Chronic Illness Counselling in Shepton Mallet

Photo of Lucy Gearing, BACP, Counsellor
Lucy Gearing
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Shepton Mallet BA4
Hi. Sometimes we can find ourselves in troubling and distressing times, not knowing how to find our way out. It can be much easier and achievable when shared with someone who can support and guide you through it. It can feel very lonely and isolating, often a place you never expected to find yourself in and living through. Finding a way out and some peace can feel like an impossible task. Being able to talk to someone in a non-judgemental environment that gets and understands you can be a massive relief. To know that you have the support of an experienced qualified counsellor is a great support with working through your concerns.
Hi. Sometimes we can find ourselves in troubling and distressing times, not knowing how to find our way out. It can be much easier and achievable when shared with someone who can support and guide you through it. It can feel very lonely and isolating, often a place you never expected to find yourself in and living through. Finding a way out and some peace can feel like an impossible task. Being able to talk to someone in a non-judgemental environment that gets and understands you can be a massive relief. To know that you have the support of an experienced qualified counsellor is a great support with working through your concerns.
01749 608523 View 01749 608523
Photo of Simon Gaddes, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Simon Gaddes
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shepton Mallet BA4
I aim to provide you with a safe, caring and professional atmosphere where you can explore your struggles at your own pace and depth. I am a well travelled, life experienced integrative counsellor which means I believe in tapping into various models and approaches, founded upon my deep curiosity of what life expects of us as we journey through it, to assist you with those unique and personal problems you are experiencing. I am experienced in dealing with depression, anxiety and stress and can assist you to explore deeper experiences that may be contributing to your struggles. I am here to hear. Daytime availability only currently.
I aim to provide you with a safe, caring and professional atmosphere where you can explore your struggles at your own pace and depth. I am a well travelled, life experienced integrative counsellor which means I believe in tapping into various models and approaches, founded upon my deep curiosity of what life expects of us as we journey through it, to assist you with those unique and personal problems you are experiencing. I am experienced in dealing with depression, anxiety and stress and can assist you to explore deeper experiences that may be contributing to your struggles. I am here to hear. Daytime availability only currently.
01749 608476 View 01749 608476
Photo of Christopher Guy Soloman, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Christopher Guy Soloman
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Shepton Mallet BA4  (Online Only)
Hello and welcome to my page. I recognise the courage it takes to approach a therapist and would like to help you. Over ten years of practising, therapy has shown me time and time again how people can overcome their problems successfully and live fulfilled and happy lives. In today's pressured world, mental health problems are all too common. Maybe you're struggling with depression or stress or the problem is anxiety, or trauma, or grief. Perhaps you're struggling with a habit that started off as a pleasure but turned into an addiction over lockdown. Whatever the mental health problem, talking therapy can help.
Hello and welcome to my page. I recognise the courage it takes to approach a therapist and would like to help you. Over ten years of practising, therapy has shown me time and time again how people can overcome their problems successfully and live fulfilled and happy lives. In today's pressured world, mental health problems are all too common. Maybe you're struggling with depression or stress or the problem is anxiety, or trauma, or grief. Perhaps you're struggling with a habit that started off as a pleasure but turned into an addiction over lockdown. Whatever the mental health problem, talking therapy can help.
01749 608528 View 01749 608528
Photo of Jessica L Rewse-Davies, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Jessica L Rewse-Davies
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Shepton Mallet BA4
Would you like to feel less fearful, not be held back by your thoughts, to feel more at ease in yourself and with others, and experience more confidence? Maybe you'd like to better understand how past experiences may be impacting you in the present, and how to change familiar and unhelpful patterns to improve your relationships? With skilled and focused support all of this is possible! You are unique so I aim to work with your experiences in a way that is suited to you. I work with a range of issues and have a particular passion for working with anger, depressive feelings, and communication issues that impede relationships.
Would you like to feel less fearful, not be held back by your thoughts, to feel more at ease in yourself and with others, and experience more confidence? Maybe you'd like to better understand how past experiences may be impacting you in the present, and how to change familiar and unhelpful patterns to improve your relationships? With skilled and focused support all of this is possible! You are unique so I aim to work with your experiences in a way that is suited to you. I work with a range of issues and have a particular passion for working with anger, depressive feelings, and communication issues that impede relationships.
