Chronic Illness Counselling in Oxford

Photo of Megan Prowse, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Megan Prowse
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Oxford OX4  (Online Only)
Hi there! I would very much like to help you with your difficulties. I am currently providing online and phone therapy sessions rather than any face to face sessions. I have worked within and outside of the NHS for over 10 years specialising in anxiety/depression/trauma/ physical illness/ self esteem. However as a Clinical Psychologist I work with all ages and difficulties either individually or with couples and families. I am fully accredited as CBT therapist as well as a Clinical Psychologist so draw on many different therapies to tailor treatment to suit your needs.
Hi there! I would very much like to help you with your difficulties. I am currently providing online and phone therapy sessions rather than any face to face sessions. I have worked within and outside of the NHS for over 10 years specialising in anxiety/depression/trauma/ physical illness/ self esteem. However as a Clinical Psychologist I work with all ages and difficulties either individually or with couples and families. I am fully accredited as CBT therapist as well as a Clinical Psychologist so draw on many different therapies to tailor treatment to suit your needs.
01865 900924 View 01865 900924
Photo of Dr Louise Fletcher, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Louise Fletcher
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Oxford OX1  (Online Only)
You'd like to feel better about yourself, your life, your future, but you're struggling to engage with life following physical illness. Navigating life's challenges, especially illness, can be daunting. It's more common than you might imagine to experience mental health concerns following illness, such as depression and anxiety. If you're feeling uncertain about how to cope, now might be a good time to connect with a therapist who can help. Let's work together to develop strategies that help you to fully engage with your life as it is now, so that you feel empowered to live well.
You'd like to feel better about yourself, your life, your future, but you're struggling to engage with life following physical illness. Navigating life's challenges, especially illness, can be daunting. It's more common than you might imagine to experience mental health concerns following illness, such as depression and anxiety. If you're feeling uncertain about how to cope, now might be a good time to connect with a therapist who can help. Let's work together to develop strategies that help you to fully engage with your life as it is now, so that you feel empowered to live well.
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Photo of Gareth Robert Bartlett - Gareth Bartlett, BACP, Counsellor
Gareth Bartlett
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Oxford OX4
It is my belief that we all have very unique and individual reasons and circumstances surrounding our issues and that taking the step to share them with someone else can be intimidating. Which is why I am open to working in a non-judgemental way, with anyone who feels they want to share their thoughts and feelings in a safe and nurturing environment. I offer face to face or online video counselling via Zoom because I realise that not everyone wants to be in the same room as their therapist or are able to travel.
It is my belief that we all have very unique and individual reasons and circumstances surrounding our issues and that taking the step to share them with someone else can be intimidating. Which is why I am open to working in a non-judgemental way, with anyone who feels they want to share their thoughts and feelings in a safe and nurturing environment. I offer face to face or online video counselling via Zoom because I realise that not everyone wants to be in the same room as their therapist or are able to travel.
01608 692091 View 01608 692091
Photo of Dr Elizabeth Howl, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Elizabeth Howl
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Oxford OX1
When something unexpected comes into your life, such as a traumatic event, physical health condition, or mental health problem, you can feel like your world has been turned upside down. You might wonder if you will ever get back to being the person you used to be and if you will ever enjoy life again. You might experience anxiety, episodes of panic, struggle with constant negative thoughts, be unable to sleep, isolate yourself and push away those you care most about. Whatever you are struggling with, please get in touch and together we can help you move towards the life you want to lead.
When something unexpected comes into your life, such as a traumatic event, physical health condition, or mental health problem, you can feel like your world has been turned upside down. You might wonder if you will ever get back to being the person you used to be and if you will ever enjoy life again. You might experience anxiety, episodes of panic, struggle with constant negative thoughts, be unable to sleep, isolate yourself and push away those you care most about. Whatever you are struggling with, please get in touch and together we can help you move towards the life you want to lead.
