Chronic Illness Counselling in Sidmouth

Photo of Jess Harrison, MBACP, Counsellor
Jess Harrison
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Sidmouth EX10
As well as online video apps, I work face to face with adults, young people (11+) and couples. Sometimes friends or family are unable to support you so an impartial professional can really help. Powerlessness, change, loneliness, grief and anxiety are just a few of the overwhelming feelings many are experiencing. There is no need to be alone in this. Call for a chat to see if, together, we can find a way forward.
As well as online video apps, I work face to face with adults, young people (11+) and couples. Sometimes friends or family are unable to support you so an impartial professional can really help. Powerlessness, change, loneliness, grief and anxiety are just a few of the overwhelming feelings many are experiencing. There is no need to be alone in this. Call for a chat to see if, together, we can find a way forward.
01392 549041 View 01392 549041
Photo of Linda Macaulay, MBACP, Counsellor
Linda Macaulay
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Sidmouth EX10
As a very experienced Counsellor (qualified 1998) and Physical Therapist (Pilates Instructor qualified 1984) I have an innate interest in and deep respect for people. My mission has been to support and work with my clients in assisting them in achieving their healing and wellness. Often it helps to be listened to and it is important to understand why things are the way they are. Perhaps you feel "stuck"and are at a loss to know how to deal with a difficult situation - or it may be that you are having difficulties in relationships with other people.
As a very experienced Counsellor (qualified 1998) and Physical Therapist (Pilates Instructor qualified 1984) I have an innate interest in and deep respect for people. My mission has been to support and work with my clients in assisting them in achieving their healing and wellness. Often it helps to be listened to and it is important to understand why things are the way they are. Perhaps you feel "stuck"and are at a loss to know how to deal with a difficult situation - or it may be that you are having difficulties in relationships with other people.
07445 343049 View 07445 343049
Photo of Jonathan Polverino, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Jonathan Polverino
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sidmouth EX10
Everyone experiences difficulties at some point in their lives. It can be a lonely and often overwhelming time, and one of the hardest tasks is making the first step to reach out for help, well done for managing to come this far. Counselling can be incredibly helpful for anyone who is facing a range of personal challenges and emotional struggles. It can provide a safe and confidential space for individuals to openly express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns without judgment. This alone can be immensely therapeutic, as it allows you as an individual to gain clarity on your issues and explore potential solutions.
Everyone experiences difficulties at some point in their lives. It can be a lonely and often overwhelming time, and one of the hardest tasks is making the first step to reach out for help, well done for managing to come this far. Counselling can be incredibly helpful for anyone who is facing a range of personal challenges and emotional struggles. It can provide a safe and confidential space for individuals to openly express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns without judgment. This alone can be immensely therapeutic, as it allows you as an individual to gain clarity on your issues and explore potential solutions.
01843 264809 View 01843 264809
Photo of Jurgen Wolfram Schwarz, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Jurgen Wolfram Schwarz
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Sidmouth EX10
As a compassionate and nurturing male with experience working with Mind, the NHS and a leading dementia charity as well as volunteering with the Samaritans and Cruse Bereavement Support, I offer a special therapeutic relationship for those undergoing unwanted and distressing changes in their lives. I therefore place great store by the initial free phone or Zoom meeting as a ‘get to know’ session, where we will also explore how best I could support you. I will not claim to erase life problems, but I can help you to cope positively with them through developing new insights, enabling you to live with purpose.
As a compassionate and nurturing male with experience working with Mind, the NHS and a leading dementia charity as well as volunteering with the Samaritans and Cruse Bereavement Support, I offer a special therapeutic relationship for those undergoing unwanted and distressing changes in their lives. I therefore place great store by the initial free phone or Zoom meeting as a ‘get to know’ session, where we will also explore how best I could support you. I will not claim to erase life problems, but I can help you to cope positively with them through developing new insights, enabling you to live with purpose.