01749 608468 View 01749 608468
Photo of Helen Marie Yates, BACP, Counsellor
Helen Marie Yates
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shepton Mallet BA4
Hello and welcome, I have experience in many different client issues, to name some- self harm, relationship difficulties, body dysmorphia, gender dysphoria, neuro diversity, relationship difficulties, bereavement, miscarriage, infertility, addiction and trauma. I have a strong grounding in eating disorders, LGBTQ issues and sexual abuse. You may use the space how you wish to and I will be alongside you, supporting you along the way to find your own answers and come to your own solutions, conclusions and understandings. I wouldn't offer you advice but would facilitate what you would like to work on and what you wish to explore.
Hello and welcome, I have experience in many different client issues, to name some- self harm, relationship difficulties, body dysmorphia, gender dysphoria, neuro diversity, relationship difficulties, bereavement, miscarriage, infertility, addiction and trauma. I have a strong grounding in eating disorders, LGBTQ issues and sexual abuse. You may use the space how you wish to and I will be alongside you, supporting you along the way to find your own answers and come to your own solutions, conclusions and understandings. I wouldn't offer you advice but would facilitate what you would like to work on and what you wish to explore.
01373 485190 View 01373 485190
Photo of Barbara Gonzalez, MBACP, Counsellor
Barbara Gonzalez
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Shepton Mallet BA4
Welcome. I'm here to provide a confidential and safe space for you to explore a variety of issues. In counselling, we will work together to develop a trusting relationship, where you won't feel judged or told what you should or shouldn't do. Because we are all unique, different approaches may be called upon to address individual needs, so while I use a combination of psycho-analytic and humanistic methods, I am also flexible and attuned to your pace and requirements. I work with a range of issues such as: Depression, Anxiety, Relationships/Family difficulties, Trauma, Bereavement and Grief, Menopause and Life Changes and more.
Welcome. I'm here to provide a confidential and safe space for you to explore a variety of issues. In counselling, we will work together to develop a trusting relationship, where you won't feel judged or told what you should or shouldn't do. Because we are all unique, different approaches may be called upon to address individual needs, so while I use a combination of psycho-analytic and humanistic methods, I am also flexible and attuned to your pace and requirements. I work with a range of issues such as: Depression, Anxiety, Relationships/Family difficulties, Trauma, Bereavement and Grief, Menopause and Life Changes and more.
01749 706510 View 01749 706510

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Ruth Hubbard, SNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Ruth Hubbard
Counsellor, SNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Glastonbury BA6
I specialise in working with chronic illness and pain, anxiety, resolving past trauma, bereavement and loss.
Are you struggling? Attempting to gain a better understanding of yourself and find ways to better cope with life's ups and downs? I can help you find a path forward by making sense of, and learning from our past, engaging with the present & creating future hope. We can explore things that may be causing you distress or confusion from that odd sense that things aren't quite right and feeling unfulfilled to specific issues which are affecting your daily life e.g. chronic pain and illness, anxiety, trauma, bereavement, abuse, self defeating and / self destructive behaviours.
I specialise in working with chronic illness and pain, anxiety, resolving past trauma, bereavement and loss.
Are you struggling? Attempting to gain a better understanding of yourself and find ways to better cope with life's ups and downs? I can help you find a path forward by making sense of, and learning from our past, engaging with the present & creating future hope. We can explore things that may be causing you distress or confusion from that odd sense that things aren't quite right and feeling unfulfilled to specific issues which are affecting your daily life e.g. chronic pain and illness, anxiety, trauma, bereavement, abuse, self defeating and / self destructive behaviours.
01458 552337 View 01458 552337
Photo of Jennifer Edge, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Jennifer Edge
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glastonbury BA6
Are you experiencing distress or dissatisfaction in your life no matter how hard you try? This may have been going on for a long time or perhaps you're left feeling out-of-control after a loved-one dying, a big change happening in your life, or maybe illness striking you or somebody that you care for? Perhaps nothing has happened, but you feel stuck and unhappy with your life and relationships? Are you exhausted taking care of others needs whilst ignoring your own? Whatever your situation you would like to find greater ease within yourself and have more satisfying relationships with other people in your life.
