Chronic Illness Counselling in Olney

Photo of Sara Austin, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Sara Austin
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Olney MK46
Choosing to have counselling is an important decision and deciding who to work with even more so. It is important you feel your therapist is the ‘right one’ for you - that you will feel safe and able to trust them and their work. I have worked with a wide variety of clients and helped people work though issues such as bereavement, anxiety, depression, neurodiversity, trauma and relationship problems. I understand what it is to feel swamped by life and the struggles it can entail and I have many hours of experience helping others navigate a safe path through their issues. I am committed to helping you make the changes you desire.
Choosing to have counselling is an important decision and deciding who to work with even more so. It is important you feel your therapist is the ‘right one’ for you - that you will feel safe and able to trust them and their work. I have worked with a wide variety of clients and helped people work though issues such as bereavement, anxiety, depression, neurodiversity, trauma and relationship problems. I understand what it is to feel swamped by life and the struggles it can entail and I have many hours of experience helping others navigate a safe path through their issues. I am committed to helping you make the changes you desire.
01234 860962 View 01234 860962
Photo of Meera Nishma Shah - Dr Meera Shah, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Meera Shah
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Olney MK46
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.
01234 868543 View 01234 868543
Photo of Roshmi Shraboni Lovatt - BodhiSpace Ltd, MA, Psychotherapist
BodhiSpace Ltd
Psychotherapist, MA
Verified Verified
Olney MK46
Welcome to BodhiSpace. When modern life takes its toll on our emotional and mental health, you or someone you care about may experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, trauma or other distress. These may be new symptoms which have suddenly emerged or they may be familiar symptoms originating in past experiences. Our services cater for adults, children, young people and families, and our therapists offer a range of different techniques to suit individual needs. If reaching out feels difficult and costly, our free initial phone consultation will allow you to explore what you need at your own pace and make an informed choice.
Welcome to BodhiSpace. When modern life takes its toll on our emotional and mental health, you or someone you care about may experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, trauma or other distress. These may be new symptoms which have suddenly emerged or they may be familiar symptoms originating in past experiences. Our services cater for adults, children, young people and families, and our therapists offer a range of different techniques to suit individual needs. If reaching out feels difficult and costly, our free initial phone consultation will allow you to explore what you need at your own pace and make an informed choice.
07723 445038 View 07723 445038
Photo of Elizabeth Burr - Elizabeth Burr, UKCP Trainee, Counsellor
Elizabeth Burr
Counsellor, UKCP Trainee
Verified Verified
Olney MK46
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.
01234 987863 View 01234 987863
Photo of Kate O'Donnell, MBACP, Counsellor
Kate O'Donnell
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Olney MK46
Hello I’m Kate, I know that taking the first step to come to therapy can be daunting but my aim is to offer you a safe space where you can truly be yourself.
Hello I’m Kate, I know that taking the first step to come to therapy can be daunting but my aim is to offer you a safe space where you can truly be yourself.
01295 237366 View 01295 237366

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Janice Teh, UKCP Trainee, Psychotherapist
Janice Teh
Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Verified Verified
Milton Keynes MK10
I have lived experience of bereavement, chronic illness and caring for terminally ill people.
I offer therapy to individuals aged 18+ in the Dunstable and Milton Keynes areas. I can help you explore any emotional difficulties you may have. Sometimes we don't know why we keep reacting to others the way we do. We just know we don't want to feel the way we feel anymore. Perhaps you seem to have everything together on the surface but underneath you feel overwhelmed, and you worry about what others might think of you if they knew the truth. You may have been trying to figure this out on your own but get frustrated because nothing seems to work. Maybe you feel that your issue is too insignificant and others have bigger problems.
I have lived experience of bereavement, chronic illness and caring for terminally ill people.
I offer therapy to individuals aged 18+ in the Dunstable and Milton Keynes areas. I can help you explore any emotional difficulties you may have. Sometimes we don't know why we keep reacting to others the way we do. We just know we don't want to feel the way we feel anymore. Perhaps you seem to have everything together on the surface but underneath you feel overwhelmed, and you worry about what others might think of you if they knew the truth. You may have been trying to figure this out on your own but get frustrated because nothing seems to work. Maybe you feel that your issue is too insignificant and others have bigger problems.
07810 788565 View 07810 788565
Photo of Rebecca Savill - Therapy Talks, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Therapy Talks
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bedford MK40  (Online Only)
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.
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Photo of Ella Sherlock, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Ella Sherlock
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Milton Keynes MK11
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.
