Chronic Illness Therapists in Victoria, BC
I have a growing specialization in health psychology, with a focus on chronic illness, psychosocial oncology and adjustment and rehabilitation following neurological/physical injury.
I see the therapy room as a place where people discover that "home" is an internal state. Trust is difficult, and it can feel like an immeasurable risk to explore the most vulnerable of spaces: your innermost thoughts and feelings. I seek to understand my clients' experiences and see the world as you do. Not all clients are alike, and I aim to tailor my approach to the needs and worldviews of each client. I describe my approach to therapy as integrative with a collaborative stance and an emphasis (where appropriate) on interpersonal and existential issues.
I have a growing specialization in health psychology, with a focus on chronic illness, psychosocial oncology and adjustment and rehabilitation following neurological/physical injury.
I see the therapy room as a place where people discover that "home" is an internal state. Trust is difficult, and it can feel like an immeasurable risk to explore the most vulnerable of spaces: your innermost thoughts and feelings. I seek to understand my clients' experiences and see the world as you do. Not all clients are alike, and I aim to tailor my approach to the needs and worldviews of each client. I describe my approach to therapy as integrative with a collaborative stance and an emphasis (where appropriate) on interpersonal and existential issues.
I am particularly interested in working with those experiencing addiction, trauma, sexual orientation or gender identity issues, life transitions, ADHD, burnout, mood challenges, chronic illness/pain, and grief.
My goal is to honour the best in you while holistically making space for what it means to be a human on this weird, wonderful, messy, precious, sublime adventure we call life. I am mindful of the immense courage and vulnerability it takes to enlist the support of a helping professional and honour this by bringing my most authentic, present, and respectful self to each and every therapeutic interaction.
I am particularly interested in working with those experiencing addiction, trauma, sexual orientation or gender identity issues, life transitions, ADHD, burnout, mood challenges, chronic illness/pain, and grief.
My goal is to honour the best in you while holistically making space for what it means to be a human on this weird, wonderful, messy, precious, sublime adventure we call life. I am mindful of the immense courage and vulnerability it takes to enlist the support of a helping professional and honour this by bringing my most authentic, present, and respectful self to each and every therapeutic interaction.
My counselling approach is informed by my personal experience living with a chronic illness and by (Dis)ability justice, humanistic, person-centred, and strength-based perspectives.
Do you feel stuck? Are you feeling like your life is going nowhere? It can be an uncomfortable and overwhelming place to be. I offer a supportive, safe space to help you get unstuck and guide your life in a new direction. Together, we can navigate life's challenges, discover your strengths, and build a path toward healing and growth. I am here to assist you along your mental wellness journey.
My counselling approach is informed by my personal experience living with a chronic illness and by (Dis)ability justice, humanistic, person-centred, and strength-based perspectives.
Do you feel stuck? Are you feeling like your life is going nowhere? It can be an uncomfortable and overwhelming place to be. I offer a supportive, safe space to help you get unstuck and guide your life in a new direction. Together, we can navigate life's challenges, discover your strengths, and build a path toward healing and growth. I am here to assist you along your mental wellness journey.
Carla Csada - The Empowered Mind Project
Counsellor, CCC, MACP, BHJ
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Victoria, BC V9A (Online Only)
As an individual who has been living with a chronic illness for over 14 years, I can relate to the obstacles that arise and the impact they have on one’s self-esteem and identity.
Welcome! Beginning therapy is a significant step to investing in yourself that you should be very proud of. My name is Carla, and I offer individuals a non-judgmental, open, and safe space to share and feel heard. The aim of my therapy is to equip clients with the necessary support, skills, and knowledge to facilitate positive changes in their lives. I aim to promote positive cognitive, emotional, and behavioural changes through a client-centered and therapeutically compassionate-focused approach.
As an individual who has been living with a chronic illness for over 14 years, I can relate to the obstacles that arise and the impact they have on one’s self-esteem and identity.
Welcome! Beginning therapy is a significant step to investing in yourself that you should be very proud of. My name is Carla, and I offer individuals a non-judgmental, open, and safe space to share and feel heard. The aim of my therapy is to equip clients with the necessary support, skills, and knowledge to facilitate positive changes in their lives. I aim to promote positive cognitive, emotional, and behavioural changes through a client-centered and therapeutically compassionate-focused approach.
