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Chronic illness is more than a physical battle
Chronic illness is more than a physical experience—it can profoundly impact our mental health, relationships, and sense of
self. In this episode, Ann Kelley sits down with Destiny Davis, LPC, CRC, a therapist specializing in chronic illness, to explore the emotional toll of living with unexplained symptoms, delayed diagnoses, and medical invalidation. Together, they discuss how chronic conditions like MCAS, chronic fatigue, and long COVID challenge our understanding of illness, and why being believed is often an essential part of healing. Through personal experiences and clinical insights, Destiny shares how acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), pacing, and grief work can help individuals navigate chronic illness without losing sight of their values and identity. They also discuss the importance of challenging medical bias, supporting loved ones without trying to fix them, and creating safer, more compassionate therapeutic spaces. Discover why curiosity, validation, and learning to live alongside uncertainty can transform the way we approach chronic illness—both for those experiencing it and those supporting them.
“Even if you recover, you're still in a period of your life right now where you have lost something. Let's grieve that.” – Destiny Davis, LPC CRC
Time Stamps for The Invisible Toll of Chronic Illness: Navigating Medical Dismissal, Grief & Identity with Destiny Davis (316)
02:04 The psychological toll of years without a diagnosis
04:22 Why strict criteria can miss fluctuating conditions
09:32 MCAS: inconsistent triggers and shrinking routines
14:13 Destiny’s experience and post-exertional malaise
18:16 Illness identity, pacing, and learning symptom patterns
23:19 What chronic illness-informed therapy should address
26:17 ACT, transferable skills, and grief for lost identity
31:13 Making room for grief without giving up hope
34:43 How loved ones can stay one step behind
41:54 Therapists: believe patients and build safety
47:28 Disability bias, medical history, and emerging research
54:31 The Chronic Illness Therapist Conference and accessibility
About our Guest – Destiny Davis, LPC CRC
Destiny Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor specializing in chronic illness and medical trauma. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, she draws on ACT, Somatic Experiencing, and lived experience to support individuals navigating complex health challenges. She leads The Chronic Illness Therapists Collective, hosts The Chronic Illness Therapists Podcast, and is a CE provider for other clinicians working in this specialty area.
Resources for The Invisible Toll of Chronic Illness: Navigating Medical Dismissal, Grief & Identity with Destiny Davis (316)
Chronic Illness Therapist 2027 – Conference website and resources
Chronic Ilness Therapist – Destiny's therapy and clinical consultation website
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