Chronic Illness Counselling in Bedford
![Photo of Meera Nishma Shah - Dr Meera Shah, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/baf5b0cc-7a9c-4798-8bd8-201e9b7abb35/2/320x400.jpeg)
Life can throw us challenges at times where perhaps an outside perspective can help. I'm an experienced Clinical Psychologist and CAT therapist working with adults. I also work in the NHS. I specialise in physical health conditions (e.g. oncology, palliative care, pain, digestive diseases), alongside issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, relationship/interpersonal difficulties, loss, adjustment, trauma, life crisis, body image and identity. I'm also interested in issues of diversity and cultural conflict. I work in a collaborative and integrative way to help understand your difficulties and to move towards the change you seek.
Life can throw us challenges at times where perhaps an outside perspective can help. I'm an experienced Clinical Psychologist and CAT therapist working with adults. I also work in the NHS. I specialise in physical health conditions (e.g. oncology, palliative care, pain, digestive diseases), alongside issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, relationship/interpersonal difficulties, loss, adjustment, trauma, life crisis, body image and identity. I'm also interested in issues of diversity and cultural conflict. I work in a collaborative and integrative way to help understand your difficulties and to move towards the change you seek.
![Photo of Ella Sherlock, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d8f30368-74ee-4542-b31d-7b9556dbc2d4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ella is an experienced Clinical Psychologist and specialist in helping people live well with a range of physical and mental health conditions. She will provide space to listen to your story whilst assessing your needs. You will be able to create an individualised treatment plan together. Ella will help you to understand what is happening in your mind and body and feel more empowered to cope. The treatments she offers are drawn from up-to-date research in line with the latest national NICE guidance. Ella will work with you to address your self-defined goals and she will show you some psychological tools to help you track the changes.
Ella is an experienced Clinical Psychologist and specialist in helping people live well with a range of physical and mental health conditions. She will provide space to listen to your story whilst assessing your needs. You will be able to create an individualised treatment plan together. Ella will help you to understand what is happening in your mind and body and feel more empowered to cope. The treatments she offers are drawn from up-to-date research in line with the latest national NICE guidance. Ella will work with you to address your self-defined goals and she will show you some psychological tools to help you track the changes.
![Photo of Rebecca Savill - Therapy Talks, MBACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e2b2b950-a69c-4509-a764-6afdfe3de758/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, I'm Beccy, a qualified trauma focused psychotherapist and clinical supervisor. Are you feeling worried, stressed or struggling with how to cope with a particular feeling or circumstance? Counselling and psychotherapy, supports you to explore your feelings within a safe environment, to build up healthy coping techniques, to discover ways to prioritise your self-care and to help to support your decision making and autonomy. As a therapist, I hold both professional and personal experience how life changing receiving therapeutic support can feel with moving forwards and in developing a more positive outlook in life.
Hello, I'm Beccy, a qualified trauma focused psychotherapist and clinical supervisor. Are you feeling worried, stressed or struggling with how to cope with a particular feeling or circumstance? Counselling and psychotherapy, supports you to explore your feelings within a safe environment, to build up healthy coping techniques, to discover ways to prioritise your self-care and to help to support your decision making and autonomy. As a therapist, I hold both professional and personal experience how life changing receiving therapeutic support can feel with moving forwards and in developing a more positive outlook in life.
![Photo of Dr Lisa Dvorjetz, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/916bcb9b-c710-47a5-a33f-c7d65d0686db/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Lisa Dvorjetz
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Bedford MK40 (Online Only)
Sometimes we struggle with things in our lives that we don't feel we can (or want to) talk to those closest to us about. Sometimes we feel lost, ashamed or want to gain more insight into something. This is where seeing a therapist can help you.
Sometimes we struggle with things in our lives that we don't feel we can (or want to) talk to those closest to us about. Sometimes we feel lost, ashamed or want to gain more insight into something. This is where seeing a therapist can help you.
![Photo of Dr Susan Jacques, DCounsPsych, CPsychol, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8cbff1bd-b3fb-4c38-9801-efd0e3fcecb1/2/320x400.jpeg)
We all confront struggles at some stage in our lives, and overcoming these can feel like a challenge. There may be challenges with our internal world, in our relationships, or we may experience a significant life event that means we start to feel ‘stuck’. This can lead to feeling a lack of self-confidence and to feelings of self-doubt. I understand that taking that first step to talk to someone can be difficult, and thus I create a safe space that encourages you to feel supported and heard. I believe in the importance of working alongside you as part of a journey to increased self-development and overall improved well-being.
