Dr. Ann Becker-Schutte; Healthy Balanced Life Psychology, LLC

My practice specialties include: coping with serious illness as a patient or caregiver; life transitions; grief & loss; adoption and infertility. Serious illness creates unique social and emotional challenges--both for the diagnosed patient and for those who are primary caregivers or family members. Throughout my practice, I have sought extra training and engagement with members of both patient and caregiver communities to help me better understand and support individuals who are dealing with these challenges. I often work with patients who have diagnoses of conditions such as MS, diabetes, or cancer, as well as a variety of rare diseases. Even positive changes in life, such as a new job or a move, create significant stress. During those transitions, therapy can be a useful tool to help manage that stress. While grief is a normal part of the human experience, we often lack appropriate support during times of loss. This can be especially true with a complicated loss such as divorce, the suicide of a loved one, or the loss of a child--particularly through stillbirth or miscarriage. After a loss, therapy becomes a space where it is safe to explore the full range of your feelings. Infertility creates multiple challenges for couples and families. These challenges can be very difficult to discuss with friends or other members of your natural support system. I provide support to both individuals and couples as they navigate these issues.