01392 321548 View 01392 321548
Photo of Katrina J Campbell-Crocker, MBACP, Counsellor
Katrina J Campbell-Crocker
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Sidmouth EX10
Hi ya I am a fully qualified counsellor with experience of working with adults & young people from aged 13 yrs, who are experiencing a variety of challenges & Mental Health Complexities ;such as •Attachment Disorders •Oppositional Defiant Disorder•Anxiety & Depression•Abuse •Bereavement & Loss •Childhood Trauma•Domestic Viol •Disability Discrimination•Low Self Esteem.& Low Self Worth •Narcissistic Personality Dis•Personality Disorders •Dissociative Disorders•Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder•Racial identity •Separation & Social Anxiety & Trauma disorder & ADHD. I believe that we all have the right 2 speak & B heard in a safe space.
Hi ya I am a fully qualified counsellor with experience of working with adults & young people from aged 13 yrs, who are experiencing a variety of challenges & Mental Health Complexities ;such as •Attachment Disorders •Oppositional Defiant Disorder•Anxiety & Depression•Abuse •Bereavement & Loss •Childhood Trauma•Domestic Viol •Disability Discrimination•Low Self Esteem.& Low Self Worth •Narcissistic Personality Dis•Personality Disorders •Dissociative Disorders•Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder•Racial identity •Separation & Social Anxiety & Trauma disorder & ADHD. I believe that we all have the right 2 speak & B heard in a safe space.
01626 242446 View 01626 242446

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Rachel Coles, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Rachel Coles
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX5
I have a particular interest & experience in working with Eating Disorders & Disordered Eating difficulties. As a Family Therapist, I have worked with a wide range of mental health difficulties, including using Attachment Narrative Therapy; working with attachment difficulties; depression; anxiety; self harm; emotional regulation; communication difficulties & trauma. I’m trained to work with individuals, couples & families across the age range. It’s a privilege to support & empower families & individuals in understanding their lives experiences, improving their relationships, mental health & well-being.
I have a particular interest & experience in working with Eating Disorders & Disordered Eating difficulties. As a Family Therapist, I have worked with a wide range of mental health difficulties, including using Attachment Narrative Therapy; working with attachment difficulties; depression; anxiety; self harm; emotional regulation; communication difficulties & trauma. I’m trained to work with individuals, couples & families across the age range. It’s a privilege to support & empower families & individuals in understanding their lives experiences, improving their relationships, mental health & well-being.
01392 321753 View 01392 321753
Photo of Audaye Elesedy, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Audaye Elesedy
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Exeter EX3
Often, the reasons given to me for arriving to therapy are feature one or more of the following: anxiety, depression, sadness, self confidence, life changing illnesses, self identity, early childhood, past or present relationships, bereavements, traumatic experiences, injury and mental health diagnosis. How these issues and difficult feelings manifest in people's lives are unique and so 'reasons' may be identified as problems or difficulties with: addictions; work; intimate or family relationships; children and parenting; personal or spiritual identity, or something existential. Therapy offers to solute and salve these issues.
Often, the reasons given to me for arriving to therapy are feature one or more of the following: anxiety, depression, sadness, self confidence, life changing illnesses, self identity, early childhood, past or present relationships, bereavements, traumatic experiences, injury and mental health diagnosis. How these issues and difficult feelings manifest in people's lives are unique and so 'reasons' may be identified as problems or difficulties with: addictions; work; intimate or family relationships; children and parenting; personal or spiritual identity, or something existential. Therapy offers to solute and salve these issues.
01392 321528 View 01392 321528
Photo of Marina Moran - Emdr Therapy, MA, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Marina Moran - Emdr Therapy
Psychologist, MA, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Exeter EX14  (Online Only)
As a psychologist, I specialise in helping people who didn't feel good enough as children, and still don't feel good enough now, to change the way they think, feel and act so they can be kinder to the person they are and become the person they want to be. With over 10 years experience as a psychotherapist my work aims to heal trauma, and provice you with copig strategies to release emotional blocks and empowers yourself. I am trained in several therapeutic modalities, including: Gestalt Psychotherapy, Humanistic  Integrative Psychotherapy, EMDR, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, and Energy Psychology Techniques.
