Alicia Dorn Counseling

28/01/2025

I’m so excited to offer these groups for the chronically ill community. 🙌🏽

As a chronically ill therapist , I know firsthand the importance of having support, helpful information and tips to get through the daily journey with my MS. 🧡

And with all of the changes that are impacting Americans, and in this case the chronically ill/disabled community, it’s time to surround yourself with hope and a safe space to come to. ❤️

These groups give you the opportunity to be open about your feelings without the guilt of making people feel comfortable. It’s for chronically ill adults who are tired of faking being “fine” and need to take off the mask you wear everyday to coexist in an ableist society. 👀

One of the things I’m most proud to offer with these groups is a workbook and guided recordings made specifically to guide you through what we practice in sessions. 😊

You’ll learn more ways to…
✅ Reduce/manage chronic pain
✅ Bring your mind back to the moment
✅ Grieve all that has changed after your diagnosis
✅ Cope with the sad/dark moments and worries relating to your life with a chronic illness
✅ Express your needs confidently
✅ Set boundaries to protect your mental and physical health

Build community with people who understand what it’s like to have a chronic condition.

Improve your confidence on how to move forward. 💪🏽

Click the link in my bio to enroll. Share this with someone you feel could benefit from it. 🥰

20/12/2024

The holiday season is filled with joy, fulfillment and love for many people. But that's not always the case for your chronically ill loved one.

Here are some ways that you can make this holiday season feel more meaningful and lighter for your loved one.

https://aliciadorncounseling.com/how-to-support-your-chronically-ill-loved-one-during-the-holiday-season/

The holidays are known to be a joyous and anticipated time for many people, but it can be the most stressful times of year for your chronically ill loved one. There are many reasons that the holidays make it difficult for them to celebrate with you. So it’s important to understand specific ways to...

19/11/2024

Have you noticed that life with a chronic condition becomes so overwhelming that your sadness about it turns to anger? 👀

You're not alone. 💔

Anger is one of the most common emotions to experience when dealing with a chronic condition. It's a valid feeling to have, and it can be hard to cope with day to day. 💯

Check out some helpful strategies to cope with your health-related anger so that it does not leave you feeling physically worse. 👇

SHARE it with a loved one who could use the support. 🥰

https://aliciadorncounseling.com/how-to-cope-when-your-sadness-turns-to-anger/

Life with a chronic illness brings on different emotions, and it's vital to allow yourself to cope when feelings of sadness turn to anger.

14/11/2024

Hey y’all!

Quick PSA - Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. 💯

Yep, I said it. 👀

And it’s time we as a society understand more clearly how they’re related so that you can support both sides of your health with a plan.

https://aliciadorncounseling.com/understanding-the-connection-between-chronic-illness-mental-health/

Share this with a loved one today. 🥰

Understanding how your chronic illness and mental health are connected helps you to proactively meet your needs and support long-term health.

05/03/2024

Just wrapped the first of many Bi-Weekly Chronic Illness Group sessions. So powerful! It’s not too late to join if you’re a Maryland resident.

Don’t miss your opportunity for immediate community, support, and skills to cope with all the feelings coming with a chronic condition. 😊

Reserve your spot today.

https://aliciadorncounseling.com/group-counseling/

22/02/2024

Have you been recently diagnosed with a chronic illness? Or perhaps you've been living with an undiagnosed condition for a while and it's been making it harder to feel like yourself? 😫

The journey with a chronic condition can be full of overwhelming changes to your life and how you feel.

But working with a therapist trained in helping you move forward with a chronic condition can enhance your life and give you hope to move forward. 🥰

Read my most recent blog to learn about the benefits of working with a mental health therapist to support you with all of these changes with your health. 👇

https://aliciadorncounseling.com/newly-diagnosed-chronic-illness/

Working with a chronic illness therapist can help you tremendously when you've been newly diagnosed with a chronic condition.

25/01/2024

What’s something you’re grateful for from this week - big or small? Share in the comments. 👇🥰

23/01/2024

Setting long-term goals can be a positive experience for some, but it can also feel like you’re being insensitive, unrealistic or unfair to yourself when living with a chronic illness. And truthfully, it may not be what’s best for you. ❤️

That’s okay. Doing what's best for you will always be better than following along with what everyone else is doing.🥰

Try this instead:
✅ Set a daily goal of intention (big or small) to help you feel more present, fulfilled and connected with yourself.

What are you doing with intention today? Comment below. 👇🏽

22/01/2024

Living with chronic illness can be an emotional and difficult experience. Fortunately, you don't have to live through it alone.❤️

As a therapist living with my own chronic condition (MS🧡), I know firsthand how important it is to be surrounded by supportive people who you don't have to always explain your condition to.

You want to feel seen, understood and encouraged to keep going during the moments of fear, sadness, grief and even anger that comes up relating to your health. 😊

I have two groups that could be of support for you on your journey.🙌

Whether you'd like to build a community of people who "get it," or you'd like to feel more confident in how to handle the difficult moments and health symptoms, we've got you covered. 💯

Schedule your free call with me today and secure your spot. 🥰

16/01/2024

What a moment…

As a person living with Multiple Sclerosis, I stood up and shouted for when she walked onto the stage (from my living room couch). 🙌🏽

Many people likely see her and think, “Well she looks fine. And she has a cane.” 🤔

But what they don’t see is the time it likely took for her to get ready. The thought process of what it will take to walk out on stage appearinge differently to her peers and the world than they’re used to seeing her. The fact that she needed additional support to even get out on the stage, and the reminder that she’s not where she used to be because of her MS. And the reminder of how loved and cherished she is despite of all she’s going through (that others can’t see). Who knows where her energy level was that day or any other invisible symptoms she had at the time?!

It’s an emotional experience to face moments like these. But she faced it with bravery and toughness. She embraced the moment and tried to enjoy herself. 🥰

For all of those who are experiencing these moments of bravery, know that we see and support you. Keep going. 🧡

Try to connect with people, things and experiences that give your life meaning and joy. It’s sometimes a battle to get there, but those lemons could absolutely be worth the squeeze in the end. ☺️

Christina Applegate received a standing ovation when she made a rare public appearance to present the first award at the Emmys. Applegate, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2021 and who was nominated for her role in “Dead to Me,” was visibly overcome by the audience support. https://nyti.ms/48RFLvi