-based psychotherapy with mind-body techniques to support adults and midlife women navigating chronic illness, perimenopause, menopause, and complex conditions. Interventions may include:

• Limbic system retraining and nervous system regulation

• Trauma-informed somatic therapy

• EMDR for trauma and pain-related nervous system sensitization

• Internal Family Systems (IFS) parts work

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) strategies for anxiety and pain management

• Mindfulness, breathwork, and grounding techniques

• Support for perimenopause and menopause transitions

This integrative approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of mental health, hormonal health, and physical symptoms, helping women feel seen, validated, and supported.

Who Benefits from This Work

This therapy is designed for women and adults who are:

• Living with chronic illness, autoimmune conditions, or chronic pain

• Experiencing fatigue, brain fog, sleep disruption, or emotional overwhelm

• Navigating “mystery illness” or medically unexplained symptoms

• High-functioning on the outside but feeling overwhelmed internally

• Experiencing identity loss, grief, or difficulty setting boundaries due to illness

Many clients appear resilient but are quietly struggling with the emotional and physical toll of chronic illness. Therapy helps restore self-compassion, boundaries, and a sense of agency.

Conditions Commonly Supported in Therapy

We provide support for chronic, complex, and functional conditions, including:

• Long COVID & post-vaccination syndrome

• ME/CFS, POTS, EDS, MCAS, dysautonomia

• Fibromyalgia and chronic pain syndromes

• Autoimmune disorders (Hashimoto’s, Sjogren’s, RA)

• Migraines, neuropathic pain, and headaches

• Endometriosis, PCOS, and other women’s health conditions

• Chronic fatigue and sleep disorders

• Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS)

• Central sensitization and functional neurological conditions

How Therapy Supports Healing

Therapy for chronic illness addresses emotional, nervous system, and mind-body aspects of your experience. Benefits include:

• Reducing symptom intensity via nervous system regulation

• Improving stress tolerance and emotional resilience

• Enhancing body awareness and safety

• Managing pain and movement-related fears (kinesiophobia)

• Improving sleep, energy, and lifestyle habits

• Processing grief, identity loss, and life transitions

• Strengthening boundaries, self-advocacy, and confidence

• Restoring a sense of meaning, purpose, and self

Setting Healthy Boundaries for Women with Chronic Illness

Boundary-setting is central to emotional resilience and self-care when living with chronic illness. Therapy helps women:

• Communicate needs effectively with healthcare providers and loved ones

• Protect energy and prioritize recovery without guilt

• Reduce emotional overwhelm and compassion fatigue

• Build sustainable routines that support nervous system regulation

Finding the Right Chronic Illness Therapist in NYC

The right therapist for chronic illness provides compassionate, structured, and flexible support that meets your unique emotional, physical, and medical needs. Consider:

• Experience with chronic illness, autoimmune conditions, and women’s health

• Trauma-informed, somatic, and integrative approaches

• Nervous system–focused therapy and mind-body healing techniques

• Telehealth or in-person sessions designed for high-touch support

Virtual therapy is available throughout NYC, New York State, and worldwide, providing accessible, personalized care.

What to Expect in Therapy

Sessions are tailored to your symptoms, goals, and nervous system needs, and may include:

• Somatic regulation and grounding

• Trauma-informed emotional processing

• Mind-body medicine and lifestyle integration

• Evidence-based psychotherapy tools

• Ongoing stabilization and nervous system integration

Most clients experience relief, clarity, and increased resilience from the very first session.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Women’s Mental Health & Complex Medical Conditions in New York City

What is meant by women’s mental health in the context of complex medical conditions?
Women’s mental health in the context of complex medical conditions refers to the psychological, emotional, and relational impact of living with chronic, multi-system, or difficult-to-diagnose health issues. This includes addressing stress, grief, identity shifts, trauma, and nervous system dysregulation that often accompany ongoing medical challenges.

What are considered complex medical conditions?
Complex medical conditions may include chronic illnesses, autoimmune disorders, endocrine or hormonal conditions, chronic pain syndromes, neurological conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, and other multi-system or overlapping health issues.

How can psychotherapy help when symptoms are medical?
Psychotherapy does not treat medical disease. It supports emotional processing, coping skills, stress regulation, and psychological resilience related to living with health challenges. Mental health support can reduce distress and improve quality of life.

Is this type of therapy suggesting my symptoms are “all psychological”?
No. Physical symptoms are real. Therapy recognizes the bidirectional relationship between body and mind and focuses on the emotional and psychological impact of illness—not on explaining away physical symptoms.

What mental health concerns are common among women with complex medical conditions?
Common concerns include:

• Anxiety and health-related worry

• Depression or low mood

• Grief and loss of previous functioning

• Trauma related to medical experiences

• Burnout and exhaustion

• Identity shifts

• Relationship strain

• Sleep disturbance

• Increased emotional sensitivity

What is women’s health–informed psychotherapy?
Women’s health–informed psychotherapy integrates standard mental health treatment with an understanding of hormonal transitions, reproductive life stages, chronic illness stress, and systemic healthcare challenges women often face.

What therapeutic approaches are used?
Depending on your needs, therapy may integrate:

• Psychodynamic psychotherapy

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Trauma-informed therapy

• Attachment-based therapy

• Mindfulness-based approaches

• Somatic-informed strategies

• Integrative psychotherapy

Treatment is individualized and guided by clinical assessment.

Can therapy help with medical trauma?
Yes. Many women experience trauma related to medical procedures, diagnostic delays, dismissive care, or frightening health events. Trauma-informed therapy can help process these experiences.

Do you provide medical diagnosis or treatment?
No. I do not diagnose or treat medical conditions. When appropriate, collaboration or referral to medical providers may be recommended.

Can therapy be combined with medical care?
Yes. Many clients participate in psychotherapy while also working with physicians or specialists. With consent, care coordination may occur.

Is this therapy appropriate for high-functioning women?
Yes. Many high-functioning women seek support when health challenges begin affecting performance, confidence, emotional regulation, or identity.

Is this therapy short-term or long-term?
Both are possible. Some clients seek focused support around specific stressors, while others engage in longer-term therapy.

Do you offer telehealth for women’s mental health and medical complexity?
Yes. Psychotherapy is offered via secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth for clients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and throughout New York State.

How is this different from health coaching?
Psychotherapy is mental health treatment provided by a licensed clinician and may include assessment and diagnosis. Coaching focuses on goal-setting and behavior change and does not involve mental health treatment.

What if I’m unsure whether my distress is medical, psychological, or both?
Many concerns involve both physical and psychological factors. An initial consultation can help clarify contributing elements and determine appropriate next steps.

Can therapy help if doctors have not found clear answers?
Yes. Therapy can support coping with uncertainty, frustration, and emotional distress associated with undiagnosed or poorly understood symptoms.

How do I get started?
You may request an initial consultation to discuss your concerns and determine whether women’s health–informed psychotherapy is a good fit.

Take the First Step

If you are a woman navigating chronic illness, complex symptoms, or midlife transitions, you don’t have to manage the emotional and physical impact alone.

Book a consultation today to begin your journey toward mind-body healing, nervous system regulation, and emotional resilience.