Chronic Illness Counselling in Cardiff

Photo of Claire Shaw - Claire Shaw Counselling, MBACP, Counsellor
Claire Shaw Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cardiff CF10  (Online Only)
Although each person’s situation is unique, some of the many issues I work with include: bereavement and other losses; exploring gender, sex and relationship diversity, and offering an affirming approach to LGBTQ+ clients; chronic illness and disability; relationship issues; the impact of the pandemic and COVID-19.
Are you feeling anxious or struggling? This could be through a bereavement, or difficulties in a relationship. Perhaps health issues such as chronic illness, disability or menopause have affected how you are feeling. Maybe work is causing you stress, or you have been made redundant. Do you feel misunderstood or not heard? Maybe you don’t have somewhere you feel supported to be yourself and to speak freely. Perhaps you feel like you don't have anyone to talk to who understands. You may need a place to be heard and to explore your feelings.
Although each person’s situation is unique, some of the many issues I work with include: bereavement and other losses; exploring gender, sex and relationship diversity, and offering an affirming approach to LGBTQ+ clients; chronic illness and disability; relationship issues; the impact of the pandemic and COVID-19.
Are you feeling anxious or struggling? This could be through a bereavement, or difficulties in a relationship. Perhaps health issues such as chronic illness, disability or menopause have affected how you are feeling. Maybe work is causing you stress, or you have been made redundant. Do you feel misunderstood or not heard? Maybe you don’t have somewhere you feel supported to be yourself and to speak freely. Perhaps you feel like you don't have anyone to talk to who understands. You may need a place to be heard and to explore your feelings.
020 4538 3657 View 020 4538 3657
Photo of Sue Egan - Dr. Sue Egan - Psychologist/EMDR Therapist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr. Sue Egan - Psychologist/EMDR Therapist
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cardiff CF10  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialise in healing trauma including PTSD, complex trauma, sexual and domestic abuse, traumatic grief, suicide grief and chronic illness.
There is hope, even when you have experienced significant life trauma. Although it might not be possible to forget life's challenges completely, it is possible to manage them so you can live life again with the volume turned down on the past. My role is to facilitate a safe, supportive space where you can begin to heal from life's traumas and remember who you are. I value doing all I can to offer you an integrated approach assessing your past, present and future using counselling and psychological theories. As the client, the time we have will be entirely yours, as I assist and guide you to uncover the way forward.
I specialise in healing trauma including PTSD, complex trauma, sexual and domestic abuse, traumatic grief, suicide grief and chronic illness.
There is hope, even when you have experienced significant life trauma. Although it might not be possible to forget life's challenges completely, it is possible to manage them so you can live life again with the volume turned down on the past. My role is to facilitate a safe, supportive space where you can begin to heal from life's traumas and remember who you are. I value doing all I can to offer you an integrated approach assessing your past, present and future using counselling and psychological theories. As the client, the time we have will be entirely yours, as I assist and guide you to uncover the way forward.
01432 808347 View 01432 808347
Photo of Jen Southon, MBACP, Counsellor
Jen Southon
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cardiff CF10
I have been working with adult individuals in South Wales since 2013. I do not hold any preconceptions and am genuinely interested to meet new clients, to find out more about them and what it is they want to change. I always ask what each person would like to achieve and I regularly re-visit this goal (or goals) to ensure that our counselling will be as helpful as possible. I believe that my clients have the ability to overcome their problems and I invite them to be as open with me as they choose in order to arrive at the best result for them.
I have been working with adult individuals in South Wales since 2013. I do not hold any preconceptions and am genuinely interested to meet new clients, to find out more about them and what it is they want to change. I always ask what each person would like to achieve and I regularly re-visit this goal (or goals) to ensure that our counselling will be as helpful as possible. I believe that my clients have the ability to overcome their problems and I invite them to be as open with me as they choose in order to arrive at the best result for them.
01443 706632 View 01443 706632
Photo of Dr Steve Stirk, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Steve Stirk
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Cardiff CF14
Waitlist for new clients
Hello and welcome! I'm an experienced clinical psychologist working both within the NHS and private practice. I offer assessment and therapy for children and adults experiencing a wide range of difficulties such as trauma and PTSD, stress, anxiety, and low mood to name just a few. My practice draws on a range of evidence-based psychological approaches to ensure the therapy best meets your needs.