01442 504528 View 01442 504528
Photo of Gemma Jones, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Gemma Jones
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oxford OX1
Hi, my name is Gemma and I’m a Clinical Psychologist with 20 years experience in the NHS and independent practise. I specialise in supporting people who are experiencing psychological difficulties due to a physical health problem, perhaps from illness, injury, a medical problem or a long -term condition. I have particular interest and expertise in pain management, oncology, palliative care and women's health (e.g. peri-menopause, fertility).
Hi, my name is Gemma and I’m a Clinical Psychologist with 20 years experience in the NHS and independent practise. I specialise in supporting people who are experiencing psychological difficulties due to a physical health problem, perhaps from illness, injury, a medical problem or a long -term condition. I have particular interest and expertise in pain management, oncology, palliative care and women's health (e.g. peri-menopause, fertility).
0121 817 7916 View 0121 817 7916
Photo of Joanne Ablett - Dr Joanne Ablett (Flow Clinical Psychology), PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Joanne Ablett (Flow Clinical Psychology)
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Oxford OX1  (Online Only)
I work supporting and coaching individuals to improve their overall wellbeing with a mind-body approach using both psychology and somatic methods in an integrated way. If you are struggling with the flow in your life, in any area, whether it be health, work, relationships, past or a bit of everything, please do get in touch for a collaborative and tailored approach to your needs. I am particularly interested in the how trauma can be expressed through the body and skilled in working holistically with the impact of physical symptoms. Lets help you to move forwards with your goals, whatever they may be.
I work supporting and coaching individuals to improve their overall wellbeing with a mind-body approach using both psychology and somatic methods in an integrated way. If you are struggling with the flow in your life, in any area, whether it be health, work, relationships, past or a bit of everything, please do get in touch for a collaborative and tailored approach to your needs. I am particularly interested in the how trauma can be expressed through the body and skilled in working holistically with the impact of physical symptoms. Lets help you to move forwards with your goals, whatever they may be.
01925 948102 View 01925 948102
Photo of Nicola Psaila, MA, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Nicola Psaila
Psychotherapist, MA, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Oxford OX2
I work with people with a wide range of issues including trauma and abuse, PTSD, depression, anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, and low self-esteem. I also support people with self-exploratory work, managing life transitions, stress, burnout, relationship issues, bereavement, and much more. We can focus on immediate issues as well as long-standing patterns, for example in schema therapy. Whether you know what you would like help with, or you are unsure, do get in touch to see if I can help.
I work with people with a wide range of issues including trauma and abuse, PTSD, depression, anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, and low self-esteem. I also support people with self-exploratory work, managing life transitions, stress, burnout, relationship issues, bereavement, and much more. We can focus on immediate issues as well as long-standing patterns, for example in schema therapy. Whether you know what you would like help with, or you are unsure, do get in touch to see if I can help.
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Photo of Dr Nargis Islam, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Nargis Islam
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Oxford OX2  (Online Only)
I provide a client -centred, compassionate and non-judgemental psychological therapy service, and my approach to therapeutic work is to be open and collaborative. Central to my approach is the importance of the therapeutic relationship; a safe and supportive space within which you can work on achieving positive change. I am trained and accredited in a range of evidence based therapeutic models and I draw on these to provide a therapy that is tailored to your individual needs and will focus on helping you to achieve your goals. I am particularly interested in helping people to recognise, connect to and develop their strengths.
I provide a client -centred, compassionate and non-judgemental psychological therapy service, and my approach to therapeutic work is to be open and collaborative. Central to my approach is the importance of the therapeutic relationship; a safe and supportive space within which you can work on achieving positive change. I am trained and accredited in a range of evidence based therapeutic models and I draw on these to provide a therapy that is tailored to your individual needs and will focus on helping you to achieve your goals. I am particularly interested in helping people to recognise, connect to and develop their strengths.
