Beyond the Surface: Navigating Life with Invisible Disabilities

Living with chronic illness or disability can be exhausting and lonely, but you deserve care and support. You do not have to go through it alone. 

I am James Reling (he/him), a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). A CRC specializes in working with disabilities. My training and experience have helped me support people with both physical and mental health conditions, and my practice is grounded in disability justice, social justice, and a neurodiversity-affirming lens.

A Space of Empathy and Understanding

Living with chronic illness or disability often brings isolation, disbelief, and invalidation. You may be navigating fatigue, pain, or unpredictable health while also carrying the emotional weight of not being seen or understood. I aim to provide a safe, compassionate, and affirming space where your experience is respected, validated, and taken seriously.

A Mindfulness and Body-Centered Approach

I bring a somatic (body-based) and mindfulness perspective to therapy. This means we pay attention not only to your thoughts, but also to your body and nervous system. Together we can explore: 

• The signals and cues your body is giving you
• The impact of illness and disability on relationships, identity, and emotions
• Mindfulness and regulation tools that meet your unique needs
• Ways to restore connection and ease the frustration you might feel with your body

Supporting Invisible Disabilities

I specialize in working with individuals who live with invisible disabilities, conditions that are not always obvious to others. This includes chronic pain, fatigue, and illnesses such as Fibromyalgia, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), migraines, Gastroparesis, IBS and other GI concerns, among others. Together, we can address the stress of masking symptoms, the challenge of not being believed, and the exhaustion of advocating for yourself.

Navigating the Healthcare System

Many clients I work with have been dismissed by medical professionals or felt unseen by therapists and loved ones. In our work, we make space for the grief, anger, and exhaustion that come from these experiences. We also look for practical strategies to navigate healthcare with more empowerment and clarity, such as preparing for appointments, communicating with doctors, and building supportive networks.

A Journey Toward Empowerment

My practice is guided by the social model of disability, which emphasizes that barriers in society, rather than your body alone, create disability. Therapy can be a place to reclaim your voice, explore intersecting identities, and build resilience in the face of challenges. I also bring expertise in supporting neurodivergent adults, honoring how neurodivergence often overlaps with chronic illness and disability experiences. I recognize that experiences of disability are also shaped by race, gender, sexuality, and culture.

Next Step

If you are seeking support, we will work to restore connection with your body, strengthen resilience, and find empowerment in your unique story. Schedule a free 20-minute consultation and let us see if working together feels supportive.