Hello and welcome! I'm an experienced clinical psychologist working both within the NHS and private practice. I offer assessment and therapy for children and adults experiencing a wide range of difficulties such as trauma and PTSD, stress, anxiety, and low mood to name just a few. My practice draws on a range of evidence-based psychological approaches to ensure the therapy best meets your needs.
01446 501486 View 01446 501486
Photo of Kyle Davies, CPsychol, Psychologist
Kyle Davies
Psychologist, CPsychol
Verified Verified
Cardiff CF15
If you are tired of feeling low, depleted, stuck, lost, overwhelmed, or stressed-out, I can help you to reclaim your vitality and zest for life. Whether you struggle with a diagnosed condition such as Anxiety, Depression, Panic Disorder, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or Fibromyalgia, or just want to transcend the mire of brain fog, anxious thoughts, and worry, my work can pave the way to a radically different future. We start by looking at symptoms as purposeful messengers - unpacking their underlying causes. Then I teach you how to unlock your deeper potentials for healing, wellbeing, resilience, motivation, and mental clarity.
If you are tired of feeling low, depleted, stuck, lost, overwhelmed, or stressed-out, I can help you to reclaim your vitality and zest for life. Whether you struggle with a diagnosed condition such as Anxiety, Depression, Panic Disorder, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or Fibromyalgia, or just want to transcend the mire of brain fog, anxious thoughts, and worry, my work can pave the way to a radically different future. We start by looking at symptoms as purposeful messengers - unpacking their underlying causes. Then I teach you how to unlock your deeper potentials for healing, wellbeing, resilience, motivation, and mental clarity.
029 2267 8521 View 029 2267 8521
Photo of Danielle Joan, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Danielle Joan
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Cardiff CF11
My aim is to support an individual to become aware of the cause of their dissatisfaction and to live the life they want. I work with clients on the subject matter they bring however creatively they chose. I am committed to equality of opportunity for people of all abilities, races, faiths, genders, sexual orientations, and ages. I find myself consistently curious and passionate about the human experience and am dedicated to furthering my development in this area.
My aim is to support an individual to become aware of the cause of their dissatisfaction and to live the life they want. I work with clients on the subject matter they bring however creatively they chose. I am committed to equality of opportunity for people of all abilities, races, faiths, genders, sexual orientations, and ages. I find myself consistently curious and passionate about the human experience and am dedicated to furthering my development in this area.
029 2167 2265 View 029 2167 2265
Photo of Dr Lynne Jones, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Lynne Jones
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cardiff CF23
Welcome to my page. You may be struggling with a specific type of psychological distress, looking for support to understand and reduce more general overwhelm or coming to terms with past experiences. I offer therapy for people who are experiencing all of these problems including anxiety, low mood, trauma symptoms eg; nightmares, intrusive memories/images, needing to avoid thoughts/people/places, you are easily startled, difficulty managing managing emotions, low self-esteem and difficulty with relationships. I also work with clients coping with challenging chronic health conditions, pain and medically-related trauma.
Welcome to my page. You may be struggling with a specific type of psychological distress, looking for support to understand and reduce more general overwhelm or coming to terms with past experiences. I offer therapy for people who are experiencing all of these problems including anxiety, low mood, trauma symptoms eg; nightmares, intrusive memories/images, needing to avoid thoughts/people/places, you are easily startled, difficulty managing managing emotions, low self-esteem and difficulty with relationships. I also work with clients coping with challenging chronic health conditions, pain and medically-related trauma.
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Photo of Dr Kate Rhodes Online Clinical Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Kate Rhodes Online Clinical Psychologist
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Cardiff CF24  (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Kate, I'm a Clinical Psychologist offering remote video therapy to adults & young people across the UK. I have over 15 years’ experience working in the NHS and am now pleased to be able to offer help to those who need it in private practise. I have a particular interest in trauma and difficult life events and enjoy working with clients using EMDR to make huge changes to their lives. If you have experienced a one off traumatic incident, or have complex childhood experiences and relationships please do reach out to talk: I have helped many people to overcome the impact that such distressing events have had on their lives.
