“We don’t have to do it alone.
We were never meant to.”
- Brené Brown
Diabetes Therapy
Every day a person wakes up with diabetes, they and their families work harder than most people just to get through the day. Even for those who make it look easy, the demands of diabetes can impact a person’s mood, personal communication, and ability to reach their goals. From diagnosis, through child and adolescent development, and into adulthood, Dr. Sabrina Stutz understands the unique challenges of diabetes, and partners with you to overcome barriers and balance your priorities.
Adjusting to a New Diabetes Diagnosis
Coping with Diagnosis | Adjustment after Honeymoon | Emotional Expression | Changes in Personal Identity | Changes in Family Roles & Schedules
Diabetes Burnout & Distress
Diabetes Distress & Burnout | Stress Reduction | Depression & Anxiety | Diabetes Shame & Guilt | Medical Trauma | Coping Skill Development
Parenting a Child with Diabetes
Parent Coping & Support | Supporting Your Child | Increasing Your Child’s Compliance | Problem-Solving | Guidance on Developmental Transitions with Diabetes
Diabetes Family Communication
Distribution of Diabetes Responsibility | Sibling Support | Increasing Truthful Communication Around Diabetes | Balancing Family Wellness and Diabetes Responsibilities
Needle Fatigue, Phobias, & Site Changes
Increasing Tolerance of CGM Placement or Site Change | Needle or Injection Phobia | Tolerating Injection Pain | Reducing Tantrums Around Diabetes Tasks
Diabetes Self-Management & Health
Motivation | Achieving Goals (e.g., driver’s license) | Building a Healthy Routine | Fear of Hypoglycemia | Eating Behaviors (e.g., restricting carbs, “diabulimia”)
Diabetes School Advocacy
Consulting with Schools | Special Education Advocacy | 504/IEP Accommodations | Problem-Solving Support | Non-Judgmental Language Around Diabetes Training
Young Adulthood & Diabetes Transitions
Transition to College | Independence in Diabetes Tasks | Disclosing Diabetes (e.g., to romantic partners, new boss) | Safety & Risky Behaviors | Self-Advocacy at Work
Diabetes Mental Wellness Check-ups
Research shows that those with diabetes are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Meet with Dr. Stutz, periodically, to ensure healthy development and early detection/prevention of concerning symptoms.
A Therapist Who Gets It.
Dr. Sabrina Stutz has provided diabetes-informed and diabetes-focused therapy since 2013, and has worked alongside endocrinologists, diabetes educators, and dietitians in medical settings. She designed and implemented mental health screening protocols and interventions at the University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center, the UCSF Madison Clinic for Pediatric Diabetes, and CHOC Children’s Diabetes Clinics. Dr. Stutz has researched the effects of a diabetes diagnosis on a child and family’s mental health, and has explored how this influences diabetes-related health. She is passionate about engaging with the diabetes community, and has been a guest speaker at multiple institutions and events. Dr. Stutz is proud to be approved as a provider with diabetes expertise in the American Diabetes Association’s Mental Health Provider Directory.