As a psychologist, I specialise in helping people who didn't feel good enough as children, and still don't feel good enough now, to change the way they think, feel and act so they can be kinder to the person they are and become the person they want to be. With over 10 years experience as a psychotherapist my work aims to heal trauma, and provice you with copig strategies to release emotional blocks and empowers yourself. I am trained in several therapeutic modalities, including: Gestalt Psychotherapy, Humanistic  Integrative Psychotherapy, EMDR, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, and Energy Psychology Techniques.
01841 550538 View 01841 550538
Photo of Jo Flint, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Jo Flint
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Seaton EX12
If you are struggling with personal issues, such as, anxiety, anger, depression, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, trauma, bereavement/loss, life transitions, or feel you need help in moving on in your life, then please contact me for help. I am qualified and experienced Counsellor and Supervisor, working privately near Axminster, East Devon. While always working collaboratively with you, I aim to offer you a safe space where you can explore your issues in depth, which will help you gain insight and understanding, and enable you to live your life in more fulfilling and hopeful ways.
If you are struggling with personal issues, such as, anxiety, anger, depression, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, trauma, bereavement/loss, life transitions, or feel you need help in moving on in your life, then please contact me for help. I am qualified and experienced Counsellor and Supervisor, working privately near Axminster, East Devon. While always working collaboratively with you, I aim to offer you a safe space where you can explore your issues in depth, which will help you gain insight and understanding, and enable you to live your life in more fulfilling and hopeful ways.
07480 486398 View 07480 486398
Photo of Craig T Billington, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Craig T Billington
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Seaton EX12  (Online Only)
Welcome to my profile, I am an experienced integrative therapist, service manager and supervisor who specialises in the field of unresolved loss, grief and trauma within an NHS environment and private practice. I specialise within EMDR to treat single and complex post-traumatic stress (PTSD) amongst the many other challenges we experience in life. Feelings of overwhelm, grief, fear, confusion, and trauma each lead to unique recovery paths. Therefore, my approach is client-centred, focusing on a de-stigmatising perspective where life's struggles, challenges, tragedies, and recovery are seen as integral parts of the human experience.
Welcome to my profile, I am an experienced integrative therapist, service manager and supervisor who specialises in the field of unresolved loss, grief and trauma within an NHS environment and private practice. I specialise within EMDR to treat single and complex post-traumatic stress (PTSD) amongst the many other challenges we experience in life. Feelings of overwhelm, grief, fear, confusion, and trauma each lead to unique recovery paths. Therefore, my approach is client-centred, focusing on a de-stigmatising perspective where life's struggles, challenges, tragedies, and recovery are seen as integral parts of the human experience.
07401 217215 View 07401 217215
Photo of Dr Craig Newman, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Craig Newman
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Exeter EX5  (Online Only)
I have over 25 years of experience in supporting people to both recovery and to feel empowered in managing their own wellbeing, beyond therapy. If you are struggling with mental health, physical health and/or difficult relationships (including abusive), I can offer support based on years of experience. What makes me unique is that I blend Therapy and Coaching approaches, being qualified at the level of a Dr in both domains (Chartered Clinical and Coaching Psychologist) - this means I can shift to support healing or empowering life change, based on your needs.
I have over 25 years of experience in supporting people to both recovery and to feel empowered in managing their own wellbeing, beyond therapy. If you are struggling with mental health, physical health and/or difficult relationships (including abusive), I can offer support based on years of experience. What makes me unique is that I blend Therapy and Coaching approaches, being qualified at the level of a Dr in both domains (Chartered Clinical and Coaching Psychologist) - this means I can shift to support healing or empowering life change, based on your needs.
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Photo of Jonathan Wilkes, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Jonathan Wilkes
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Whimple EX5
Often people find that painful experiences and relationships in their past mean that things in the present can be complicated and sometimes hard to bear. They affect how we feel about ourselves, how we feel about the world and how we relate to other people we encounter.  If we work together we’ll explore what brought you to therapy now and think together about where the difficulties in your present might have come from. I will listen very carefully to you in order to appreciate what you are feeling so that we can begin to see how you might find a greater freedom in your life.