We all confront struggles at some stage in our lives, and overcoming these can feel like a challenge. There may be challenges with our internal world, in our relationships, or we may experience a significant life event that means we start to feel ‘stuck’. This can lead to feeling a lack of self-confidence and to feelings of self-doubt. I understand that taking that first step to talk to someone can be difficult, and thus I create a safe space that encourages you to feel supported and heard. I believe in the importance of working alongside you as part of a journey to increased self-development and overall improved well-being.
![Photo of Anne-Marie Cooper-Kilroy - Connect Counselling, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9f4edd8c-c0af-4e2b-84aa-5009147d4fee/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, have you been wondering what it might be like to talk to a counsellor? To be really listened to? How might I help you? Everybody has problems, but for some working through them is more challenging than for others; perhaps because of an early childhood experience, trauma, a relationship problem, or a feeling of sadness that might feel too hard or frightening to unpack alone. I can help. It’s ok not to be ok, but you don’t have to be alone with your struggle. Counselling will help you make meaning of how and why you are feeling the way you do and enable you to move forward with resilience and confidence, please get in touch.
Hello, have you been wondering what it might be like to talk to a counsellor? To be really listened to? How might I help you? Everybody has problems, but for some working through them is more challenging than for others; perhaps because of an early childhood experience, trauma, a relationship problem, or a feeling of sadness that might feel too hard or frightening to unpack alone. I can help. It’s ok not to be ok, but you don’t have to be alone with your struggle. Counselling will help you make meaning of how and why you are feeling the way you do and enable you to move forward with resilience and confidence, please get in touch.
![Photo of Jo Moloney - Bedford Community Counselling, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d2e3cf7-6203-4652-93cf-6cf8a5560c78/2/320x400.jpeg)
At Bedford Community Counselling, we offer low cost counselling, clinical supervision to professionals & placements to student counsellors. Run by senior Psychotherapists & Directors, Katja Fischer & Jo Moloney, BCC is a not for profit organisation. Since first opening in 2012 we have developed a reputation for excellence. We provide a fast response to enquiries & have a team of therapists which means we can usually offer session times quickly. We are an experienced general practice, able to work with individuals, couples & groups on a wide variety of issues, and also offer specialist trauma and DIT relational therapies.
At Bedford Community Counselling, we offer low cost counselling, clinical supervision to professionals & placements to student counsellors. Run by senior Psychotherapists & Directors, Katja Fischer & Jo Moloney, BCC is a not for profit organisation. Since first opening in 2012 we have developed a reputation for excellence. We provide a fast response to enquiries & have a team of therapists which means we can usually offer session times quickly. We are an experienced general practice, able to work with individuals, couples & groups on a wide variety of issues, and also offer specialist trauma and DIT relational therapies.
![Photo of Dr Jean S Penman, PhD, MBACP Snr. Accred, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6069a937-811f-4528-9a14-4ac5e45ab5a2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you feeling stressed and longing to enjoy life more? Is your body not working well enough? Would you like to develop further skills that make your relationships or work-life more rewarding? Do life events that reduced your sense of wellbeing and diminished physical performance still affect you? You may be ready now, to discover what may be blocking you from reaching your goals and what helps. With confidential, trusted and experienced support and through your own determination, together, we can begin to find a route through to greater appreciation of your skills and resilience.
Are you feeling stressed and longing to enjoy life more? Is your body not working well enough? Would you like to develop further skills that make your relationships or work-life more rewarding? Do life events that reduced your sense of wellbeing and diminished physical performance still affect you? You may be ready now, to discover what may be blocking you from reaching your goals and what helps. With confidential, trusted and experienced support and through your own determination, together, we can begin to find a route through to greater appreciation of your skills and resilience.
![Photo of Jodi Lovelock - Lovelocks Counselling, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8bb2908c-4dcd-444a-a246-51f94c2dbf40/3/320x400.jpeg)
Hi! I’m Jodi. I know that times can be challenging. We can all benefit from time and space to share & be heard. We all face uncertainty and difficulties and this can leave us feeling lost and anxious. I am able to use my skills & experience to put you at ease so that you can feel safe to talk and try and make sense of things. Counselling helps you to better understand yourself, others & the world around you. This can enable you to move forward feeling better than you did before you decided to take this step. Counselling is a fantastic form of Self Care. Our sessions are set up to meet your needs & your goals.
Hi! I’m Jodi. I know that times can be challenging. We can all benefit from time and space to share & be heard. We all face uncertainty and difficulties and this can leave us feeling lost and anxious. I am able to use my skills & experience to put you at ease so that you can feel safe to talk and try and make sense of things. Counselling helps you to better understand yourself, others & the world around you. This can enable you to move forward feeling better than you did before you decided to take this step. Counselling is a fantastic form of Self Care. Our sessions are set up to meet your needs & your goals.