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Photo of Anicca Moxley-Wyles (Online Practice), MBACP, Psychotherapist
Anicca Moxley-Wyles (Online Practice)
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Oxford OX4  (Online Only)
I offer a non-judgemental, safe environment to help you understand yourself and your life. Counselling can support you to find your own insights, new ways of being with yourself and others, and work towards healing and freedom. It can be a space to get things off your chest, rest or reset, find perspective and understanding in life and relationships, as well as having someone to really hear and be with you as you share and explore what is difficult. My practice is informed by Buddhist philosophy and meditation, which I have been exploring and supporting others with for over 15 years, emphasising embodied awareness and compassion.
I offer a non-judgemental, safe environment to help you understand yourself and your life. Counselling can support you to find your own insights, new ways of being with yourself and others, and work towards healing and freedom. It can be a space to get things off your chest, rest or reset, find perspective and understanding in life and relationships, as well as having someone to really hear and be with you as you share and explore what is difficult. My practice is informed by Buddhist philosophy and meditation, which I have been exploring and supporting others with for over 15 years, emphasising embodied awareness and compassion.
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Photo of Drew (Andrew) Cooper, MBACP, Counsellor
Drew (Andrew) Cooper
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Oxford OX4
I am a level 2 qualified Internal Family Systems (IFS) practitioner and am passionate about this wonderful non-pathologising approach. Ever wondered why you reacted in a certain way or become disproportionally triggered by certain situations? With IFS such reactions can be very valuable in ultimately leading us to parts of us which carry unresolved hurt from the past. The model is very much about us understanding and developing a positive relationship with parts of us which have, for very good reason, taken on protective roles in our system. Then, with their permission, we can help you be with and heal those parts which carry hurt.
I am a level 2 qualified Internal Family Systems (IFS) practitioner and am passionate about this wonderful non-pathologising approach. Ever wondered why you reacted in a certain way or become disproportionally triggered by certain situations? With IFS such reactions can be very valuable in ultimately leading us to parts of us which carry unresolved hurt from the past. The model is very much about us understanding and developing a positive relationship with parts of us which have, for very good reason, taken on protective roles in our system. Then, with their permission, we can help you be with and heal those parts which carry hurt.
01865 900898 View 01865 900898
Photo of Sacha Barlow, MA, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Sacha Barlow
Counsellor, MA, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Oxford OX2
People come to therapy for all sorts of reasons, and often when life has not been easy. Choosing a therapy, and a therapist often adds to the confusion of obstacles to be overcome at such a difficult time. I am a fully qualified and accredited counsellor and psychotherapist and qualified supervisor of other therapists. I do not claim to have the answers, but I can offer you a quiet calm space in which you can take time to explore your life with someone who is non judgemental and who wants to support you in your goals.
People come to therapy for all sorts of reasons, and often when life has not been easy. Choosing a therapy, and a therapist often adds to the confusion of obstacles to be overcome at such a difficult time. I am a fully qualified and accredited counsellor and psychotherapist and qualified supervisor of other therapists. I do not claim to have the answers, but I can offer you a quiet calm space in which you can take time to explore your life with someone who is non judgemental and who wants to support you in your goals.
01865 411328 View 01865 411328
Photo of Clare Hughes, BACP, Psychotherapist
Clare Hughes
Psychotherapist, BACP
Verified Verified
Oxford OX4
I am a qualified psychodynamic therapist, offering weekly or twice weekly psychotherapy for adults. I am trained with the UPCA on the Masters Programme in Psychodynamic Practice at Oxford University, an in-depth and rigorous personal, theoretical and clinical training. I am a member of the UKCP and BACP, and follow their code of ethics. I have experience of working with adults and supporting individuals who have had experience of abuse and trauma, loss and grief, relationship difficulties, divorce, anxiety, low mood and depression. But more importantly I am ready to hold you in mind as an individual with a unique story to tell.