Are you experiencing distress or dissatisfaction in your life no matter how hard you try? This may have been going on for a long time or perhaps you're left feeling out-of-control after a loved-one dying, a big change happening in your life, or maybe illness striking you or somebody that you care for? Perhaps nothing has happened, but you feel stuck and unhappy with your life and relationships? Are you exhausted taking care of others needs whilst ignoring your own? Whatever your situation you would like to find greater ease within yourself and have more satisfying relationships with other people in your life.
01225 530233 View 01225 530233
Photo of Jess Crampton, UKCP Trainee, Psychotherapist
Jess Crampton
Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Verified Verified
Bath BA3
Hi, my name is Jess. Thank you for visiting my site today. In sessions with me you will be offered careful listening, and a willingness to join you where ever you are now. From me you will receive warmth and insight, both in terms of the training I have received, and from my own life experience. The work will progress at your pace, and I will be right there with you. Over the course of our sessions, you can learn to cope with your feelings, set appropriate boundaries, and experience a growing resilience.
Hi, my name is Jess. Thank you for visiting my site today. In sessions with me you will be offered careful listening, and a willingness to join you where ever you are now. From me you will receive warmth and insight, both in terms of the training I have received, and from my own life experience. The work will progress at your pace, and I will be right there with you. Over the course of our sessions, you can learn to cope with your feelings, set appropriate boundaries, and experience a growing resilience.
01249 479183 View 01249 479183
Photo of Dr Keith Abbott, PhD, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Dr Keith Abbott
Counsellor, PhD, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Glastonbury BA6
I’m passionate about helping you make more of your life, whether you want to work on personal, psychological, relationship, mental health or spiritual issues or to find more meaning, fulfilment, purpose and happiness in life. I have a Masters degree (with Distinction) in Person-Centred Counselling & Psychotherapy Practice. I offer short and long term counselling and psychotherapy, and counselling supervision. I help men, women and couples of many professions, occupations and nationalities, from 18 upwards in UK and (online) overseas. I provide individual sessions, couples sessions and am a qualified counselling supervisor.
I’m passionate about helping you make more of your life, whether you want to work on personal, psychological, relationship, mental health or spiritual issues or to find more meaning, fulfilment, purpose and happiness in life. I have a Masters degree (with Distinction) in Person-Centred Counselling & Psychotherapy Practice. I offer short and long term counselling and psychotherapy, and counselling supervision. I help men, women and couples of many professions, occupations and nationalities, from 18 upwards in UK and (online) overseas. I provide individual sessions, couples sessions and am a qualified counselling supervisor.
01509 323243 View 01509 323243
Photo of Lou Turner, MBACP, Counsellor
Lou Turner
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Street BA16  (Online Only)
Modern life can be difficult, I am experienced in helping people with issues such as depression, anxiety and low self esteem. Talking to someone who is qualified to support you can help to explore the roots of your issues and work together to move forward in a healthier way, enabling you to deal with whatever life throws at you in the future.
Modern life can be difficult, I am experienced in helping people with issues such as depression, anxiety and low self esteem. Talking to someone who is qualified to support you can help to explore the roots of your issues and work together to move forward in a healthier way, enabling you to deal with whatever life throws at you in the future.
01458 552335 View 01458 552335
Photo of Steve Cutmore, MBACP, Counsellor
Steve Cutmore
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Glastonbury BA6
I provide a nurturing environment in which themes and issues can be explored safely. My overall goal is to enhance client's sense of well-being and ability to thrive. I view each client as an individual who is seeking assistance in aligning with their path. I place great value on the client-therapist relationship, as a client you will experience me as committed to my work, focussed and attentive while being friendly and non-judgemental. I am happy to work face to face or via skype/phone-calls. I am open to negotiating rates if appropriate.
I provide a nurturing environment in which themes and issues can be explored safely. My overall goal is to enhance client's sense of well-being and ability to thrive. I view each client as an individual who is seeking assistance in aligning with their path. I place great value on the client-therapist relationship, as a client you will experience me as committed to my work, focussed and attentive while being friendly and non-judgemental. I am happy to work face to face or via skype/phone-calls. I am open to negotiating rates if appropriate.