![Photo of Deniz Zianne, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c838773-dc73-43ae-8805-b45dd29627ba/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sometimes life can be confusing and lonely, even when surrounded by others. It can be really helpful to talk things through with someone who isn't emotionally involved in your life to see things in a different light. Often our childhood and past history can link to the relationships we have now and how we manage them. By exploring this together I can help you gain an understanding towards your relationships with others. and yourself. Having worked with children in an SEMH setting I also have a good understanding of how impactful it can be for them and their families in home/school environment.
Sometimes life can be confusing and lonely, even when surrounded by others. It can be really helpful to talk things through with someone who isn't emotionally involved in your life to see things in a different light. Often our childhood and past history can link to the relationships we have now and how we manage them. By exploring this together I can help you gain an understanding towards your relationships with others. and yourself. Having worked with children in an SEMH setting I also have a good understanding of how impactful it can be for them and their families in home/school environment.
![Photo of Kerry Batten, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fcf73ce5-3949-479e-992e-747501afdc21/1/320x400.jpeg)
I understand that there are times in our lives when things can become overwhelming and difficult; we might feel anxious, depressed, confused, not understood, and sometimes we may not know how to make things better.
I understand that there are times in our lives when things can become overwhelming and difficult; we might feel anxious, depressed, confused, not understood, and sometimes we may not know how to make things better.
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![Photo of Dr Grace Major, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7cfe74a8-ccc4-4dee-acc6-b21e0e439e7b/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a highly specialist psychologist, who works therapeutically with both adults and children. I offer evidence based therapy for a variety of presenting difficulties. I have particular expertise in offering attachment and trauma informed therapeutic support for looked after or adopted children, their families and health professionals.
I am a highly specialist psychologist, who works therapeutically with both adults and children. I offer evidence based therapy for a variety of presenting difficulties. I have particular expertise in offering attachment and trauma informed therapeutic support for looked after or adopted children, their families and health professionals.
![Photo of Vicki Iliffe, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/01d33207-4a27-4d56-9eee-a8bec7e5c03b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, I’m Vicki, welcome to my profile. There may be many reasons why you are visiting my profile today, life might feel difficult or overwhelming right now. You might be looking for support through a painful time. Whether you are looking to find some peace, or to explore past or present events that are impacting your life; I will offer a warm, safe space for you to freely explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences. My aim is to help you to feel understood, accepted, and comfortable to be completely 'you'.
Hello, I’m Vicki, welcome to my profile. There may be many reasons why you are visiting my profile today, life might feel difficult or overwhelming right now. You might be looking for support through a painful time. Whether you are looking to find some peace, or to explore past or present events that are impacting your life; I will offer a warm, safe space for you to freely explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences. My aim is to help you to feel understood, accepted, and comfortable to be completely 'you'.
![Photo of Emma Vincent, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/96f8a278-56f8-4b92-a6f1-76071472a461/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, I'm Emma, a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist with a special interest in helping people to overcome anxiety, stress and low self-esteem. My experience ranges from working in schools, the charitable sector and as a private practitioner. The needs and goals of each client are placed at the forefront of every session, in a safe and non-judgmental space to allow a greater understanding of each unique situation and develop relevant coping strategies together.
Hi, I'm Emma, a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist with a special interest in helping people to overcome anxiety, stress and low self-esteem. My experience ranges from working in schools, the charitable sector and as a private practitioner. The needs and goals of each client are placed at the forefront of every session, in a safe and non-judgmental space to allow a greater understanding of each unique situation and develop relevant coping strategies together.
![Photo of Adrian Herceg, MBACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fa3b3917-34fd-46ad-a954-111a09e854c2/1/320x400.jpeg)
I'm a fully qualified MBACP registered counsellor that will help you on your journey of self-development and therapeutic healing. As well as offering traditional psychotherapy, I specialise in addictions, working in the private rehabilitation sector, and I've been in 12 step recovery for many years myself. I will walk alongside you to help you unpack the thoughts, feelings and emotions you have attached to your life experiences, to help you find peace within yourself as I have. We will work together to identify your needs and work towards your goals, by building a safe, non-judgmental environment in which you can be empowered.
I'm a fully qualified MBACP registered counsellor that will help you on your journey of self-development and therapeutic healing. As well as offering traditional psychotherapy, I specialise in addictions, working in the private rehabilitation sector, and I've been in 12 step recovery for many years myself. I will walk alongside you to help you unpack the thoughts, feelings and emotions you have attached to your life experiences, to help you find peace within yourself as I have. We will work together to identify your needs and work towards your goals, by building a safe, non-judgmental environment in which you can be empowered.
