Long COVID Therapy Group

About the Group

You don't have to navigate Long COVID alone

This is a small, ongoing psychotherapy group for people living with Long COVID and those affected by the vaccines.
 

Living with a chronic illness can change almost every part of your life—your health, work, relationships, independence, identity, plans for the future, and sense of who you are. It can also be profoundly isolating. Friends and family may care deeply but still have difficulty understanding what it is like to live inside an unpredictable, disabling illness.
 

This group offers something different: the opportunity to build an ongoing community with a small group of people who understand, while doing meaningful therapeutic work together with the guidance of a clinical psychologist.
 

More than a support group
 

This is not a drop-in support group where a different group of people meets each time to exchange advice.
 

The group is intentionally small—approximately 6–10 people—and members meet weekly over an extended period of time. The same people return each week, allowing relationships, trust, and understanding to develop.
 

Over time, something different can happen when people know one another. You don't have to repeatedly explain your history. You can return to something you discussed weeks ago. You can notice changes in yourself and in other members. The relationships within the group become part of the therapeutic process.
 

Sessions are 90 minutes and are guided by Dr. Amra Stafford, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist. Members support one another while also having the opportunity to explore the deeper psychological and relational effects of chronic illness.
 

Topics may include:
 

• Grief and the loss of health, independence, work, or a former way of life

• Changes in identity and sense of self

• Relationships with partners, family, friends, and healthcare providers

• Isolation and feeling misunderstood

• Living with uncertainty and an unpredictable body

• Anger, frustration, fear, and sadness

• Boundaries and communicating your needs

• Adjusting to limitations without giving up hope

• Finding meaning, connection, and quality of life under difficult circumstances

• The tension between accepting your current reality and continuing to hope for improvement

This is not therapy designed to convince you that your illness is psychological. Long COVID and other post-viral illnesses are real physical illnesses, and the physical reality of what you are experiencing is taken seriously.
 

Instead, the focus is on the very real psychological, emotional, relational, and existential challenges that can accompany being sick.
 

Why an ongoing group?
 

Something can happen in a long-term group that is difficult to achieve in a one-time meeting.
 

You gradually get to know people. You begin to feel understood without having to explain everything. You can be honest about things that may be difficult to say elsewhere. You can give and receive support, but also challenge one another, learn from one another, and grow together.
 

For that reason, this group is best suited for people who are looking for an ongoing therapeutic experience and are prepared to participate regularly.
 

Who is this for?
 

The group is for adults affected by COVID-19 and its aftermath, including people with:
 

• Long COVID

• ME/CFS that developed or worsened following COVID-19

• Persistent post-viral symptoms

• Significant life disruption following COVID-19 infection or vaccination

• Other chronic health problems related to or occurring alongside their post-COVID experience

You do not need to be at a particular stage of illness or recovery. You also do not need to have a specific mental-health diagnosis to benefit from therapy.
 

What matters most is that you are interested in doing deeper therapeutic work and participating in a consistent group over time.
 

Who might this not be right for?

This group may not be the best fit if you are primarily looking for:
 

• A drop-in support group

• A place to exchange medical information or treatment recommendations

• A one-time discussion

• A group where you can participate without engaging with the other members

It may be a good fit if you're looking for a small group you can return to every week, relationships that develop over time, and professional guidance in navigating the profound changes that chronic illness can bring.

About Dr. Amra Stafford

​​​​Amra Stafford, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist licensed in Washington state and Oregon who has worked for many years with people experiencing chronic illness, health and identity crises, life transitions, and other profound disruptions to their lives.

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She has been in private practice since 2013 and has provided psychotherapy through telehealth since 2017. Her work recognizes that illness affects much more than the body. When health changes, people may also have to reconsider their identity, relationships, expectations, independence, work, and vision for the future.

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She created this group to provide a place where people living with Long COVID and related chronic illness can feel understood, develop meaningful connections, and have professional support while working through these changes.

What can I expect from a session?
 

Each session lasts 90 minutes.

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Sessions generally include personal check-ins followed by therapeutic discussion and exploration of issues that are relevant to the group. The conversation is guided by Dr. Stafford rather than following a rigid curriculum.

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You will not be expected to disclose more than you are comfortable sharing. At the same time, this is a group for people who want to participate and engage—not simply observe.

Because this is an ongoing group, there is no expectation that everything needs to be solved in one session. The work develops over time.

What if I have limited energy or severe symptoms?​

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People with Long COVID and ME/CFS have very different levels of disability and energy.

We recognize that participation itself may sometimes require accommodations.

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If you have significant physical or cognitive limitations, please discuss them with Dr. Stafford during the initial consultation so you can determine whether the group format is appropriate for you.

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What does it cost?​

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The cost is $75 per weekly session, or $300 for four sessions per month.
 

We recognize that many people living with Long COVID are dealing with reduced income, disability, or an inability to work. Many cannot afford individual psychotherapy. We decided to create something in between a low-fee support group and individual therapy at about a third of the cost of regular therapy. At the same time, maintaining a small psychotherapy group with a licensed clinical psychologist requires a fee.
 

Dr. Stafford does not bill insurance directly, but can provide documentation for participants who wish to seek reimbursement from an out-of-network insurance plan. Coverage varies by insurance policy.

Where can I participate from?​

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In addition to Washington and Oregon, Dr. Stafford provides telehealth services through PSYPACT, an interstate compact that allows qualified psychologists to provide telepsychology services across participating states.

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Participants must be physically located in a state or jurisdiction where Dr. Stafford is authorized to provide services at the time of the session.

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At this time, the group is open to participants in all states except California, Hawaii, Louisiana, Massachusetts, and New Mexico. Because state participation can change, please check the PSYPACT website to determine if your state is a member. 

Is this confidential?

Yes. Group therapy has specific confidentiality expectations, which will be discussed with participants before joining. Members are expected to respect the privacy of everyone in the group and not share other participants' identities or personal information outside the group.

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What if I'm not sure?

That's okay.

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You don't need to know whether group therapy is right for you before reaching out. Contact Dr. Stafford for a brief consultation to ask questions, learn more about the group, and determine whether it feels like a good fit. See contact information below.

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There is no obligation to join.​ 

Washington State License: Psyc.Py.60798374
Oregon State License: 4163
PSYPACT Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) Mobility Number: 5557