Chronic Illness Therapists in Christchurch

Photo of Talia Norriss
Talia Norriss
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Christchurch 8025
5/5/24 Space available! I enjoy working with people from a diverse set of backgrounds and ages. I believe that therapy can bring meaningful change for those I work with. You may be wondering if therapy is the right approach for you, and not know where to start or what to say. That is completely normal! I aim to create a safe space where we can explore what brings you to therapy. I provide a personalised flexible approach to help people get the most out of sessions, and offer practical tools that can be used in everyday life. I offer sessions outside business hours for those who need flexibility. Christchurch or Online.
5/5/24 Space available! I enjoy working with people from a diverse set of backgrounds and ages. I believe that therapy can bring meaningful change for those I work with. You may be wondering if therapy is the right approach for you, and not know where to start or what to say. That is completely normal! I aim to create a safe space where we can explore what brings you to therapy. I provide a personalised flexible approach to help people get the most out of sessions, and offer practical tools that can be used in everyday life. I offer sessions outside business hours for those who need flexibility. Christchurch or Online.
0800 627 003 x46 View 0800 627 003 x46
Photo of Grace Miles
Grace Miles
Verified Verified
Christchurch 8014  (Online Only)
Hello I'm Grace. I've always been fascinated by what makes people resilient in the face of adversity. My passion is people feeling fully felt and revealing their innate ability to overcome subconscious sabotaging patterns that keep them stuck. Are you struggling with pain and fatigue and is this leading to overwhelm or despair? The vicious cycle of sleep loss and brain fog can make you feel like you're drowning. If you want to feel more choice and control in your life and reclaim your sense of passion and purpose then please know that it is possible to develop the resilience to manage your symptoms. I speak from experience.
Hello I'm Grace. I've always been fascinated by what makes people resilient in the face of adversity. My passion is people feeling fully felt and revealing their innate ability to overcome subconscious sabotaging patterns that keep them stuck. Are you struggling with pain and fatigue and is this leading to overwhelm or despair? The vicious cycle of sleep loss and brain fog can make you feel like you're drowning. If you want to feel more choice and control in your life and reclaim your sense of passion and purpose then please know that it is possible to develop the resilience to manage your symptoms. I speak from experience.
0800 627 024 x23 View 0800 627 024 x23
Photo of Franciska Neuhäuser
Franciska Neuhäuser
Verified Verified
Christchurch 8011  (Online Only)
Living an extraordinary and joyful life is about ending the mental suffering when events outside of your control occur. With training and qualifications in Counselling, Psychology, and NLP, I will empower you to manage and overcome anxiety, grief, trauma, phobias, and low moods; so that you will restore and enjoy confidence, self-esteem, health, well-being, and better relationships. I work exclusively with adults of all ages; and welcome cultural, sexual, and gender diversity.
Living an extraordinary and joyful life is about ending the mental suffering when events outside of your control occur. With training and qualifications in Counselling, Psychology, and NLP, I will empower you to manage and overcome anxiety, grief, trauma, phobias, and low moods; so that you will restore and enjoy confidence, self-esteem, health, well-being, and better relationships. I work exclusively with adults of all ages; and welcome cultural, sexual, and gender diversity.
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Photo of T Melanie Lake, PhD, Psychologist
T Melanie Lake
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Christchurch 8042
Welcome. Seeking psychological help is a courageous step & I aim to make it accessible, understandable & effective for clients. Please feel free to email me. I am a Doctorate-level qualified Clinical Psychologist who can help with assessment & therapy for mental health needs, personal problems or relationship issues. I work in a transparent way, explaining what we do & why, to increase your insight & engagement in your therapy. A good “fit” between client & psychologist is key & I would encourage you to look until you find that. I offer evidence-based strategies & coping skills, or can advise self-help or other resources at times.
Welcome. Seeking psychological help is a courageous step & I aim to make it accessible, understandable & effective for clients. Please feel free to email me. I am a Doctorate-level qualified Clinical Psychologist who can help with assessment & therapy for mental health needs, personal problems or relationship issues. I work in a transparent way, explaining what we do & why, to increase your insight & engagement in your therapy. A good “fit” between client & psychologist is key & I would encourage you to look until you find that. I offer evidence-based strategies & coping skills, or can advise self-help or other resources at times.
