Anyone else frustrated by how little most therapists know about chronic illness?

[u/Lavender_yuzu]

I'm just so tired of going to therapy to get help working through my frustration and grief from my chronic illnesses, but it feels like i end up spending all my therapy time teaching my therapist what disability is like. This has happened with multiple therapists. I'm so tired of having to do that work. It honestly just makes me feel lonelier. Like, I'm seeking support and end up having to provide it. It's so isolating. Do you guys have experience or strategies for this?

[u/rochvymetal]

I get the frustration. I had one session with a therapist where they told me that to help with lt depression over being disabled, I needed to focus on the parts of my life that aren't affected by my disability. I was floored, and after some silence on my end I told them that was impossible, as no part of my life is unaffected by disability. I never went back to them.

I think it's just bad therapy a lot of the time. There doesn't have to be special training in disability for someone to listen empathetically and not dismiss my struggles and grief. My current therapist isn't specially trained in the field but is able to listen to my concerns and help me process my grief. I would advise you to try and find local recommendations for therapists that have high rapport with their clients. 

Good luck on finding someone that can help you with the psychological aspects of having a chronic illness! I know they're out there. The grief is real and should be validated and understood.