07481 360884 View 07481 360884
Photo of Mike Jackson, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Mike Jackson
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Street BA16
Sliding scale available £25-£65. I am Mike & I am a qualified counsellor & supervisor with many years of experience working with adults & young people in various settings. I am a person-centred counsellor using an integrative framework. My work is underpinned by different approaches including humanistic approaches, cognitive behavioural therapy, Mindfulness, solution-focused and creative ways of working. I have varied qualifications and experience including a Diploma Level 5, accredited by the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society MNCPS (Acc.). I provide face-to-face in Puriton, online and telephone counselling See my website
Sliding scale available £25-£65. I am Mike & I am a qualified counsellor & supervisor with many years of experience working with adults & young people in various settings. I am a person-centred counsellor using an integrative framework. My work is underpinned by different approaches including humanistic approaches, cognitive behavioural therapy, Mindfulness, solution-focused and creative ways of working. I have varied qualifications and experience including a Diploma Level 5, accredited by the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society MNCPS (Acc.). I provide face-to-face in Puriton, online and telephone counselling See my website
07555 597600 View 07555 597600
Photo of Anna Bulgakova, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Anna Bulgakova
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Bruton BA10
Are you looking for change? Do you want to move beyond the pain of your current situation or past traumas? Are you experiencing relationship difficulties and don't know how to go beyond the current situation? Whatever the issues you are facing, I will work with you to help you move towards the place you (both) want to be. I have extensive knowledge of working with clients with a range of mental health difficulties, including people in emotional crisis. I believe that every person has the potential for recovery and growth, with as an individual or within relationship with another person. Transformation is always possible.
Are you looking for change? Do you want to move beyond the pain of your current situation or past traumas? Are you experiencing relationship difficulties and don't know how to go beyond the current situation? Whatever the issues you are facing, I will work with you to help you move towards the place you (both) want to be. I have extensive knowledge of working with clients with a range of mental health difficulties, including people in emotional crisis. I believe that every person has the potential for recovery and growth, with as an individual or within relationship with another person. Transformation is always possible.
0117 325 2694 View 0117 325 2694
Photo of Ana Corral, UKCP Trainee, Psychotherapist
Ana Corral
Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Verified Verified
Midsomer Norton BA3
I wanted to give you a warm welcome and acknowledge your effort in taking this first step. It is not easy to start therapy; overcoming any fear you may feel, where to search, which therapist to choose… I would like to invite you to stop for a moment. Close your eyes slowly. Take a deep breath. How do you feel? Where in your body do you feel it? Sometimes life presents us with difficulties that can leave our world upside down. We can end up feeling anxious, depressed, angry, frustrated… Sometimes we just experience a lack of meaning and can’t connect with the life force that makes us feel alive.
I wanted to give you a warm welcome and acknowledge your effort in taking this first step. It is not easy to start therapy; overcoming any fear you may feel, where to search, which therapist to choose… I would like to invite you to stop for a moment. Close your eyes slowly. Take a deep breath. How do you feel? Where in your body do you feel it? Sometimes life presents us with difficulties that can leave our world upside down. We can end up feeling anxious, depressed, angry, frustrated… Sometimes we just experience a lack of meaning and can’t connect with the life force that makes us feel alive.
01275 402946 View 01275 402946
Photo of Jacqueline Bailey, PhD, CPsychol, Psychologist
Jacqueline Bailey
Psychologist, PhD, CPsychol
Verified Verified
Bath BA3
I am a health psychologist working as a CBT therapist. Please see my website resolvingpain.co.uk for more information. Or you can email me: jacqueline@resolvingpain.co.uk During these times I can offer therapy via Skype and Zoom too if necessary.
I am a health psychologist working as a CBT therapist. Please see my website resolvingpain.co.uk for more information. Or you can email me: jacqueline@resolvingpain.co.uk During these times I can offer therapy via Skype and Zoom too if necessary.
01225 985387 View 01225 985387
Photo of Debra Doggrell - Three Counties Counselling and Psychotherapy, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Three Counties Counselling and Psychotherapy
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Wincanton BA9
As an accredited, fully qualified practitioner and supervisor with over 20 years experience, I offer long or short term counselling and psychotherapy for adults and young people for any emotional or mental health issues such as anxiety, relationship issues, bereavement, abuse, stress, anger management, PTSD and depression. I also provide an employee assistance programme (EAP) for businesses in the area, offering a service supporting workers suffering from stress or other psychological difficulties which can effect attendance and/or performance.