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Photo of Alisa Woodruff, MA, Counsellor
Alisa Woodruff
Counsellor, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Christchurch 8011
I currently have space for new clients in July/August. Struggling to cope with life or in crisis? Give me a call or text and we can have a chat about how I can help. I enjoy working with people from diverse backgrounds. I use a combination of approaches and skill building strategies to assist in creating change. If you are new to counselling check out my blog on "Getting the most out of therapy" at www.ngakautherapy.com. I have experience in working with young people and all age ranges, neurodiversity and trauma. Take advantage of $20 discount on the first session.
I currently have space for new clients in July/August. Struggling to cope with life or in crisis? Give me a call or text and we can have a chat about how I can help. I enjoy working with people from diverse backgrounds. I use a combination of approaches and skill building strategies to assist in creating change. If you are new to counselling check out my blog on "Getting the most out of therapy" at www.ngakautherapy.com. I have experience in working with young people and all age ranges, neurodiversity and trauma. Take advantage of $20 discount on the first session.
0800 627 024 x50 View 0800 627 024 x50
Photo of Lea Godfrey, PBANZ, Psychotherapist
Lea Godfrey
Psychotherapist, PBANZ
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Christchurch 8011
I am a registered psychotherapist and have a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Psychology, I am certified in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and I am a certified Buddhist chaplain. I work with adults experiencing a range of personal issues. If you are looking for a deeper level of understanding as to how you got to be as you are and how you might move forward, I can help.
I am a registered psychotherapist and have a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Psychology, I am certified in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and I am a certified Buddhist chaplain. I work with adults experiencing a range of personal issues. If you are looking for a deeper level of understanding as to how you got to be as you are and how you might move forward, I can help.
0800 447 359 x50 View 0800 447 359 x50
Photo of Sarah Grigg - CBT.NZ, Counsellor
CBT.NZ
Counsellor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Christchurch 8011
Hi, I'm Sarah Grigg. I am an experienced and empathetic therapist with a health background. I have completed a postgraduate diploma in CBT at the University of Canterbury. As a registered Physiotherapist for the past 25 years, I have worked with diverse populations, including chronic health, disability, pain, anxiety and breathing issues. I provide therapy for adults, children adolescents, and their families, focusing on cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Hi, I'm Sarah Grigg. I am an experienced and empathetic therapist with a health background. I have completed a postgraduate diploma in CBT at the University of Canterbury. As a registered Physiotherapist for the past 25 years, I have worked with diverse populations, including chronic health, disability, pain, anxiety and breathing issues. I provide therapy for adults, children adolescents, and their families, focusing on cognitive-behavioral therapy.
0800 468 212 x21 View 0800 468 212 x21
Photo of Claire Thompson, MNZAC, Counsellor
Claire Thompson
Counsellor, MNZAC
Verified Verified
Christchurch 7670
Face to face (Auckland), online and phone appointments are available NZ and world wide.
Face to face (Auckland), online and phone appointments are available NZ and world wide.
0800 627 003 x95 View 0800 627 003 x95
Photo of Shagoon Maurya - Safe Space with Shagoon, MA
Safe Space with Shagoon
MA
Verified Verified
Christchurch 7672
I am an enthusiastic, energetic and reliable individual with a wealth of experiences combined with appropriate qualifications who has been supporting individuals through general, complex and diverse issues they may experience. I believe in creative yet simple ways to bring out positive emotional, social and cognitive changes in people. I have a diverse and comprehensive educational background from the University of Adelaide and Delhi (India). I have current police checks, all my DCSI screenings. Providing E-Counselling to NRIs and Indians. In one sentence, encouraging self care, positivity and mental health is my life’s passion.
I am an enthusiastic, energetic and reliable individual with a wealth of experiences combined with appropriate qualifications who has been supporting individuals through general, complex and diverse issues they may experience. I believe in creative yet simple ways to bring out positive emotional, social and cognitive changes in people. I have a diverse and comprehensive educational background from the University of Adelaide and Delhi (India). I have current police checks, all my DCSI screenings. Providing E-Counselling to NRIs and Indians. In one sentence, encouraging self care, positivity and mental health is my life’s passion.