Counselling and Neurofeedback Victoria
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Victoria, BC V8T
For over 20 years I have worked to help people to manage and transform anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic illness, loss and grief, change and transitions, relationships and divorce, self-esteem, sleep problems, and stress management. I believe that each person possesses inherent basic health, goodness and capacities for self-healing.
For over 20 years I have worked to help people to manage and transform anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic illness, loss and grief, change and transitions, relationships and divorce, self-esteem, sleep problems, and stress management. I believe that each person possesses inherent basic health, goodness and capacities for self-healing.
Wholepath Counselling specializes in: ADHD & neurodiversity; Anxiety & depression; Building adaptive functioning; Child & youth mental health; Chronic illness & pain; Communication; Gender-affirming care; Grief & loss; Identity; Relationships & families; Stress & burnout; Supporting 2SLGBTQI+ folks, Trauma processing.
As a practitioner, I use an Integrative approach that is person-centred and strengths-based. This means I meet you where you are, as you are, and we work together to find what is right and most effective for you. My work as your therapist is informed by your needs and goals, as well as a deeply human and intersectional lens, that is rooted in compassion and respect. The work we do together generates hope, builds capacity, develops new strategies, alleviates suffering and generates wellness.
Wholepath Counselling specializes in: ADHD & neurodiversity; Anxiety & depression; Building adaptive functioning; Child & youth mental health; Chronic illness & pain; Communication; Gender-affirming care; Grief & loss; Identity; Relationships & families; Stress & burnout; Supporting 2SLGBTQI+ folks, Trauma processing.
As a practitioner, I use an Integrative approach that is person-centred and strengths-based. This means I meet you where you are, as you are, and we work together to find what is right and most effective for you. My work as your therapist is informed by your needs and goals, as well as a deeply human and intersectional lens, that is rooted in compassion and respect. The work we do together generates hope, builds capacity, develops new strategies, alleviates suffering and generates wellness.
Are you feeling stuck, unhappy or unheard? Has your relationship ended or hit a roadblock? Are you managing a chronic illness or pain, or experiencing a sense of numbness, anger, grief or trouble with 'dating in the modern age'? I can help. I work with both individuals & couples to resolve challenges within their important relationships (work, friends, family, significant other/s) including the one with themselves. Because we are each a mix of past experiences and current circumstances, it can be difficult to really know our own voice; harder still to stand forward for that in ways that preserve what's most important to us.
Are you feeling stuck, unhappy or unheard? Has your relationship ended or hit a roadblock? Are you managing a chronic illness or pain, or experiencing a sense of numbness, anger, grief or trouble with 'dating in the modern age'? I can help. I work with both individuals & couples to resolve challenges within their important relationships (work, friends, family, significant other/s) including the one with themselves. Because we are each a mix of past experiences and current circumstances, it can be difficult to really know our own voice; harder still to stand forward for that in ways that preserve what's most important to us.
My particular areas of therapeutic focus include (not exhaustive): recovery from historical issues (abuse, PTSD); emotional difficulties (anxiety; grief; loss; depression); life transitions (parenting, career, relationship, retirement); substance use; concurrent disorders (substance use problems and mental health problems); debilitating and chronic illness.
Hello; thank you for viewing my profile. As a Registered Psychologist since 1997, and a therapist for many years before that, I have worked with individuals, couples and families. I will listen to you and support you in managing the issues that bring you to therapy. I deeply appreciate the effort and commitment people demonstrate as they work through their concerns; I consider it a privilege to assist in that process. Having had a diverse, non-traditional life, and having worked with a broad diversity of clients, it is likely I have some experience with issues similar to yours. Please see my website for further information.
My particular areas of therapeutic focus include (not exhaustive): recovery from historical issues (abuse, PTSD); emotional difficulties (anxiety; grief; loss; depression); life transitions (parenting, career, relationship, retirement); substance use; concurrent disorders (substance use problems and mental health problems); debilitating and chronic illness.
Hello; thank you for viewing my profile. As a Registered Psychologist since 1997, and a therapist for many years before that, I have worked with individuals, couples and families. I will listen to you and support you in managing the issues that bring you to therapy. I deeply appreciate the effort and commitment people demonstrate as they work through their concerns; I consider it a privilege to assist in that process. Having had a diverse, non-traditional life, and having worked with a broad diversity of clients, it is likely I have some experience with issues similar to yours. Please see my website for further information.