01908 103095 View 01908 103095
Photo of Dr Carly Carter, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Carly Carter
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Northampton NN3
Hello, my name is Carly, I am a senior Clinical Psychologist offering specialist psychological therapy services for adults and young adults (17+ years old) and couples. I have extensive experience supporting individuals experiencing a range of challenges that typically include; anxiety, low mood, stress/burn-out, difficulty regulating emotions, self-criticism and traumatic experiences, difficulties adjusting to living with a physical health condition, difficulties living with the psychological impact of fatigue and pain. I am always happy to discuss any difficulties you may be experiencing to see if I can help.
Hello, my name is Carly, I am a senior Clinical Psychologist offering specialist psychological therapy services for adults and young adults (17+ years old) and couples. I have extensive experience supporting individuals experiencing a range of challenges that typically include; anxiety, low mood, stress/burn-out, difficulty regulating emotions, self-criticism and traumatic experiences, difficulties adjusting to living with a physical health condition, difficulties living with the psychological impact of fatigue and pain. I am always happy to discuss any difficulties you may be experiencing to see if I can help.
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Photo of Dr Lauren Patton, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Lauren Patton
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Northampton NN3
I'm Lauren, a Doctor of Clinical Psychology. I'm here to listen and understand what you are going through, in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Whether you're an adult, teenager or child, I can work with you to help positively change your life in a way that's meaningful to you. We can focus on issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bereavement, stress, relationships, emotional difficulties or living with a medical condition. Therapy isn't always about focusing on difficulties either, talking on a regular basis can be helpful to process, understand and change any area of your life.
I'm Lauren, a Doctor of Clinical Psychology. I'm here to listen and understand what you are going through, in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Whether you're an adult, teenager or child, I can work with you to help positively change your life in a way that's meaningful to you. We can focus on issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bereavement, stress, relationships, emotional difficulties or living with a medical condition. Therapy isn't always about focusing on difficulties either, talking on a regular basis can be helpful to process, understand and change any area of your life.
01604 279267 View 01604 279267
Photo of Dr Lisa Dvorjetz, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
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.
020 4530 8485 View 020 4530 8485
Photo of Mariam Hassan Omar - Mimicounselling.co.uk, DCounsPsych, BACP, Counsellor
Mimicounselling.co.uk
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, BACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milton Keynes MK6  (Online Only)
Hi my name is Mariam , I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression and other areas. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to help you discover the unique YOU. I work mainly with adults who struggle with everyday life stressors such as financial concerns, relationship struggles, family issues, medical concerns, job concerns, or other concerns. I believe my background
Hi my name is Mariam , I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression and other areas. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to help you discover the unique YOU. I work mainly with adults who struggle with everyday life stressors such as financial concerns, relationship struggles, family issues, medical concerns, job concerns, or other concerns. I believe my background
0121 728 2344 View 0121 728 2344
Photo of Lisa Ruxton, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Lisa Ruxton
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bedford MK40  (Online Only)
I am an experienced Psychotherapist offering talking therapy to those seeking help in life. It may be difficulties in your relationship(s), work life, studies or a loss of meaning or connection that have brought you here. You might be stuck in ways of behaving, thinking and reacting that causes suffering and unsure how possible it is to be free from this. I draw on understandings of how the past can impact the present to help people develop more self awareness which often leads to more freedom and enjoyment in life and relationships. I provide an empathic, supportive relationship where you can explore this possibility.
I am an experienced Psychotherapist offering talking therapy to those seeking help in life. It may be difficulties in your relationship(s), work life, studies or a loss of meaning or connection that have brought you here. You might be stuck in ways of behaving, thinking and reacting that causes suffering and unsure how possible it is to be free from this. I draw on understandings of how the past can impact the present to help people develop more self awareness which often leads to more freedom and enjoyment in life and relationships. I provide an empathic, supportive relationship where you can explore this possibility.
01525 664353 View 01525 664353
Photo of Sarah Showler, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Sarah Showler
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Newport Pagnell MK16
My aim is to offer my clients a supportive and safe space for them to explore and work through their challenges. This means that I actively listen to my clients, working collaboratively together to find a new perspective and approach to their situations to enable them to make the positive steps toward their goals and in their lives. I believe that counselling isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ process and together we will work out a process that best works for you. Finding a solution to understand or accept something that has been holding you back is a positive step.
My aim is to offer my clients a supportive and safe space for them to explore and work through their challenges. This means that I actively listen to my clients, working collaboratively together to find a new perspective and approach to their situations to enable them to make the positive steps toward their goals and in their lives. I believe that counselling isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ process and together we will work out a process that best works for you. Finding a solution to understand or accept something that has been holding you back is a positive step.
01908 015970 View 01908 015970
Photo of Charlotte Grosch - Counselling with Char, MBACP, Counsellor
Counselling with Char
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Newport Pagnell MK16
I provide counselling for individuals aged 18+. I have a comfy therapy room in Newport Pagnell, Milton Keynes and also offer virtual sessions either on Zoom or over the phone. I have experience of working with anxiety, depression, stress, PTSD, shame, low self-esteem, loss, grief, bereavement, unpaid carers, trauma, relationship issues and more.
