Molly Steinfeld

Licensed Master Social Worker|Clinically Supervised

As someone living with a chronic health condition, I know the importance of holding space for the challenges that individuals face when managing their own care while celebrating the often ignored strengths it takes to do so. I understand that we live hectic lives that require flexibility and compassion but that therapy also thrives when there is structure and challenge. People with chronic health conditions are forced into systems that require them to show up every day to defend themselves and demand high quality treatment. These systems discriminate and gate keep, leaving disproportionate outcomes in their wake. I want to provide space for grief, frustration, exhaustion, anger; all inevitable reactions to existing within these systems. There is also room for humor and joy. Living with a chronic health condition can be a deeply isolating experience. Requiring rest, avoiding burdening others with your pain, and conserving energy for “productivity” can all be reasons that chronic health patients shrink into themselves throughout the course of their treatment. Fear of being misunderstood, pitied, or questioned by others can lead us to believe it is better to suffer silently. I want to honor those fears and also to challenge them. Chronic health conditions require us to be constantly flexible, always ready to adapt to the next challenge. I want to provide space to grieve that mandate while celebrating the resilience that it encourages.