Chronic pain and illness affect more than 90 million Americans as well as countless loved ones and caregivers whose lives are also changed by chronic illnesses such as asthma, arthritis, diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
Dr. Steiner has pioneered unique approaches to working with, writing and teaching about individuals derailed by chronic physical illness and medical issues. She is a psychotherapist who has had personal and professional experience with chronic pain. She has lived with arthritis since she was fourteen and is a former wheelchair user. She has authored numerous publications on the topic. She has developed compassion and wisdom about the challenges of bringing joy, comfort and meaning to people with limitations.
Dr. Steiner has written numerous articles about living with chronic illness and developed a number of self-help forms to help people manage their medical issues and physical limitations.
Articles
These short articles give tips for living more fully with chronic pain.
Toolkit for Families Living with Chronic Medical Illness
Dr. Steiner provides tools to help families utilize multiple coping strategies and prioritize honest, compassionate communication to navigate systemic, emotional, and relationship challenges together.
Why Nickname your Illness?
Giving a chronic illness a carefully chosen nickname can help you strike a healthy balance between ignoring the condition and letting it define you, while also providing an easier way to communicate your limitations to others.
New Book
Coming Soon!
Dr. Steiner’s next book, “The Rollercoaster of Chronic Illness: How to Add Joy to the Ride,” is a guide for individuals, family, and friends whose lives are affected by chronic pain and illness.
The book also addresses how to improve communication and understanding between loved ones and health care professionals. The material draws on my personal experiences dealing with what I think of as “medical messes.” I offer techniques that have helped clients and doctors deal with the challenges of chronic medical problems. Woven into the chapters are stories and practical tools developed with clients over my 30 years a psychotherapist.
One chapter includes different techniques, such as nicknaming your illness. For instance, I live with Arthur of Arthur-it is. Over the years I have found that it helps to have a nickname for one’s uninvited companions.
After reviewing “Rollercoaster” Sue Bender, author of the New York Times bestseller “Plain and Simple and Everyday Sacred”, wrote: “Your work is important and should be shared with as many people as possible!“
Interviews
Full Power Living
Dr. Steiner discusses chronic medical issues and pain in this hour-long interview with Ilene Dillon, Ph.D., on Full Power Living Radio.
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How Groups Help Chronic Illness and Pain
Dr. Steiner discusses the benefits of group therapy, specifically for people with medical issues, illnesses, and chronic pain, and the challenges of life with limitations.
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When Therapists Disappear: The Art and Ethics of Terminating Services
Dr. Steiner was interviewed for Socialwork Blog by Beard, F. (Aug 15, 2025) When Therapists Disappear: The Art and Ethics of Terminating Services. In this short blog, Faye Beard presents a concise overview of the benefits and challenges of termination, from therapist’s ghosting clients to…
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It’s Time: Write Your Professional Will
Dr. Steiner was interviewed by Elisabeth J. LaMotte LICSW and Mark Davila, LICSW: It’s Time: Write Your Professional Will, Fall/Winter, 2022, about the Therapist’s Professional Will for NASW’s magazine's Specialty Practice Section Connection. In this interesting conversation the interviewers invited me to do a deep…
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