I provide counselling for individuals aged 18+. I have a comfy therapy room in Newport Pagnell, Milton Keynes and also offer virtual sessions either on Zoom or over the phone. I have experience of working with anxiety, depression, stress, PTSD, shame, low self-esteem, loss, grief, bereavement, unpaid carers, trauma, relationship issues and more.
01908 103584 View 01908 103584
Photo of Peter Craig Dinsmore, BACP, Psychotherapist
Peter Craig Dinsmore
Psychotherapist, BACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Warrington MK46
I am a very experienced and professional therapist with over twelve thousand client contact hours behind me in individual, couples and group work. I feel my experience coupled with my life experiences makes me the person and the therapist I am today. My training in the person-centred approach (three years) and in Transactional Analysis (seven years) together with continuing professional and personal development and supervision give me a strong theoretical and experiential focus to bring to my client work. I work very much in a relational way (research indicates that the therapeutic relationship is key to positive therapy outcomes)
I am a very experienced and professional therapist with over twelve thousand client contact hours behind me in individual, couples and group work. I feel my experience coupled with my life experiences makes me the person and the therapist I am today. My training in the person-centred approach (three years) and in Transactional Analysis (seven years) together with continuing professional and personal development and supervision give me a strong theoretical and experiential focus to bring to my client work. I work very much in a relational way (research indicates that the therapeutic relationship is key to positive therapy outcomes)
0151 541 2512 View 0151 541 2512
Photo of Alexandre Farah Gieseke - LHR Therapy Ltd, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
LHR Therapy Ltd
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Heelands MK13
I have a proven track record, gained since 1995 in dealing with children, young people and adults with learning and behavioural difficulties. I have worked with those who have experienced physical, emotional or sexual abuse. My experience also includes those with a previous history of substance misuse and trauma. I have also worked with Autistic clients. I have gained experience in various settings: schools, residential care settings, foster homes, secure units and NHS hospitals. Additionally, I have worked in Local Authority and private clinic environments. I have worked as both a volunteer and in paid employment.
I have a proven track record, gained since 1995 in dealing with children, young people and adults with learning and behavioural difficulties. I have worked with those who have experienced physical, emotional or sexual abuse. My experience also includes those with a previous history of substance misuse and trauma. I have also worked with Autistic clients. I have gained experience in various settings: schools, residential care settings, foster homes, secure units and NHS hospitals. Additionally, I have worked in Local Authority and private clinic environments. I have worked as both a volunteer and in paid employment.
01908 103702 x137 View 01908 103702 x137
Photo of Dr Grace Major, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Grace Major
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Bedford MK43
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.
View
Photo of Catherine Russell, MBACP, Counsellor
Catherine Russell
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Milton Keynes MK9
I believe everyone should have access to high quality counselling at exactly the time they need it, without having to wait. I am a qualified counsellor with many years experience working with a wide range of issues and with people who come from a variety of backgrounds. This experience includes bereavement, domestic violence, low self-esteem, substance misuse, relationship difficulties, addictions, self-harm, trauma, abuse, social and family interactions, carer support, misophonia, divorce and separation, anxiety, panic attacks and depression.
I believe everyone should have access to high quality counselling at exactly the time they need it, without having to wait. I am a qualified counsellor with many years experience working with a wide range of issues and with people who come from a variety of backgrounds. This experience includes bereavement, domestic violence, low self-esteem, substance misuse, relationship difficulties, addictions, self-harm, trauma, abuse, social and family interactions, carer support, misophonia, divorce and separation, anxiety, panic attacks and depression.
01908 015911 View 01908 015911
Photo of Andrew Maleknia - Mind Matters More, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Mind Matters More
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Milton Keynes MK9
My name is Dr Andrew Maleknia and I am a consultant counselling psychologist with a passion for understanding and helping people. My compassion and desire to help individuals overcome difficulties in meaningful and lasting ways drove me towards choosing an exciting career path in Counselling Psychology. I enjoy being challenged and working to create solutions that meet the needs of those around me. I am a Person Centred Psychologist with additional training in Compassionate Focused Therapy (CFT), Mentalisation (MBT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Art Therapy and EMDR.
My name is Dr Andrew Maleknia and I am a consultant counselling psychologist with a passion for understanding and helping people. My compassion and desire to help individuals overcome difficulties in meaningful and lasting ways drove me towards choosing an exciting career path in Counselling Psychology. I enjoy being challenged and working to create solutions that meet the needs of those around me. I am a Person Centred Psychologist with additional training in Compassionate Focused Therapy (CFT), Mentalisation (MBT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Art Therapy and EMDR.
01908 103253 View 01908 103253

See more therapy options for Olney

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.