Hello, I'm Kate, I'm a Clinical Psychologist offering remote video therapy to adults & young people across the UK. I have over 15 years’ experience working in the NHS and am now pleased to be able to offer help to those who need it in private practise. I have a particular interest in trauma and difficult life events and enjoy working with clients using EMDR to make huge changes to their lives. If you have experienced a one off traumatic incident, or have complex childhood experiences and relationships please do reach out to talk: I have helped many people to overcome the impact that such distressing events have had on their lives.
01656 334536 View 01656 334536
Photo of Pam Marion Susan Fitzpatrick, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Pam Marion Susan Fitzpatrick
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Cardiff CF10
I am a Specialist Health Psychotherapist/CBT Therapist who works with clients managing and suffering with Chronic Health Issues and I work and support clients with many different Disabilities. I trained in the NHS Chronic Pain and Fatigue Service and I have worked privately for almost 10 years. I can help you with any issues you would like to work on and I provide a safe, warm and well understood space to work through anything you feel would be helpful. I also support family members impacted by disability. I live with disability which I feel is a helpful foundation to understanding how difficult life can be with such conditions .
I am a Specialist Health Psychotherapist/CBT Therapist who works with clients managing and suffering with Chronic Health Issues and I work and support clients with many different Disabilities. I trained in the NHS Chronic Pain and Fatigue Service and I have worked privately for almost 10 years. I can help you with any issues you would like to work on and I provide a safe, warm and well understood space to work through anything you feel would be helpful. I also support family members impacted by disability. I live with disability which I feel is a helpful foundation to understanding how difficult life can be with such conditions .
01446 501531 View 01446 501531
Photo of Dr Bishnu Upadhaya, PhD, CPsychol, Psychologist
Dr Bishnu Upadhaya
Psychologist, PhD, CPsychol
Not Verified Not Verified
Cardiff CF10  (Online Only)
An enthusiastic, skilled and well-motivated Psychological, Neuropsychological, Integrated Medicine and healthcare consultant with more than 19 years’ experiences, promoting the welfare of patients, families, and vulnerable people. Experienced in providing specialist Neuropsychological, Psychological, Herbal Medicine, Naturopathic and Homeopathic Medicine Assessments, Consultation and Treatments of direct and referred clients based upon the appropriate use, interpretation and integration of complex data from a psychological and holistic approach and treatment and tasting.
An enthusiastic, skilled and well-motivated Psychological, Neuropsychological, Integrated Medicine and healthcare consultant with more than 19 years’ experiences, promoting the welfare of patients, families, and vulnerable people. Experienced in providing specialist Neuropsychological, Psychological, Herbal Medicine, Naturopathic and Homeopathic Medicine Assessments, Consultation and Treatments of direct and referred clients based upon the appropriate use, interpretation and integration of complex data from a psychological and holistic approach and treatment and tasting.
020 3835 4892 View 020 3835 4892
Photo of Amy Medley, MA, UKCP Trainee, Psychotherapist
Amy Medley
Psychotherapist, MA, UKCP Trainee
Verified Verified
Cardiff CF10
Welcome. I’m Amy, an advanced trainee Gestalt Psychotherapist and qualified Relational Counsellor with 6 years of practise experience. I consider myself to be a contemporary relational Gestaltist, meaning that you and I work, explore and experience together to give you greater awareness and choice about your life. I work as creatively as you are comfortable with. If you are looking to perhaps learn and understand yourself more so that you may experience life in a new way, I would love to work with you to achieve your goals.
Welcome. I’m Amy, an advanced trainee Gestalt Psychotherapist and qualified Relational Counsellor with 6 years of practise experience. I consider myself to be a contemporary relational Gestaltist, meaning that you and I work, explore and experience together to give you greater awareness and choice about your life. I work as creatively as you are comfortable with. If you are looking to perhaps learn and understand yourself more so that you may experience life in a new way, I would love to work with you to achieve your goals.