Often people find that painful experiences and relationships in their past mean that things in the present can be complicated and sometimes hard to bear. They affect how we feel about ourselves, how we feel about the world and how we relate to other people we encounter.  If we work together we’ll explore what brought you to therapy now and think together about where the difficulties in your present might have come from. I will listen very carefully to you in order to appreciate what you are feeling so that we can begin to see how you might find a greater freedom in your life.
01372 236067 View 01372 236067
Photo of Nicola Dunn, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Nicola Dunn
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Exmouth EX8
Hi, I’m Nic. I’m calm, empathic and non-judgemental, and I provide a friendly, confidential space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours in the safety of the counselling relationship. We’ll gently explore what brings you to counselling; this can be any issues, past or present, however big or small they may feel. I’m here to listen, without judgement, and together we’ll work through these issues to help you to understand and accept yourself, and find a way to move forwards. You may not be sure what you want from counselling, and this is something we can work through together.
Hi, I’m Nic. I’m calm, empathic and non-judgemental, and I provide a friendly, confidential space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours in the safety of the counselling relationship. We’ll gently explore what brings you to counselling; this can be any issues, past or present, however big or small they may feel. I’m here to listen, without judgement, and together we’ll work through these issues to help you to understand and accept yourself, and find a way to move forwards. You may not be sure what you want from counselling, and this is something we can work through together.
01392 321633 View 01392 321633
Photo of Antonietta Pirillo - The Spectrum Clinic, MSc, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
The Spectrum Clinic
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Seaton EX12
The Spectrum Clinic has been established to provide a person-centred approach to assess for Autism and ADHD without compromising on quality and reliability of our assessments. Our patients are at the centre of what we do and every assessment starts with hearing about their journey. We use the gold standard tools for our assessments and follow the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines when offering our services. This means that our assessments are evidence-based and that our clinicians adhere to the highest standards of practice set in the UK.
The Spectrum Clinic has been established to provide a person-centred approach to assess for Autism and ADHD without compromising on quality and reliability of our assessments. Our patients are at the centre of what we do and every assessment starts with hearing about their journey. We use the gold standard tools for our assessments and follow the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines when offering our services. This means that our assessments are evidence-based and that our clinicians adhere to the highest standards of practice set in the UK.
020 3667 9039 View 020 3667 9039
Photo of Hannah Speirs, MBACP, Counsellor
Hannah Speirs
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX3  (Online Only)
Hello and welcome. If you are looking at this, I imagine you have reached a point in your life where you feel something needs to change. Maybe you are experiencing difficult emotions, relationship problems or unhelpful behaviour patterns. Perhaps you feel stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, angry, low or stressed. Whatever you are going through at the moment, I offer a compassionate, warm and accepting space where you can safely explore your difficulties. You can expect to feel fully supported whilst developing a better understanding of yourself, and working towards making positive effective changes.
Hello and welcome. If you are looking at this, I imagine you have reached a point in your life where you feel something needs to change. Maybe you are experiencing difficult emotions, relationship problems or unhelpful behaviour patterns. Perhaps you feel stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, angry, low or stressed. Whatever you are going through at the moment, I offer a compassionate, warm and accepting space where you can safely explore your difficulties. You can expect to feel fully supported whilst developing a better understanding of yourself, and working towards making positive effective changes.
07942 374316 View 07942 374316
Photo of Maria Alda Gomez Otero, MA, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Maria Alda Gomez Otero
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Exeter EX3
If you are struggling with anxiety, relationship challenges, or an inner restlessness you can't seem to quiet, you might be facing the effects of past traumas, including sexual abuse, childhood neglect, or early attachment issues, as well as transgenerational, collective or pre-birth trauma, that ripple through your everyday life. If your goal is profound healing — to finally feel at ease within your own skin and to unlock the potential that lives in you, you have taken the first step into building a new version of yourself.
If you are struggling with anxiety, relationship challenges, or an inner restlessness you can't seem to quiet, you might be facing the effects of past traumas, including sexual abuse, childhood neglect, or early attachment issues, as well as transgenerational, collective or pre-birth trauma, that ripple through your everyday life. If your goal is profound healing — to finally feel at ease within your own skin and to unlock the potential that lives in you, you have taken the first step into building a new version of yourself.