My personal journey with endometriosis and adenomyosis has deeply influenced my practice, inspiring me to specialize in working with chronic pain, chronic illness, and reproductive health conditions.
I am a dedicated qualifying psychotherapist who embraces a mind-body holistic approach in my practice. I firmly believe in the interconnectedness of mental and physical health. At the core of therapy is the therapeutic alliance, where I emphasize the importance of building trust and providing a safe space for clients to feel truly seen and heard. I adopt a collaborative, person-centered approach, focusing on harnessing and nurturing each client's inner strengths and resources.
My personal journey with endometriosis and adenomyosis has deeply influenced my practice, inspiring me to specialize in working with chronic pain, chronic illness, and reproductive health conditions.
I am a dedicated qualifying psychotherapist who embraces a mind-body holistic approach in my practice. I firmly believe in the interconnectedness of mental and physical health. At the core of therapy is the therapeutic alliance, where I emphasize the importance of building trust and providing a safe space for clients to feel truly seen and heard. I adopt a collaborative, person-centered approach, focusing on harnessing and nurturing each client's inner strengths and resources.
I have also worked closely with clients who suffer from chronic illness.
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Registered Social Worker, I work with individuals, couples and families. I believe that each individual has the innate capacity for growth and change and an ability to heal. I am experienced and skilled at helping clients deal with grief and loss, life transitions, anxiety and depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. My compassionate and collaborative approach helps clients recognize their strengths, gain insight into the circumstances of their lives, and find new and creative solutions to their problems.
I have also worked closely with clients who suffer from chronic illness.
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Registered Social Worker, I work with individuals, couples and families. I believe that each individual has the innate capacity for growth and change and an ability to heal. I am experienced and skilled at helping clients deal with grief and loss, life transitions, anxiety and depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. My compassionate and collaborative approach helps clients recognize their strengths, gain insight into the circumstances of their lives, and find new and creative solutions to their problems.
Karen Olender Kipnis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, RMFT, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Victoria, BC V8N
My approach integrates mind and body awareness to help recover from loss, trauma, anxiety and depression, increase self-esteem, solve relationship challenges, manage the psychological aspect of chronic illness and cultivate deeper meaning in life.
I offer counseling services to individuals, couples and adolescents on Salt Spring Island and virtually across Canada and the United States. My work is personal, compassionate and direct. I stay close to my client’s experience, without judgment, pointing towards opportunities for growth. Life presents us all with challenges and sometimes we need help facing them. We often need a mirror to help us understand how to change outdated behaviors that are just not working or resolve inner conflicts that are keeping us from living a fulfilling life.
My approach integrates mind and body awareness to help recover from loss, trauma, anxiety and depression, increase self-esteem, solve relationship challenges, manage the psychological aspect of chronic illness and cultivate deeper meaning in life.
I offer counseling services to individuals, couples and adolescents on Salt Spring Island and virtually across Canada and the United States. My work is personal, compassionate and direct. I stay close to my client’s experience, without judgment, pointing towards opportunities for growth. Life presents us all with challenges and sometimes we need help facing them. We often need a mirror to help us understand how to change outdated behaviors that are just not working or resolve inner conflicts that are keeping us from living a fulfilling life.
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It can be challenging to articulate our emotions and experiences - using art materials in therapy can help us express and more deeply understand ourselves. Art therapy can support those wishing to explore stress, anxiety, self-esteem, relationships, grief and loss, trauma, life direction, chronic illness and more. I aim to support each client as they grow and heal, restore internal balance and harmony, and connect with the sparks that align them with their most authentic and whole selves. Sessions combine talk therapy with art making - art expressions can offer wisdom and insight as clients embark on their therapeutic journey.
It can be challenging to articulate our emotions and experiences - using art materials in therapy can help us express and more deeply understand ourselves. Art therapy can support those wishing to explore stress, anxiety, self-esteem, relationships, grief and loss, trauma, life direction, chronic illness and more. I aim to support each client as they grow and heal, restore internal balance and harmony, and connect with the sparks that align them with their most authentic and whole selves. Sessions combine talk therapy with art making - art expressions can offer wisdom and insight as clients embark on their therapeutic journey.