01446 501513 View 01446 501513
Photo of Liz Brotherton, MBACP, Counsellor
Liz Brotherton
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cardiff CF14
I can offer couples a safe space to explore whatever it is that's troubling you. The way I work is to look at your difficulties as an issue in the relationship between two people. I hold hope that a couple can gain new perspectives about each other and enhance the understanding of each others hidden unmet needs- often stemming from childhood. Whether that be to find a new understanding of being together, or to end the relationship well.
I can offer couples a safe space to explore whatever it is that's troubling you. The way I work is to look at your difficulties as an issue in the relationship between two people. I hold hope that a couple can gain new perspectives about each other and enhance the understanding of each others hidden unmet needs- often stemming from childhood. Whether that be to find a new understanding of being together, or to end the relationship well.
029 2271 0168 View 029 2271 0168
Photo of Amanda Jayne Pope - Cardiff Holistic Counselling & Psychotherapy, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Cardiff Holistic Counselling & Psychotherapy
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Cardiff CF5
I am passionate about helping you to manage your mental well-being and believe there is a strong connection between the body and the mind. The effects of anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma can be physically felt as well as mentally and emotionally. I understand how overwhelming and debilitating it is to try and cope with daily living when carrying these feelings around with you and just wanting to feel well again. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to help you work through and manage these feelings so that you can start to live your life again without this holding you back.
I am passionate about helping you to manage your mental well-being and believe there is a strong connection between the body and the mind. The effects of anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma can be physically felt as well as mentally and emotionally. I understand how overwhelming and debilitating it is to try and cope with daily living when carrying these feelings around with you and just wanting to feel well again. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to help you work through and manage these feelings so that you can start to live your life again without this holding you back.
01446 502357 View 01446 502357
Photo of Christine Hawkins, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Christine Hawkins
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cardiff CF11
Waitlist for new clients
I am a CBT counsellor with nearly 20 years' experience of working with clients. I can work with you to explore and help you to challenge your thoughts, feelings, and behaviour so that you can live more freely. I also integrate Transactional Analysis concepts into our work to help you to understand how you interact with others and yourself. My aim is to enable clients to better understand themselves and to make changes which can improve their mental wellbeing.
I am a CBT counsellor with nearly 20 years' experience of working with clients. I can work with you to explore and help you to challenge your thoughts, feelings, and behaviour so that you can live more freely. I also integrate Transactional Analysis concepts into our work to help you to understand how you interact with others and yourself. My aim is to enable clients to better understand themselves and to make changes which can improve their mental wellbeing.
01446 506804 View 01446 506804
Photo of Daniel Richardson, BACP, Counsellor
Daniel Richardson
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cardiff CF14
Hello I am a qualified counsellor specialising in pluralistic practice. The pluralistic theory is an integrated approach meaning I am comfortable working in different types of therapy, such as person centred, CBT, and solution focused. The pluralistic approach believes that as human’s we are all unique, and therefore therapy should be tailored towards a client’s specific goals and needs, taking their individual experiences and preferences into account. I am passionate about this approach and believe therapy should be a collaborative effort where the client and counsellor work together towards achieving a shared aim.
Hello I am a qualified counsellor specialising in pluralistic practice. The pluralistic theory is an integrated approach meaning I am comfortable working in different types of therapy, such as person centred, CBT, and solution focused. The pluralistic approach believes that as human’s we are all unique, and therefore therapy should be tailored towards a client’s specific goals and needs, taking their individual experiences and preferences into account. I am passionate about this approach and believe therapy should be a collaborative effort where the client and counsellor work together towards achieving a shared aim.
