Chronic Illness Therapists in Palmerston North
Kia ora koutou. Sometimes everything can get too much and is hard to navigate. Sometimes the inside gets really noisy, and it becomes hard to operate. It is completely normal to experience and to get stuck in these times or perhaps notice some unhelpful patterns of behaviour. I'm passionate about supporting people to find their way through these times. Together we will explore your world. To help you understand where you are; see different perspectives; and help you find practical solutions; that will initially help you cope and then begin to move forward.
Kia ora koutou. Sometimes everything can get too much and is hard to navigate. Sometimes the inside gets really noisy, and it becomes hard to operate. It is completely normal to experience and to get stuck in these times or perhaps notice some unhelpful patterns of behaviour. I'm passionate about supporting people to find their way through these times. Together we will explore your world. To help you understand where you are; see different perspectives; and help you find practical solutions; that will initially help you cope and then begin to move forward.
Do you feel like your mind and body are being hijacked by recent or old traumatic events? Do you feel like you lose control of your thoughts and behaviour? Are you being held back from living the life you want? Of being the parent, partner, colleague or leader, you want to be? You are frustrated that you can't shake it off? It's exhausting and affecting your relationships and coping skills. You just want to be free of it and get on with your life. You may also be holding back from getting professional support because you can't bear to talk about it. What if you could resolve this with minimal talking and time?
Do you feel like your mind and body are being hijacked by recent or old traumatic events? Do you feel like you lose control of your thoughts and behaviour? Are you being held back from living the life you want? Of being the parent, partner, colleague or leader, you want to be? You are frustrated that you can't shake it off? It's exhausting and affecting your relationships and coping skills. You just want to be free of it and get on with your life. You may also be holding back from getting professional support because you can't bear to talk about it. What if you could resolve this with minimal talking and time?
If you're struggling with emotional eating, binge-purge cycles, or restrictive habits—using food to soothe, control, or numb emotions, know you're not alone. If you're thinking 'yes' and want relief, you might also feel frustrated or ashamed that you can't ‘just fix it.’ You're exhausted, overwhelmed, or burnt out, juggling responsibilities without ever feeling enough. You experience emotional highs and lows, or a sense of disconnect from your body and identity when all you want is to feel at peace in your body and self.
If you're struggling with emotional eating, binge-purge cycles, or restrictive habits—using food to soothe, control, or numb emotions, know you're not alone. If you're thinking 'yes' and want relief, you might also feel frustrated or ashamed that you can't ‘just fix it.’ You're exhausted, overwhelmed, or burnt out, juggling responsibilities without ever feeling enough. You experience emotional highs and lows, or a sense of disconnect from your body and identity when all you want is to feel at peace in your body and self.
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.
My focus as a counsellor is providing a safe space where you can feel free to express yourself without fear of judgment no matter what issue brought you to counselling. I understand how personal the decision to seek counselling can be, and my goal is to help you feel heard, respected, and understood throughout our journey together. In our sessions, I will listen attentively and empathize deeply with any challenges or difficulties you may be facing. Together, we will work towards a deeper understanding of your experiences and develop a plan to help you make sense of the world around you. To book click https:/www.bookmytherapy.nz/
My focus as a counsellor is providing a safe space where you can feel free to express yourself without fear of judgment no matter what issue brought you to counselling. I understand how personal the decision to seek counselling can be, and my goal is to help you feel heard, respected, and understood throughout our journey together. In our sessions, I will listen attentively and empathize deeply with any challenges or difficulties you may be facing. Together, we will work towards a deeper understanding of your experiences and develop a plan to help you make sense of the world around you. To book click https:/www.bookmytherapy.nz/
Online Therapists
Counselling is for everyone — whether you’re stressed or overwhelmed by current challenges, or you want to address some things that have been hanging over you for many years. As a counsellor, I play a unique role. Because I’m separate to your friends and family, I can offer a fresh perspective, which can be helpful and empowering. I’m trained to listen to your story with empathy, to identify areas that you may not be able to see, and to help you to make meaningful changes that allow you to build a healthy and fulfilling life. I help some of my clients to unpack their life story in a safe and supported way.
Counselling is for everyone — whether you’re stressed or overwhelmed by current challenges, or you want to address some things that have been hanging over you for many years. As a counsellor, I play a unique role. Because I’m separate to your friends and family, I can offer a fresh perspective, which can be helpful and empowering. I’m trained to listen to your story with empathy, to identify areas that you may not be able to see, and to help you to make meaningful changes that allow you to build a healthy and fulfilling life. I help some of my clients to unpack their life story in a safe and supported way.
