In our continuing interview series, we will get a chance to hear today from Doctor Deb who is not only a popular blogger but is also a mental health professional. Anyone who deals with a chronic illness such as Multiple Sclerosis will undoubtedly have some emotional challenges to overcome. Doctor Deb provides her expertise and experience with how to best cope with some of these psychological challenges.
I now present to you...Doctor Deborah Serani
BIO: Dr. Deborah Serani is a psychologist who practices in New York. Her specialties involve depression and trauma, and she has published many articles on these subjects. She is also an adjunct professor at Adelphi University where she teaches pathology and psychoanalysis at the graduate level. Dr. Serani has also been a technical advisor for the television show, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and serves as a media consult for the American Psychological Association.
Name: Deborah Serani, Psy.D.
Occupation: Psychologist
Type of therapy you do: Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
Blog name and title: Dr. Deb: Psychological Perspectives
1. When a patient comes to see you and tells you that they have a chronic lifelong illness such as Multiple Sclerosis, what sorts of issues do you think you will most likely work on with this person?
Chronic illness is a significant issue that impacts greatly on a person's life. Managing medical issues and finding a meaningful quality of life are usually the main focus in the therapy I do. I think it is so vital to have realistic goals when dealing with chronic illness and disease, as well as to touch upon the sadness and loss that often accompany the trajectory of such illnesses.
2. In your experience, what impact does having a chronic illness have upon a person's primary relationships?
Chronic illness has a profound impact on a person's nuclear and extended family, as well as with friends and coworkers. It is extremely important for family and friends to understand as much as possible about the chronic illness. I often encourage patients to share the day to day intricacies, challenges and frustration not only in words, but by showing with "living examples", so that others can comprehend the breadth and depth of what goes on. Ignorance is a common fall-out with chronic illness -- as many do not truly understand that a good day can be followed by a bad one. Or that just because you see me smiling doesn't mean that I am not being challenged at this very moment. Chronic illnesses that are not "visible" (i.e. Sarcoidosis, Epstein Barr) receive less understanding than those which are more obvious (i.e. Multiple Sclerosis, Psoriasis or Huntington's Chorea). Fighting the stigma that often accompanies chronic illness is a big part of the work that I do.
