CHRONICTALK

Finding Wholeness Within Illness

We are living in a moment of widespread nervous system dysregulation. Chronic stress, uncertainty and rapid change have become daily experiences.

When someone is already overwhelmed and encounters chronic illness or a traumatic medical event, the impact becomes even more destabilizing. Patients are no longer struggling only with symptoms — they are struggling with fear, overwhelm and the loss of internal orientation.

Information alone does not regulate a nervous system.

Understanding does.

How We Help

Connection

Discover online and in-person communities for patients with chronic illnesses, healthcare providers and caregivers.

Conversation

Participate in or simply listen to discussions on topics that affect individuals living with chronic illness.

Clarity

Learn about finding wholeness within illness from blogs, videos, podcasts and other resources.

What We Offer

Chronic-Talk-Community ^{Artwork by Beth Johnson}

CHRONICTALK

Community

Community Our support groups encourage participants to learn and share with others who are seeking wholeness within illness. A monthly fee includes:

Participation in a monthly online topical group support session. (Recorded for access if you are unable to attend on a certain day.)
Access to informative weekly emails.
Subscription to CHRONICTALK resources, including podcasts, blogs, book purchases, recommended reading and videos.
Membership to a private Facebook page for ongoing connection and discussion.

LEARN MORE

Chronic-Talk-Provider-2 ^{Artwork by Maria Gray-Gerhart}

CHRONICTALK

Provider Services

Chronic-Talk-Provider Our mental health continuing education and training for nurses and other front-line providers enhances their work with chronically ill patients. Our services include:

Staff workshops on relevant mental health topics related to chronic illness.
Retainer programs featuring customized mental health education for practices that provide clinical services to chronically ill patients.
Process to refer chronically ill patients into our CHRONICTALK COMMUNITY program.

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Beth Johnson LMFT, LCSW

Beth has been a family therapist for more than three decades and was the founder and clinical director of a family therapy practice.

She has learned therapy secrets that help providers and patients engage in courageous conversations to reinvent possibilities from challenges.

She has helped chronically ill patients become centered and deal with the emotions of their new normal. She is an accomplished artist and published author. Her artwork is featured in our Arete Purpose office and throughout our website

MEET BETH

Beth Johnson LMFT, LCSW l Arête Purpose Consulting

Maria Gray-Gerhart PhD

Maria was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 2001, her first year of teaching, and she has battled the chronic illness and its effects more in recent years.

After losing her position due to an employer's lack of support during a difficult season of her illness, she became an informal advocate for those dealing with chronic health conditions.

She is a published author and artist. Always searching out the best in bad situations, Maria writes and creates for herself as much as for others.

MEET MARIA

FAQ

Chronic Illness Trauma

1. What is Chronic Illness Trauma?

It is the ongoing emotional and nervous-system stress that comes from living with long-term illness, repeated medical experiences, uncertainty and loss of control over one’s body.

2. How is it different from PTSD?

Unlike a single traumatic event, chronic illness trauma is cumulative. It develops over time through repeated stress, symptoms, medical encounters, and disruptions to identity and daily life.

3. What are common signs of Chronic Illness Trauma?

Hypervigilance to symptoms, medical anxiety, exhaustion, grief, emotional numbing, difficulty trusting the body and feeling unseen or dismissed by others or providers.

4. Can medical care itself be traumatic?

Yes. Dismissal, misdiagnosis, invasive procedures, lack of consent or not being believed can deeply affect a person’s sense of safety and trust.

5. What helps with healing chronic illness trauma?

Access to clear information reduces fear and self-blame, while a sense of community counters isolation and restores safety. Together, they help people feel understood, supported, and less alone in navigating chronic illness trauma.

CHRONICTALK

Finding Wholeness Within Illness

Understanding does.

Who We Help

People Dealing With Chronic Illness and Are Seeking Wisdom, Resilience and Support

Their Providers

Their Caregivers

How We Help

Connection

Conversation

Clarity

What We Offer

CHRONICTALK

Community

CHRONICTALK

Provider Services

CHRONICTALK

Resources

Our Facilitators

Beth Johnson LMFT, LCSW

Maria Gray-Gerhart PhD

FAQ

Chronic Illness Trauma

Let's Talk