I am a qualified psychodynamic therapist, offering weekly or twice weekly psychotherapy for adults. I am trained with the UPCA on the Masters Programme in Psychodynamic Practice at Oxford University, an in-depth and rigorous personal, theoretical and clinical training. I am a member of the UKCP and BACP, and follow their code of ethics. I have experience of working with adults and supporting individuals who have had experience of abuse and trauma, loss and grief, relationship difficulties, divorce, anxiety, low mood and depression. But more importantly I am ready to hold you in mind as an individual with a unique story to tell.
01865 954436 View 01865 954436
Photo of Demelza Hawes, PsychD, MHGI, Counsellor
Demelza Hawes
Counsellor, PsychD, MHGI
Verified Verified
Oxford OX33
Hello! I am here to offer a listening ear and for you to borrow my brain in relation to your mental and emotional distress. Together we will look into what is troubling you, while also looking through the filter of human emotional needs that innately require to be met. We'll then access your innate resources and I'll coach you through getting your needs met. If necessary I can utilise unique methods to deal with PTSD, trauma, cPTSD, anxiety, depression, phobias and many more issues beyond, to bring you to contentment, while learning how to access that in the future too.
Hello! I am here to offer a listening ear and for you to borrow my brain in relation to your mental and emotional distress. Together we will look into what is troubling you, while also looking through the filter of human emotional needs that innately require to be met. We'll then access your innate resources and I'll coach you through getting your needs met. If necessary I can utilise unique methods to deal with PTSD, trauma, cPTSD, anxiety, depression, phobias and many more issues beyond, to bring you to contentment, while learning how to access that in the future too.
01865 638541 View 01865 638541
Photo of Julie Jenner, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Julie Jenner
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Oxford OX2
We are in some challenging times and there is opportunity for both support with 'here and now issues' and deeper exploration of being you. I am an experienced and highly trained Integrative Body Psychotherapist, Couples Psychotherapist and Trauma Recovery Specialist having been in the field for over 24 years. I help you experientially with life and relationship challenges in a mind, body and spirit process. I include the neurobiology of relationship, attachment, internal parts systems, transgenerational trauma recovery, birth psychology and transpersonal realms. Professional Supervision, Training and Consultancy available.
We are in some challenging times and there is opportunity for both support with 'here and now issues' and deeper exploration of being you. I am an experienced and highly trained Integrative Body Psychotherapist, Couples Psychotherapist and Trauma Recovery Specialist having been in the field for over 24 years. I help you experientially with life and relationship challenges in a mind, body and spirit process. I include the neurobiology of relationship, attachment, internal parts systems, transgenerational trauma recovery, birth psychology and transpersonal realms. Professional Supervision, Training and Consultancy available.
020 8138 0462 View 020 8138 0462
Photo of Emma Jane Woo, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Emma Jane Woo
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Oxford OX4
I am dedicated to making therapy feel more accessible and less scary. I know it can be difficult to make that first step and to move forward and learn to trust a therapist. I try to work in a way that is sensitive to individual need and preference, as well as being open to constructive criticism from clients so that I can better serve them. I want therapy with me to be a positive experience for you.
I am dedicated to making therapy feel more accessible and less scary. I know it can be difficult to make that first step and to move forward and learn to trust a therapist. I try to work in a way that is sensitive to individual need and preference, as well as being open to constructive criticism from clients so that I can better serve them. I want therapy with me to be a positive experience for you.
01865 638421 View 01865 638421
Photo of Dr Nithura Sivarajah, PsychD, HCPC-Clin. Psych., Psychotherapist
Dr Nithura Sivarajah
Psychotherapist, PsychD, HCPC-Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Oxford OX1  (Online Only)
I am an experienced senior clinical psychologist (trained at Oxford University). I offer assessments and treatment for adolescents and adults facing a range of difficulties including, mood disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder, relationship difficulties), anxiety disorders (e.g., social anxiety, OCD, panic, psychosis), trauma (e.g., PTSD, attachment difficulties), ADHD and autism, and low self esteem. The therapy I offer is integrative and draws on CBT, ACT, Compassion based therapies, DBT, EMDR and Systemic Therapy. I highly value the importance of developing a safe, trustworthy and empathic therapeutic relationship.