0800 627 004 x55 View 0800 627 004 x55
Photo of Megan Carter - Megan Carter, Ocean Psy Clinical Psychology , MPsych, Psychologist
Megan Carter, Ocean Psy Clinical Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych
Verified Verified
Christchurch 8011  (Online Only)
It takes a lot of courage to reach out to a person you don’t know to work through challenges. I will meet you with compassion, for you, and hold space for your human experiences. We will build safety and trust together as we seek to acknowledge, understand, heal, and integrate what you have been through. I am passionate about supporting the diverse humans I work with to build resilience, cope, and process their experiences. I support my clients to live a life where their minds are a bit kinder to them.
It takes a lot of courage to reach out to a person you don’t know to work through challenges. I will meet you with compassion, for you, and hold space for your human experiences. We will build safety and trust together as we seek to acknowledge, understand, heal, and integrate what you have been through. I am passionate about supporting the diverse humans I work with to build resilience, cope, and process their experiences. I support my clients to live a life where their minds are a bit kinder to them.
0800 468 212 x99 View 0800 468 212 x99
Photo of Julie Routier, Counsellor
Julie Routier
Counsellor
Verified Verified
Christchurch 7670
I am a Holistic Counsellor, an Intuitive & a spiritual mentor. My spiritual awareness and my background in the field of health have benefitted my appreciation for both tangible and mystical perceptions when it comes to physical and mental wellbeing. The transformation & sacred journey I will take you on will enable you to reach wellbeing by liberating yourself from traumas, conditioning, and self-limiting beliefs rooted in past experiences that are no longer serving you. I have a nurturing, proactive & empowering approach to help you find freedom within yourself in a supportive and safe environment.
I am a Holistic Counsellor, an Intuitive & a spiritual mentor. My spiritual awareness and my background in the field of health have benefitted my appreciation for both tangible and mystical perceptions when it comes to physical and mental wellbeing. The transformation & sacred journey I will take you on will enable you to reach wellbeing by liberating yourself from traumas, conditioning, and self-limiting beliefs rooted in past experiences that are no longer serving you. I have a nurturing, proactive & empowering approach to help you find freedom within yourself in a supportive and safe environment.
021 209 7739 View 021 209 7739
Photo of Neha Golchha, Psychologist
Neha Golchha
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Christchurch 7670  (Online Only)
Neha is a warm and empathetic clinical psychologist with a vast range of experience across different settings in both India and New Zealand. Neha has conducted rigorous assessments and provide evidence-based interventions to help my clients across a variety of mental health difficulties. Neha has a keen interest in eating disorders, adjustment and grief reactions, stress induced problems, anxiety and depression. She is also bilingual, speaking both English and Hindi.
Neha is a warm and empathetic clinical psychologist with a vast range of experience across different settings in both India and New Zealand. Neha has conducted rigorous assessments and provide evidence-based interventions to help my clients across a variety of mental health difficulties. Neha has a keen interest in eating disorders, adjustment and grief reactions, stress induced problems, anxiety and depression. She is also bilingual, speaking both English and Hindi.
0800 327 477 View 0800 327 477
Photo of Hannah Orpin, Psychologist
Hannah Orpin
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Christchurch 7670  (Online Only)
Hannah is both Australian and New Zealand Māori psychologist (Ngāi Tahu and Ngāti Kahungunu). After moving from New Zealand, Hannah spent a significant portion of her career working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Hannah's work across both countries enables her to provide a culturally safe space for effective and enjoyable therapy. Hannah works with adolescents and adults across a range of issues, and have a special interest in post traumatic stress disorder, abuse, borderline personality disorder, unexplained medical symptoms, anxiety, depression, eating disorders and relationship difficulties.
Hannah is both Australian and New Zealand Māori psychologist (Ngāi Tahu and Ngāti Kahungunu). After moving from New Zealand, Hannah spent a significant portion of her career working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Hannah's work across both countries enables her to provide a culturally safe space for effective and enjoyable therapy. Hannah works with adolescents and adults across a range of issues, and have a special interest in post traumatic stress disorder, abuse, borderline personality disorder, unexplained medical symptoms, anxiety, depression, eating disorders and relationship difficulties.
