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Common Psychological Responses
Beginning Therapy
These responses can vary depending on the nature of the experience, its ongoing consequences, and the support available during recovery.
Fear of Further Injury or Illness
Feeling unusually concerned about new symptoms, additional medical complications, or the possibility of another health emergency.
Distressing Medical Memories
Experiencing unwanted memories, nightmares, or strong emotional reactions connected to an accident, hospitalization, or medical procedure.
Changes in Independence & Identity
Struggling to adjust when physical limitations, changes in mobility, or new care needs affect your sense of autonomy.
Uncertainty About the Future
Finding it difficult to make plans or feel confident when recovery, prognosis, or long-term functioning remains uncertain.
Difficulty Trusting Your Body
Feeling disconnected from your body, apprehensive about physical sensations, or uncertain about what activities are safe.
Changes in Relationships & Daily Life
Experiencing frustration, isolation, or difficulty adjusting to changes in family roles, work, intimacy, and everyday responsibilities.
When a Medical Experience Changes More Than Your Health
Beyond Physical Recovery
The psychological effects of serious illness or injury are not always immediately apparent. While attention may initially center on medical treatment and physical recovery, emotional difficulties can emerge during hospitalization, rehabilitation, or the transition back into everyday life.
Psychological Care Informed by Medical and Rehabilitation Settings
Psychological Care Informed By Professional Experience
Adjusting to a serious injury or significant medical condition can involve challenges that extend beyond the original event. Changes in physical functioning, prolonged rehabilitation, uncertainty about recovery, and shifts in independence may all affect psychological well-being. Dr. Andreski's clinical training includes postdoctoral experience at the VA Long Beach Healthcare System involving spinal cord injury and disease. This background provides relevant experience with the psychological considerations that can accompany serious physical health conditions and changes in functioning. Her approach recognizes the importance of understanding both the emotional effects of a medical experience and the practical realities of living with its consequences.
How Therapy Can Support Adjustment and Recovery
Evidence-based therapy with Dr. Andreski
Psychological treatment can help individuals address emotional distress, changes in daily functioning, and the ongoing psychological effects of serious injury or medical experiences.
Medical emergencies, invasive procedures, or frightening periods of hospitalization can leave individuals with distressing memories and emotional responses. Treatment may address the ways these experiences continue affecting your sense of safety and well-being.
Processing Distressing Medical Experiences
A serious injury or medical condition may affect mobility, independence, employment, and participation in familiar activities. Therapy can provide support as you navigate these changes and consider how to adapt to new circumstances.
Adjusting to Changes in Physical Functioning
Uncertainty about recovery, future health, or the possibility of additional complications can become psychologically exhausting. Treatment may help you understand these concerns and develop more effective ways of responding to uncertainty.
Addressing Fear and Uncertainty
Changes in physical health can affect how individuals view themselves and their roles within families, relationships, and professional life. Therapy may address these adjustments and the emotional difficulties that accompany them.
Navigating Changes in Identity and Relationships
Rehabilitation and ongoing medical care can involve demanding routines, setbacks, and periods of frustration. Psychological treatment may help individuals address distress, adapt to changing expectations, and identify ways to support their well-being throughout the process.
Supporting Psychological Well-Being During Rehabilitation
Individualized Treatment Plan
The focus of treatment is determined by your clinical needs, circumstances, and goals. Psychological care may complement medical treatment and rehabilitation but does not replace either.
Care That Takes Your Medical Experience Into Account
Beginning Therapy
You do not need to have completed physical recovery or received a particular psychological diagnosis before discussing your concerns with a psychologist. Initial appointments provide an opportunity to explore your medical experience, current psychological symptoms, and the ways your health circumstances may be affecting everyday life. Dr. Andreski works collaboratively with clients to identify treatment priorities and determine an appropriate psychological approach. Depending on your needs, therapy may focus on distressing memories, emotional adjustment, changes in functioning, or the ongoing challenges associated with a medical condition. When appropriate and with your authorization, coordination with other healthcare professionals may also be considered as part of your broader care.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist | Secure Telehealth Across California
Common Questions About Psychological Care After Injury or Illness
Questions about Medical Trauma Therapy
Medical trauma refers to psychological distress associated with frightening, overwhelming, or potentially traumatic medical experiences. These may include serious accidents, emergency treatment, hospitalization, invasive procedures, or other significant health events. Responses vary, and not everyone who experiences medical trauma develops PTSD.
Yes. Psychological responses to serious injury may continue after physical healing or emerge later as individuals return to everyday activities and adjust to changes in their lives.
No. Psychological treatment may be appropriate for individuals experiencing distress, difficulty adjusting, fear, or changes in daily functioning even when they do not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.
Therapy may help address the psychological challenges associated with long-term health conditions, changes in physical functioning, and adjustments to daily life. Treatment does not reverse physical injuries or replace medical care.
Certain psychological treatments can be delivered through secure telehealth appointments when clinically appropriate. Suitability depends on your individual needs, health circumstances, and the type of treatment recommended.
When a Medical Experience Changes More Than Your Health
Beyond Physical Recovery
The psychological effects of serious illness or injury are not always immediately apparent. While attention may initially center on medical treatment and physical recovery, emotional difficulties can emerge during hospitalization, rehabilitation, or the transition back into everyday life.
FAITH BASED THERAPY
Integrating Spirituality Into Treatment (Optional)
For clients who wish to include faith as part of their healing journey, Dr. Andreski offers faith-based therapy upon request. Sessions may incorporate prayer, spiritial reflection, or scriptural principles alongside evidence-based modalities, honoring both psychological and spiritual dimensions of recovery.
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT WITH DR. SARAH-RAE ANDRESKI
Request an appointment
SERIOUS INJURY & MEDICAL TRAUMA
Online Psychological Care in California
Psychological Support Following Life-Changing Health Experiences
Dr. Sarah-Rae Andreski provides online psychological care for adults throughout California navigating the emotional effects of serious injury, medical trauma, and significant changes in physical health.