I am an experienced senior clinical psychologist (trained at Oxford University). I offer assessments and treatment for adolescents and adults facing a range of difficulties including, mood disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder, relationship difficulties), anxiety disorders (e.g., social anxiety, OCD, panic, psychosis), trauma (e.g., PTSD, attachment difficulties), ADHD and autism, and low self esteem. The therapy I offer is integrative and draws on CBT, ACT, Compassion based therapies, DBT, EMDR and Systemic Therapy. I highly value the importance of developing a safe, trustworthy and empathic therapeutic relationship.
01235 639394 View 01235 639394
Photo of Marianne Dorothee Broeker, MSc, GMBPsS, Psychologist
Marianne Dorothee Broeker
Psychologist, MSc, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Oxford OX2
I provide focused therapy that will help you to see your patterns and emotions as well as moral and ethical challenges arising from interpersonal and social contexts better, to then allow you to change them. Obstacles to change are very subtle, often almost invisible. Self-awareness can redirect your energies to creating more positive states of mind. We will work on how ethical and moral dilemmas arise between people, how this interacts with different life experiences that impact your personality and how that then affects your psychological well being.
I provide focused therapy that will help you to see your patterns and emotions as well as moral and ethical challenges arising from interpersonal and social contexts better, to then allow you to change them. Obstacles to change are very subtle, often almost invisible. Self-awareness can redirect your energies to creating more positive states of mind. We will work on how ethical and moral dilemmas arise between people, how this interacts with different life experiences that impact your personality and how that then affects your psychological well being.
01865 638266 View 01865 638266
Photo of Sherene Charles - New Life Therapy - Sherene Charles, SNCPS Acc., Counsellor
New Life Therapy - Sherene Charles
Counsellor, SNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Oxford OX4
Are you tired of going around the same old mountain? Counselling could be the first step in you experiencing the change you desire.
Are you tired of going around the same old mountain? Counselling could be the first step in you experiencing the change you desire.
01865 951480 View 01865 951480
Photo of Jessica May Taylor, MA, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist
Jessica May Taylor
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
Oxford OX4
I am an Art Psychotherapist and Systemic Family Practitioner with over 10 years' experience working with individuals, couples and families across the age range. I draw on frameworks ranging from systemic to existential and psychodynamic and also practice EMDR therapy. I work with warmth and curiosity to help people in distress navigate a path of finding meaning, richness, aliveness and connection within and from difficult and challenging experiences. I am also trained in EFT (emotionally focussed couples therapy) and currently have a waiting list for couples looking for therapy.
I am an Art Psychotherapist and Systemic Family Practitioner with over 10 years' experience working with individuals, couples and families across the age range. I draw on frameworks ranging from systemic to existential and psychodynamic and also practice EMDR therapy. I work with warmth and curiosity to help people in distress navigate a path of finding meaning, richness, aliveness and connection within and from difficult and challenging experiences. I am also trained in EFT (emotionally focussed couples therapy) and currently have a waiting list for couples looking for therapy.
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Photo of Dr Melissa Barkan, DCounsPsych, CPsychol, Psychologist
Dr Melissa Barkan
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, CPsychol
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oxford OX1  (Online Only)
Often, individual difficulties are accompanied by the challenges of daily life, which make each person’s experience different and their therapeutic needs unique. Through short or long term therapy, I aim to support meaningful change in areas you would like to work on, with an understanding of the wider picture of how these issues may feature in daily life.
Often, individual difficulties are accompanied by the challenges of daily life, which make each person’s experience different and their therapeutic needs unique. Through short or long term therapy, I aim to support meaningful change in areas you would like to work on, with an understanding of the wider picture of how these issues may feature in daily life.
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See more therapy options for Oxford

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.