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Photo of Sharon Thomas - Core Conditions Therapy Ltd, BACP, Counsellor
Core Conditions Therapy Ltd
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Cardiff CF10
Experiencing trauma at any age, of any kind, can deeply impact our bodies, minds, and way of life. It can leave us feeling constantly anxious, angry, or exhausted, and struggling with feelings of vulnerability and trust. Trauma can reshape us into someone who is just trying to cope, rather than the person we could have been without its impact. I'm here for you, and I understand how difficult this can be
Experiencing trauma at any age, of any kind, can deeply impact our bodies, minds, and way of life. It can leave us feeling constantly anxious, angry, or exhausted, and struggling with feelings of vulnerability and trust. Trauma can reshape us into someone who is just trying to cope, rather than the person we could have been without its impact. I'm here for you, and I understand how difficult this can be
01446 501156 View 01446 501156
Photo of Jillian Kirkpatrick, MA, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Jillian Kirkpatrick
Counsellor, MA, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Cardiff CF5
Hello, I am a fully qualified, accredited counsellor and psychotherapist. My approach to Counselling is integrative I bring together different elements of specific therapies in order to suit your individual needs and circumstances. Together, we can explore your concerns in a safe and supportive environment. As a Mindfulness based Psychotherapist I offer long and short therapy. We can explore in depth how past experiences are affecting your life in the present and how suffering is maintained by this process. Please feel free to contact me if you require more information regarding psychotherapy.
Hello, I am a fully qualified, accredited counsellor and psychotherapist. My approach to Counselling is integrative I bring together different elements of specific therapies in order to suit your individual needs and circumstances. Together, we can explore your concerns in a safe and supportive environment. As a Mindfulness based Psychotherapist I offer long and short therapy. We can explore in depth how past experiences are affecting your life in the present and how suffering is maintained by this process. Please feel free to contact me if you require more information regarding psychotherapy.
029 2192 1670 View 029 2192 1670
Photo of Dr Kieran Day, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Kieran Day
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cardiff CF24
Whether struggling yourself or enquiring for someone else, I understand that choosing to invest in therapy and finding the right therapist can feel daunting. As a Clinical Psychologist in the NHS and private practice, I have over 7 years experience helping people to reduce their suffering and improve their lives. I bring a relaxed and down-to-earth manner to sessions so that therapy feels containing and nurturing. I offer a space to explore whatever is important to you, and to help you find ways to move forward.
Whether struggling yourself or enquiring for someone else, I understand that choosing to invest in therapy and finding the right therapist can feel daunting. As a Clinical Psychologist in the NHS and private practice, I have over 7 years experience helping people to reduce their suffering and improve their lives. I bring a relaxed and down-to-earth manner to sessions so that therapy feels containing and nurturing. I offer a space to explore whatever is important to you, and to help you find ways to move forward.
029 2271 2236 View 029 2271 2236
Photo of Sarah Featherstone, MA, UKCP Trainee, Psychotherapist
Sarah Featherstone
Psychotherapist, MA, UKCP Trainee
Verified Verified
Cardiff CF10
I am a trainee Gestalt psychotherapist with the Welsh Psychotherapy Institute, and UKCP. I offer one hour relational therapy sessions both online, and in-person in Cardiff. If you need some support in working through emotional blocks and outmoded behaviours, I can help. My work is focussed on enabling you to find the healing change and growth that comes from deeper self understanding. What brings you to therapy is something that we explore together as you begin to feel supported by the therapeutic process, which includes a feeling of trust and safety in the working alliance between us.
I am a trainee Gestalt psychotherapist with the Welsh Psychotherapy Institute, and UKCP. I offer one hour relational therapy sessions both online, and in-person in Cardiff. If you need some support in working through emotional blocks and outmoded behaviours, I can help. My work is focussed on enabling you to find the healing change and growth that comes from deeper self understanding. What brings you to therapy is something that we explore together as you begin to feel supported by the therapeutic process, which includes a feeling of trust and safety in the working alliance between us.
029 2167 9471 View 029 2167 9471
Photo of Kate Carr, UKCP Trainee, Psychotherapist
Kate Carr
Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cardiff CF10
Are you're seeking support to make sense of things and find new meaning? Or perhaps you have a specific need or issue you want to explore. I am a Psychotherapist in training offering a supportive, non-judgemental space to explore your experiences and what matters to you.
Are you're seeking support to make sense of things and find new meaning? Or perhaps you have a specific need or issue you want to explore. I am a Psychotherapist in training offering a supportive, non-judgemental space to explore your experiences and what matters to you.
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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.