0800 327 477 View 0800 327 477
Photo of Grant Wattie - Relationship Mentor and Coach, MNZAC, Counsellor
Relationship Mentor and Coach
Counsellor, MNZAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Christchurch 7670
On the brink of divorce and desperate to save your marriage? Feeling more like roommates than a happy couple? Frustrated, anxious, and scared, wondering if it's even possible to fix your relationship? I understand. With 40 years of marriage and experience helping hundreds of couples, I've seen it all—from communication breakdowns to lost intimacy. But there's hope. My Aroha Rapid Transformation Method offers a clear, practical plan to rebuild your relationship, fast. Together, we'll: • Break through old patterns • Create great communication for deeper connection • Rediscover joy and intimacy • Rebuild trust and reignite passion
On the brink of divorce and desperate to save your marriage? Feeling more like roommates than a happy couple? Frustrated, anxious, and scared, wondering if it's even possible to fix your relationship? I understand. With 40 years of marriage and experience helping hundreds of couples, I've seen it all—from communication breakdowns to lost intimacy. But there's hope. My Aroha Rapid Transformation Method offers a clear, practical plan to rebuild your relationship, fast. Together, we'll: • Break through old patterns • Create great communication for deeper connection • Rediscover joy and intimacy • Rebuild trust and reignite passion
0800 627 003 x20 View 0800 627 003 x20
Photo of Evelyn Shackley, MA, PBANZ, Psychotherapist
Evelyn Shackley
Psychotherapist, MA, PBANZ
Verified Verified
Christchurch 8011
I work with adults who struggle with relationships, bullying, alcohol, anxiety, and depression. Often my clients have been abused sexually, survived domestic violence and/or neglect in their childhood. This means clients might find it hard to be in close relationships, have a sense of 'being hollow inside', constantly worry about 'getting it wrong', find it hard to say no, be constantly busy, feel angry or frustrated at others, feel 'flat and rudderless' in life, and/or self-soothe (eg alcohol) to make life easier. I am interested in helping people process their psychobiography to feel more at peace.
I work with adults who struggle with relationships, bullying, alcohol, anxiety, and depression. Often my clients have been abused sexually, survived domestic violence and/or neglect in their childhood. This means clients might find it hard to be in close relationships, have a sense of 'being hollow inside', constantly worry about 'getting it wrong', find it hard to say no, be constantly busy, feel angry or frustrated at others, feel 'flat and rudderless' in life, and/or self-soothe (eg alcohol) to make life easier. I am interested in helping people process their psychobiography to feel more at peace.
020 4083 9034 View 020 4083 9034
Photo of Nicolette (Nic) Healy - BLOOM Positive Change, MNZCCA, Counsellor
BLOOM Positive Change
Counsellor, MNZCCA
Verified Verified
Christchurch 7670  (Online Only)
Sorry. I am no longer taking on new clients.
Sorry. I am no longer taking on new clients.
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Photo of Aleksandra Gosteva, Psychologist
Aleksandra Gosteva
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Christchurch 8011  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Alex is a New Zealand fully trained, Registered Occupational Health Psychologist. With her breadth of extensive training, research and internships, she has developed special interests in different areas of psychology. Alex's extensive training and experience allowed me to develop a commitment to excellence and appreciation of the vulnerability, diversity, and presentation of people. For her clients, her main assets are my approachable demeanour, emphasis on wellbeing, and straightforward appraisal of their unique needs and situation.
Alex is a New Zealand fully trained, Registered Occupational Health Psychologist. With her breadth of extensive training, research and internships, she has developed special interests in different areas of psychology. Alex's extensive training and experience allowed me to develop a commitment to excellence and appreciation of the vulnerability, diversity, and presentation of people. For her clients, her main assets are my approachable demeanour, emphasis on wellbeing, and straightforward appraisal of their unique needs and situation.
0800 327 477 View 0800 327 477

See more therapy options for Christchurch

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.