Hello! I offer online counselling in the following areas: Goal setting and motivation, Communication Skills and Boundary Setting, Relationship/interpersonal, Trauma (all types), Anxiety (social anxiety, specific phobias, death anxiety, health anxiety, general anxiety), Chronic illness (emotional, personal, social management). I have written two books, which you can find on Amazon: "Managing Personal, Emotional, and Social Aspects of Chronic Illness: A Workbook" (2023) and "The Conversation Guide" (2021)
Hello! I offer online counselling in the following areas: Goal setting and motivation, Communication Skills and Boundary Setting, Relationship/interpersonal, Trauma (all types), Anxiety (social anxiety, specific phobias, death anxiety, health anxiety, general anxiety), Chronic illness (emotional, personal, social management). I have written two books, which you can find on Amazon: "Managing Personal, Emotional, and Social Aspects of Chronic Illness: A Workbook" (2023) and "The Conversation Guide" (2021)
Areas of interest: resilience & posttraumatic growth, women's mental health & wellness, communication & relationship skills, couples counselling, post-IPV support (non-crisis), single parent support, parenting kids with medical/mental health complexities, chronic illness (patient and caregiver), parental narcissism, relational trauma, gender & sexuality.
Therapy is your place to be exactly as you are. I offer compassionate, non-judgmental therapy so you can feel free to be yourself. My practice is strengths-based, trauma-informed, and client-centered. Many of my areas of practice are grounded in lived experience, which supports my ability to offer authentic compassion and empathy. I've navigated the challenges of feeling overwhelmed by trauma and systemic barriers. Thankfully, my journey taught me that when we find good-fit therapy and work on developing deeper self-compassion, we are so much stronger and more capable of healing than we ever imagined possible.
Areas of interest: resilience & posttraumatic growth, women's mental health & wellness, communication & relationship skills, couples counselling, post-IPV support (non-crisis), single parent support, parenting kids with medical/mental health complexities, chronic illness (patient and caregiver), parental narcissism, relational trauma, gender & sexuality.
Therapy is your place to be exactly as you are. I offer compassionate, non-judgmental therapy so you can feel free to be yourself. My practice is strengths-based, trauma-informed, and client-centered. Many of my areas of practice are grounded in lived experience, which supports my ability to offer authentic compassion and empathy. I've navigated the challenges of feeling overwhelmed by trauma and systemic barriers. Thankfully, my journey taught me that when we find good-fit therapy and work on developing deeper self-compassion, we are so much stronger and more capable of healing than we ever imagined possible.
I am an experienced therapist, working with individuals and couples. I am open to helping you with a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, self-care, spirituality, life purpose, end of life issues, ageing, stress, parenting, work, vocation, sexual orientation, transitioning, gender questioning, chronic illness, sexual abuse, and the residue of early childhood experiences. If you don’t see your concern here, please feel free to contact me to find out if it’s something I work with. I love to do this work. You can read more at rowanpercy.com
I am an experienced therapist, working with individuals and couples. I am open to helping you with a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, self-care, spirituality, life purpose, end of life issues, ageing, stress, parenting, work, vocation, sexual orientation, transitioning, gender questioning, chronic illness, sexual abuse, and the residue of early childhood experiences. If you don’t see your concern here, please feel free to contact me to find out if it’s something I work with. I love to do this work. You can read more at rowanpercy.com
I help people find their own unique expression of their positive embodied self in the world, so that they feel seen, valued and connected to themselves, others and the natural world. I acknowledge the intersections of ability, gender, identity, racialization, culture and society and work with you to discover the best way for you to navigate both your strengths and struggles in this complex world. I use Somatic Experiencing to help you find the internal pathways that can ultimately resource and replenish you.
I help people find their own unique expression of their positive embodied self in the world, so that they feel seen, valued and connected to themselves, others and the natural world. I acknowledge the intersections of ability, gender, identity, racialization, culture and society and work with you to discover the best way for you to navigate both your strengths and struggles in this complex world. I use Somatic Experiencing to help you find the internal pathways that can ultimately resource and replenish you.
Sarah Kathleen Wilson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, RSW, CHT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Victoria, BC V8W
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed by the state of the world, or find yourself struggling to make sense of your experiences as we navigate the complexities of this time. Perhaps you feel exhausted and experiences things like chronic pain, digestive illness, ongoing fatigue or poor sleep. Maybe you find it difficult to to cope with a lingering sense of dread, feelings of anxiety, or the sharp pain of grief and loss. I know these experiences can make it difficult to stay connected to our values, and to find meaning amidst the constant demands on our attention and time.
