
Life With Chronic Illness Is Forever Changing
You Don’t Have To Go Through It Alone
Find Relief and Healing with Compassionate Online Therapy
Embrace Life Beyond Chronic Illness
Living with a chronic illness is a journey of constant change, filled with unexpected challenges and profound transformations. The life you once envisioned may feel distant, and the path ahead can seem uncertain.

If you're grappling with the emotional and psychological impacts of chronic illness, you're not alone.
Many individuals experience:
Anxiety
Depression
Grief
Uncertainty
Recognizing these struggles is the first step toward healing. At Anam Cara Counseling we help you navigate these challenges and find a path forward through ACCEPTANCE and COMMITMENT.
Finally, Telehealth Therapy So You Can Cope and Thrive
Cope with the Emotional Toll of Chronic Illness - let’s work together to process emotions like frustration, grief, and anxiety that accompany long-term health conditions
Develop Practical Strategies for Daily Life – Learn coping skills to manage stress, maintain relationships, and set achievable goals that honor where you are today.
Find Acceptance and Peace of Mind – Therapy will help you embrace where you are in your journey, letting go of self-blame and unrealistic expectations.
Commit to a Long-Term Mental Health Plan – Chronic illness is an ongoing battle, and our therapeutic approach helps you develop a sustainable mental health care routine. You’ll have the tools to adapt and thrive in a way that works for your ever-changing life.
Offering the same high-quality, compassionate care you'd receive in an office, but with the added comfort and convenience of virtual sessions. Through these services, you'll be able to:
Working with people who are chronically ill is close to my heart because I live with chronic illness, too. I was diagnosed with a neuromuscular disease at fourteen, and since then, my life has been filled with doctor's appointments, hospital stays, and constant pain.
I understand how exhausting and overwhelming it is to adjust to a “new normal,” especially when simple tasks like chores, errands, or maintaining relationships feel impossible.
Becoming a counselor was my way of channeling my experiences into something positive. I’ve learned that managing chronic illness is about more than just coping—it’s about finding joy, support, and meaning in your daily life. I know what it’s like to live with feelings of grief, guilt, and anxiety, but I also believe in taking life one step at a time.
My approach is to help you build your own personalized toolbox, filled with practical tools, support systems, and mindfulness strategies that help you live better, despite the challenges. Together, we’ll work to create a life where you feel more in control and supported.
Hi, I’m Karen Helmes!
Telehealth Available For Those Living In New Jersey And Virginia
Most Major Insurances Accepted Including:
Acceptance doesn’t mean resignation; it means understanding that something is what it is and that there’s got to be a way through it.
Michael J. Fox
With compassionate support and a personalized approach, you can regain control of your chronic illness and find peace—even in the midst of uncertainty.
You deserve to live well.
Take the first step toward feeling more in control of your life.