As an accredited, fully qualified practitioner and supervisor with over 20 years experience, I offer long or short term counselling and psychotherapy for adults and young people for any emotional or mental health issues such as anxiety, relationship issues, bereavement, abuse, stress, anger management, PTSD and depression. I also provide an employee assistance programme (EAP) for businesses in the area, offering a service supporting workers suffering from stress or other psychological difficulties which can effect attendance and/or performance.
01747 449956 View 01747 449956
Photo of Angela Percival, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Angela Percival
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Glastonbury BA6
I’m very much an advocate of being compassionate with ourselves, especially when having a difficult time. Yet I’ve often found this tends to be when we’re the hardest on ourselves, judging our emotional responses and questioning how well we’re coping. Although this seems to be a very human response, it can add to our levels of stress, upset and confusion. I provide a safe, non-judgemental space for you to be heard, understood and to help you make sense of whatever is going on for you. Focused support will help you gain greater clarity and self acceptance. Feeling more resourced, you can move forwards with greater ease.
I’m very much an advocate of being compassionate with ourselves, especially when having a difficult time. Yet I’ve often found this tends to be when we’re the hardest on ourselves, judging our emotional responses and questioning how well we’re coping. Although this seems to be a very human response, it can add to our levels of stress, upset and confusion. I provide a safe, non-judgemental space for you to be heard, understood and to help you make sense of whatever is going on for you. Focused support will help you gain greater clarity and self acceptance. Feeling more resourced, you can move forwards with greater ease.
01458 552330 View 01458 552330
Photo of Karen King-Harris, MSc, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Karen King-Harris
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Wells BA5
Hello, I am a BACP accredited Individual, Couples and Young Persons Counsellor/Psychotherapist, EMDR therapist and also a Therapeutic Coach.  I work from my  private practice in Wedmore on the Somerset Levels,  near Cheddar,  Wells, Glastonbury and Weston super Mare. I offer a FREE introductory 15/20 minute appointment, so please get in touch via e mail or telephone to find out more about how I work, and to discuss your needs. This will hopefully help to assist you in deciding whether I am the right therapist for you. If distance or travelling is a problem,  I also offer sessions ONLINE, VIa ZOOM OR BY TELEPHONE.
Hello, I am a BACP accredited Individual, Couples and Young Persons Counsellor/Psychotherapist, EMDR therapist and also a Therapeutic Coach.  I work from my  private practice in Wedmore on the Somerset Levels,  near Cheddar,  Wells, Glastonbury and Weston super Mare. I offer a FREE introductory 15/20 minute appointment, so please get in touch via e mail or telephone to find out more about how I work, and to discuss your needs. This will hopefully help to assist you in deciding whether I am the right therapist for you. If distance or travelling is a problem,  I also offer sessions ONLINE, VIa ZOOM OR BY TELEPHONE.
0118 230 0521 View 0118 230 0521
Photo of Elaine Hutchinson, Counsellor
Elaine Hutchinson
Counsellor
Verified Verified
Wells BA5
Hi, I'm Elaine. I'm a child & adolescent therapist & counsellor who supports children, teens & their families to manage big feelings, stressful situations and other life challenges. I work with children & young people aged 6-25 (as well as some adults) and support them with a huge range of issues from anxiety and worries about school, fostering and adoption, to trauma, bereavement, sexual abuse and domestic violence, covering pretty much everything you can think of in-between. I'm an accredited therapist who offers play & creative arts therapy, TraumaPlay and talking therapy. I have a therapy dog who loves to be involved.
Hi, I'm Elaine. I'm a child & adolescent therapist & counsellor who supports children, teens & their families to manage big feelings, stressful situations and other life challenges. I work with children & young people aged 6-25 (as well as some adults) and support them with a huge range of issues from anxiety and worries about school, fostering and adoption, to trauma, bereavement, sexual abuse and domestic violence, covering pretty much everything you can think of in-between. I'm an accredited therapist who offers play & creative arts therapy, TraumaPlay and talking therapy. I have a therapy dog who loves to be involved.
01749 605317 View 01749 605317

See more therapy options for Shepton Mallet

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.