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Hidden Battles: Providing Affirming Care for Chronic Pain & Health Conditions with Destiny Davis, LPC NCC CRC

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button.

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Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGiAIGmPUk/DsnOLxllLGUabpMtUVoo3g/edit?utm_content=DAGiAIGmPUk&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber sits down with Destiny Davis, LPC, CRC, to explore the complex psychological and emotional effects of chronic illness. Destiny is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Rehabilitation Counselor specializing in chronic illness and disability counseling, based in Atlanta, Georgia. With a background as a family liaison in intensive outpatient therapy, she has deep expertise in connecting individuals with their support systems.

Destiny shares insights into how chronic illness impacts identity, relationships, and mental health, and discusses the critical role of disability-affirming and trauma-informed care. She breaks down how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Somatic Experiencing

can be powerful tools for helping clients navigate the challenges of invisible illnesses while fostering resilience, self-compassion, and meaningful engagement in life.

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Key topics covered in this episode:

  • Understanding the biopsychosocial framework in clinical assessment and treatment for chronic illness
  • The impact of grief, loss, and identity shifts for individuals managing chronic pain and long-term conditions
  • Addressing systemic barriers in healthcare, including medical gaslighting and disability stigma
  • How ACT helps clients increase psychological flexibility and engage in valued activities despite physical limitations
  • The role of somatic work, mindfulness, and boundary-setting in chronic illness management
  • Practical strategies for therapists to provide accessible and inclusive support for clients with chronic conditions
  • Navigating medical trauma and self-advocacy in healthcare settings

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About Our Guest:

Destiny leads therapeutic groups for adults, adolescents, and parents, focusing on relationships, community integration, and the mind-body connection. She is also the host of The Chronic Illness Therapist Podcast, where she provides accessible mental health resources for the chronic illness community.

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Connect with Destiny Davis:

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Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional.

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