Ep. 160 Understanding and Supporting those with Complex Medical Conditions with Psychologist Laurie Dos Santos

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Understanding and Supporting Young Adults with Chronic Health Conditions In this episode, Dr. Michael Lenz hosts Dr. Laurie Dos Santos, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in working with adolescents and young adults. Dr. Dos Santos discusses her journey into psychology, her experience in addressing complex medical and mental health conditions such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and the importance of building strong relationships with clients. She emphasizes the significance of validation and support, and shares insights on managing chronic illness through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Dr. Dos Santos also highlights the value of support groups and her work with Evolvin Therapy and Consulting, which offers virtual services to clients across 42 states. 00:00 Meet Dr. Lori Dos Santos: A Beacon of Hope for Young Adults 01:56 Introducing Your Host: Dr. Michael Lenz 02:27 Dr. Dos Santos' Journey into Psychology and Specialization 05:32 Understanding and Empathizing with Patients' Struggles 07:31 The Power of Support Groups in Healing 08:25 Navigating the Challenges of Invisible Illnesses 17:28 Effective Approaches for Managing Invisible Illnesses 24:47 Expanding Access to Mental Health Care with Evolvin Therapy 26:44 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead Click here for the YouTube Channel Click here for the YouTube channel Support the show When I started this podcast and YouTube Channel—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 29+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace per...