![Photo of Neena Ramful - Dr Neena Ramful, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c83cf3c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Neena Ramful
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Bedford MK40 (Online Only)
I work with children and adults who experience a range of mild to severe difficulties including: Anxiety | Panic attacks | Generalised Anxiety disorder | Social anxiety | Phobias | Obsessive compulsive disorder | Depression | Low self-esteem | Tics | Pain Management | Headaches | Stress | Adjustment to health diagnosis |
I work with children and adults who experience a range of mild to severe difficulties including: Anxiety | Panic attacks | Generalised Anxiety disorder | Social anxiety | Phobias | Obsessive compulsive disorder | Depression | Low self-esteem | Tics | Pain Management | Headaches | Stress | Adjustment to health diagnosis |
![Photo of Linda Harris, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cdae1ed-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have been working within the field of mental health for almost 30 years, predominantly within the NHS, and have a wealth of training and experience. I provide both long and short term counselling and psychotherapy for individuals and couples, and work to an exceptional standard of confidentiality. I work with a variety of problems and issues such as anxiety, depression, childhood trauma and relationship difficulties. However, if you'd like to discuss what is troubling you, you are very welcome to call or e-mail me before committing to making an appointment.
I have been working within the field of mental health for almost 30 years, predominantly within the NHS, and have a wealth of training and experience. I provide both long and short term counselling and psychotherapy for individuals and couples, and work to an exceptional standard of confidentiality. I work with a variety of problems and issues such as anxiety, depression, childhood trauma and relationship difficulties. However, if you'd like to discuss what is troubling you, you are very welcome to call or e-mail me before committing to making an appointment.
![Photo of Elizabeth Burr - Elizabeth Burr, UKCP Trainee, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bdf72243-b912-4563-a1a9-bcf50b430256/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, my name is Liz. I am a trainee counsellor and psychotherapist in advanced training. The modality I use is Transactional Analysis (or TA for short!). TA provides a framework through which we can develop an understanding of ourselves and how we have become the person we are today. It helps us to understand our relationship with ourselves (our internal world), and also our relationships with others, and our sense of our place in the world.We all have a script – a life plan made in early childhood that served us well at a time when we had very little power or control.
Hello, my name is Liz. I am a trainee counsellor and psychotherapist in advanced training. The modality I use is Transactional Analysis (or TA for short!). TA provides a framework through which we can develop an understanding of ourselves and how we have become the person we are today. It helps us to understand our relationship with ourselves (our internal world), and also our relationships with others, and our sense of our place in the world.We all have a script – a life plan made in early childhood that served us well at a time when we had very little power or control.
![Photo of Anh Huntington, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/59bbdb71-3776-4f0f-892a-f74b5e5d6939/2/320x400.jpeg)
I offer counselling for individuals and I am also a certified Imago relationship therapist, trained to work with couples and family members. I offer you a safe, confidential space to explore those difficult moments in your life. My work reflects three core beliefs: Being genuine, so you can successfully explore the issues that have brought you to seek help. Being accepting and empathic, giving you the opportunity to increase your self-understanding. Providing a non-judgmental and safe place to share your experiences as we work together. I am warm and understanding towards others. I am also a broad-minded Counsellor.
I offer counselling for individuals and I am also a certified Imago relationship therapist, trained to work with couples and family members. I offer you a safe, confidential space to explore those difficult moments in your life. My work reflects three core beliefs: Being genuine, so you can successfully explore the issues that have brought you to seek help. Being accepting and empathic, giving you the opportunity to increase your self-understanding. Providing a non-judgmental and safe place to share your experiences as we work together. I am warm and understanding towards others. I am also a broad-minded Counsellor.
![Photo of Susanna Sophia Summer, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0164a110-df8b-4185-b2c7-e1fff8da2f1b/3/320x400.jpeg)
Susanna Sophia Summer
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bedford MK40
Whether you are struggling with emotions, relationships or physiological symptoms of anxiety or depression I can offer a safe space to explore these. You may be struggling to understand why things are so difficult, and may be very critical of yourself, thinking you should be coping better. You might have experienced a traumatic event, or always felt that you don't quite fit in, blaming yourself. You might be in a couple or a family unit struggling with arguments or disconnection from each other. You might just want to re-think your values and life goals to shift your future focus to something more rewarding.
Whether you are struggling with emotions, relationships or physiological symptoms of anxiety or depression I can offer a safe space to explore these. You may be struggling to understand why things are so difficult, and may be very critical of yourself, thinking you should be coping better. You might have experienced a traumatic event, or always felt that you don't quite fit in, blaming yourself. You might be in a couple or a family unit struggling with arguments or disconnection from each other. You might just want to re-think your values and life goals to shift your future focus to something more rewarding.
See more therapy options for Bedford
Nearby Chronic Illness Counsellors Searches for Bedford
- Baldock
- Biggleswade
- Dunstable
- Letchworth Garden City
- Luton
- Milton Keynes
- Newport Pagnell
- Olney
- Rushden
- Saint Neots
- Shefford
- Wellingborough
Chronic Illness Counsellors
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.