01392 573776 View 01392 573776
Photo of Renee Norris - Renee Norris Counselling, 1-2-1, Couples & 13+, MBACP, Counsellor
Renee Norris Counselling, 1-2-1, Couples & 13+
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX5
Clients generally come to me when they are struggling with some aspect of their emotions, thoughts or behaviour. My aim is to help my client with accepting or changing some aspect of these three areas. Every client comes with unique issues and from my seat I view the issues as one, "a block in the road to wellness". I am keenly aware that all clients come with individual goals and I am here to help. Many of my clients use the phrase “I just want to feel better". This is my hope for everyone who engages with me in therapy. “TO FEEL BETTER” I offer confidentiality, openness and transparency at all times.
Clients generally come to me when they are struggling with some aspect of their emotions, thoughts or behaviour. My aim is to help my client with accepting or changing some aspect of these three areas. Every client comes with unique issues and from my seat I view the issues as one, "a block in the road to wellness". I am keenly aware that all clients come with individual goals and I am here to help. Many of my clients use the phrase “I just want to feel better". This is my hope for everyone who engages with me in therapy. “TO FEEL BETTER” I offer confidentiality, openness and transparency at all times.
01392 531578 View 01392 531578
Photo of Dr Zai Edworthy, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Zai Edworthy
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Exeter EX3  (Online Only)
Hello and welcome, my name is Zai. Are you a parent or carer? Are you worried about your child and need to speak with a clinical psychologist? At certain points in our lives, we could all benefit from the support and guidance of a therapist. I have over 20 years experience working with children and young people. Please contact me to help you decide if I am the right therapist for you and your child. Together we will discuss helpful strategies that you can start to implement and if we both agree that the young person needs direct work/therapy, we can arrange this. Please visit my website to learn more about me.
Hello and welcome, my name is Zai. Are you a parent or carer? Are you worried about your child and need to speak with a clinical psychologist? At certain points in our lives, we could all benefit from the support and guidance of a therapist. I have over 20 years experience working with children and young people. Please contact me to help you decide if I am the right therapist for you and your child. Together we will discuss helpful strategies that you can start to implement and if we both agree that the young person needs direct work/therapy, we can arrange this. Please visit my website to learn more about me.
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Photo of Bernadette Kavanagh, BACP, Counsellor
Bernadette Kavanagh
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX3
I am an experienced registered counsellor. I offer a warm, calm, confidential and non judgmental space for clients to explore thoughts and feelings. I work with a range of issues with both males, females and couples. I also work at The Safe Foundation as Clinical Lead. I specialise with clients, both male and female who have been through domestic abuse and Trauma.
I am an experienced registered counsellor. I offer a warm, calm, confidential and non judgmental space for clients to explore thoughts and feelings. I work with a range of issues with both males, females and couples. I also work at The Safe Foundation as Clinical Lead. I specialise with clients, both male and female who have been through domestic abuse and Trauma.
01392 531580 View 01392 531580
Photo of Kerry Hatton - New Lanes Counselling, MBACP, Counsellor
New Lanes Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX14
Have you decided it’s time to change and you’re looking for someone to talk to who is going to listen without judgement? I have many years experience working successfully with clients who were struggling to unravel their thoughts and feelings. I offer a safe and confidential space to clarify and validate your thoughts and work towards achieving your goals. Attending therapy can enable you to better understand yourself and although starting therapy can be daunting for many, I recognise everyone’s individuality and offer compassion and empathy at all times.
Have you decided it’s time to change and you’re looking for someone to talk to who is going to listen without judgement? I have many years experience working successfully with clients who were struggling to unravel their thoughts and feelings. I offer a safe and confidential space to clarify and validate your thoughts and work towards achieving your goals. Attending therapy can enable you to better understand yourself and although starting therapy can be daunting for many, I recognise everyone’s individuality and offer compassion and empathy at all times.
01747 441379 View 01747 441379

See more therapy options for Sidmouth

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.