Individual & Caregiver Therapy: Getting Your Life Back
When you are living with a chronic illness or navigating the complexities of medical trauma, your world can quickly shrink to the size of a doctor's office. You become a "case number," a set of lab results, or a diagnosis. At Quality Time Institute, we believe the most important part of your journey isn't your symptoms—it's you.
Our specialized therapy for individuals and caregivers is designed to help you move from "survival mode" back into a life of meaning, agency, and connection."
Reclaiming Your Identity After Diagnosis
Living with an invisible illness or a new disability often brings a profound sense of grief for the person you were "before." You may feel betrayed by your body or misunderstood by a world that doesn't see your daily struggle.
We provide a supportive environment where we address the specific challenges of the illness-interrupted life:
- Processing Medical Trauma: Healing from the emotional toll of invasive procedures, medical gaslighting, or a frightening diagnosis.
- Navigating the Grief of “Before”: Honoring the loss of your previous lifestyle while building a sustainable, vibrant “new normal.”
- Managing Health Anxiety & Fatigue: Developing practical tools to manage the “what-ifs” of flares and the cognitive load of chronic illness management.
- Identity Restoration: Rediscovering your hobbies, passions, and purpose outside of your medical status.”
Supporting the Silent Pillar: Caregiver Wellness
Caregiving is a profound act of love, but it often leads to compassion fatigue and caregiver burnout. It is common to feel invisible when the focus is always on your loved one's health.
We help caregivers find their own "soft landing" by providing:
• Burnout Prevention: Strategies to maintain your own mental health while managing the relentless demands of care.
• Processing Anticipatory Grief: A safe space to talk about the complex emotions that come with long-term illness.
• Boundary Setting: Learning how to be a devoted caregiver without losing your sense of self in the process.
A Relational, Illness-Informed Approach
We don't just use "talk therapy." We utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Somatic Awareness to help you reconnect with a body that feels like it has failed you. Our approach is relational, meaning we prioritize the human connection over clinical labels.
Why Choose QTI for Illness Support?
• Telehealth Accessibility: We understand that some days are "low-spoon" days. We offer secure online therapy across California so you can receive support from the comfort of your bed or couch.
• Flexible Pacing: Our sessions respect your energy limits. We meet you where you are, whether you are in a flare or in a season of stability.
• San Diego In-Person Care: For those who prefer face-to-face connection, we offer a calming, accessible space in San Diego.
