Understanding Autoimmune Disease: A Therapist’s Guide to Invisible Illness

Understanding Autoimmune Disease: A Therapist’s Guide to Invisible Illness is a comprehensive resource tailored specifically for therapists, counselors, and psychologists working with clients affected by autoimmune conditions.

Autoimmune diseases are complex, often invisible, and deeply misunderstood--not just by the public, but sometimes even within the medical community. For those living with these chronic illnesses, the emotional toll can be just as debilitating as the physical symptoms. From the uncertainty of pre-diagnosis to the life-altering reality of post-diagnosis, individuals face a unique set of psychological challenges that require informed, compassionate care.

This guide empowers mental health professionals to better understand the lived experience of autoimmune disease. It offers practical insights into the emotional, cognitive, and social impacts of these conditions, and provides tools to foster trust, validation, and healing in the therapeutic relationship.

Whether you’re a clinician seeking to deepen your understanding or someone navigating the mental health effects of autoimmune illness, Understanding Autoimmune Disease bridges the gap between physical and emotional care--helping clients feel seen, supported, and truly understood.

Nicoletta Skoufalos, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in New York City where she works with adults and couples. She received her PhD from Fordham University and trained in multiple New York City hospitals and institutions where she had opportunities to work with patients who had various medical conditions. She currently specializes in working with people who live with chronic medical illnesses, primarily autoimmune diseases and gynecological conditions.

Sue Gloor is the Northeast Division Vice President of the Lupus Foundation of America and has worked with them for over 15 years. She has also served as a National Director at several voluntary health nonprofits including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, The Foundation Fighting Blindness and Autism Speaks.

Cristina Dorazio, PhD, is a New York State licensed psychologist. At her private practice, Unity Psychological Consulting, PLLC, she provides individual and couples therapy to adults who are navigating a variety of chronic health concerns related to their reproductive health. She earned her Doctorate from Columbia University and has published in the Encyclopedia of Counseling as well as Training and Education in Professional Psychology.