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed by the state of the world, or find yourself struggling to make sense of your experiences as we navigate the complexities of this time. Perhaps you feel exhausted and experiences things like chronic pain, digestive illness, ongoing fatigue or poor sleep. Maybe you find it difficult to to cope with a lingering sense of dread, feelings of anxiety, or the sharp pain of grief and loss. I know these experiences can make it difficult to stay connected to our values, and to find meaning amidst the constant demands on our attention and time.
Living in today's world is hard and complex. Psychotherapies have also evolved a lot in the past 10 years, and the timing is ripe to heal intergenerational trauma. My approach seeks to meet people where they are at and provide a deep understanding from which change can happen. I've been a therapist for 14 years and retrained in trauma therapies such as EMDR and Somatic Psychotherapy halfway through my career. I have a lot of trust in people's ability to heal and change, having witnessed these profound journeys many times.
Living in today's world is hard and complex. Psychotherapies have also evolved a lot in the past 10 years, and the timing is ripe to heal intergenerational trauma. My approach seeks to meet people where they are at and provide a deep understanding from which change can happen. I've been a therapist for 14 years and retrained in trauma therapies such as EMDR and Somatic Psychotherapy halfway through my career. I have a lot of trust in people's ability to heal and change, having witnessed these profound journeys many times.
I am passionate about supporting folks to release past trauma, nurture their self-compassion, and improve emotional regulation. My style is warm, relational and body-based. I bring skills in navigating complex life issues, with lived and professional experience in areas such as parenting, gender and sexuality, grief, depression/anxiety, medicalization/chronic health issues, neurodivergence, trauma and more.
I am passionate about supporting folks to release past trauma, nurture their self-compassion, and improve emotional regulation. My style is warm, relational and body-based. I bring skills in navigating complex life issues, with lived and professional experience in areas such as parenting, gender and sexuality, grief, depression/anxiety, medicalization/chronic health issues, neurodivergence, trauma and more.
In conjunction with colleagues at our office I intend to offer interpersonal group therapy providing an insight oriented group experience. There is also a codependency group option led by Valerie MacNeil, M.Ed.,RCC in which I will be involved.
In conjunction with colleagues at our office I intend to offer interpersonal group therapy providing an insight oriented group experience. There is also a codependency group option led by Valerie MacNeil, M.Ed.,RCC in which I will be involved.
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Nearby Chronic Illness Counsellors Searches for Victoria
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How does therapy for chronic illness work?
Many people living with a chronic illness may feel they cannot speak honestly about their experience out of embarrassment or fear of being a burden, or because those close to them do not understand, for example, that they may “look good” even if they do not feel good. Therapy sessions are an opportunity to speak openly with someone who knows their symptoms are not in their head and who can offer practical, proven suggestions for managing feelings of grief, shame, or fatigue, such as techniques to challenge unhelpful thoughts about symptoms and develop new ways to respond to them, such as distraction or calming breathing practices.
Can therapy help with physical symptoms of chronic illness?
Yes, especially if an individual with chronic illness has developed depression. People with depression are less likely to maintain their health treatment regimens or to take positive steps to manage physical symptoms when they arise, thereby potentially complicating their medical prognosis. Treatment of depression, through talk therapy, medication, or both, will often improve one’s physical state as it eases the emotional burden of illness.
What are the most effective treatment options for chronic illness?
No one living with a chronic illness, or their loved ones, should see depression as an unavoidable result of their condition. Instead, they should actively seek treatment. Research shows that people with depression are less likely to devote the required time and effort to maintaining or monitoring their health, and so therapy to limit the risk of depression can be vital for physical health as well. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction have been found to help individuals reduce stress and anxiety.
How long does therapy for chronic illness take?
There is no set timeline for therapy for people living with chronic illnesses, but many will see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 weekly sessions. Some people feel that they experience progress faster than others but even some who quickly feel improvement may continue with sessions for months or years. Some people may benefit from maintenance therapy if their symptoms change or they experience a decline in physical health. Others find that the skills learned in short-term therapy can be used on an ongoing basis, even after therapy has concluded.