I work with a range of adult clients who are looking to improve their psychological and physical health in all kinds of ways. I'm experienced in recovery from chronic stress, anxiety and fatigue, healing the gut-brain connection, and integrating nutritional and lifestyle interventions alongside traditional psychology therapy. I enjoy helping people who have not experienced a secure childhood attachment to create secure adult attachment relationships and helping people heal from the effects of trauma and abuse. I also love to write articles on integrative mental health (linked on my website blog)
I work with a range of adult clients who are looking to improve their psychological and physical health in all kinds of ways. I'm experienced in recovery from chronic stress, anxiety and fatigue, healing the gut-brain connection, and integrating nutritional and lifestyle interventions alongside traditional psychology therapy. I enjoy helping people who have not experienced a secure childhood attachment to create secure adult attachment relationships and helping people heal from the effects of trauma and abuse. I also love to write articles on integrative mental health (linked on my website blog)
Insight n Beyond
Counsellor, MCouns, MNZAC
Verified Verified
Wellington 6011
Waitlist for new clients
My modality of work is IFS/Ego State informed EMDR, Narrative and Somatic therapy. I work with people on all sorts of things that life throws up. My work challenges your thought processes while teaching you skills. While in my work talking is an option, you still have the choice of what you wish to share and what you may want to work on. All my work is collaborative and respectful of you and your needs. Success is the work you take away and use to help yourself. Home is provided so you can notice your progress. I truly believe Peter Levine's words: "… trauma is a fact of life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence"
My modality of work is IFS/Ego State informed EMDR, Narrative and Somatic therapy. I work with people on all sorts of things that life throws up. My work challenges your thought processes while teaching you skills. While in my work talking is an option, you still have the choice of what you wish to share and what you may want to work on. All my work is collaborative and respectful of you and your needs. Success is the work you take away and use to help yourself. Home is provided so you can notice your progress. I truly believe Peter Levine's words: "… trauma is a fact of life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence"
Kia ora! I am a narrative therapist working in Poneke. I have met with people of all ages and backgrounds as they talk with me about what their hopes and intentions are for life and what gets in the way of these. It is my work with survivors of sexual violence which began my journey to being a counsellor. However, I since met with people navigating all types of life's challenges and have a particular interest in speaking with those journeying with grief - whether this be from a death or a significant change.
Kia ora! I am a narrative therapist working in Poneke. I have met with people of all ages and backgrounds as they talk with me about what their hopes and intentions are for life and what gets in the way of these. It is my work with survivors of sexual violence which began my journey to being a counsellor. However, I since met with people navigating all types of life's challenges and have a particular interest in speaking with those journeying with grief - whether this be from a death or a significant change.
Megan Carter, Ocean Psy Clinical Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych
Verified Verified
Wellington 6037 (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.
Whether you’re interested in personal development and change, organizing and exploring group dynamics or learning and training, you might just have found what you were looking for. There is a way to overcome any problem and a personalised approach guided by excellent clinical skills, is the best and most effective way to reach that goal. Improve your performance, quit smoking, lose weight, lift your mood, face your challenges, reduce anxiety and help yourself to become who you want to be.
Whether you’re interested in personal development and change, organizing and exploring group dynamics or learning and training, you might just have found what you were looking for. There is a way to overcome any problem and a personalised approach guided by excellent clinical skills, is the best and most effective way to reach that goal. Improve your performance, quit smoking, lose weight, lift your mood, face your challenges, reduce anxiety and help yourself to become who you want to be.
Registered Clinical Psychologist with a compassionate and perceptive approach. Whatever walk of life you might be from, I offer support and skills for psychological change. My aim is to work together to help you: delve into understanding yourself, uncover the psychological patterns that cause distress, pursue the life you want to lead, and learn evidence-based skills to lighten the load of difficult situations or emotional struggles. With the right support, I believe that people have great potential to get themselves unstuck, work towards a balanced and meaningful life, and reduce their suffering.
Registered Clinical Psychologist with a compassionate and perceptive approach. Whatever walk of life you might be from, I offer support and skills for psychological change. My aim is to work together to help you: delve into understanding yourself, uncover the psychological patterns that cause distress, pursue the life you want to lead, and learn evidence-based skills to lighten the load of difficult situations or emotional struggles. With the right support, I believe that people have great potential to get themselves unstuck, work towards a balanced and meaningful life, and reduce their suffering.
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.
Marriage Transformation Expert | Global Author
Counsellor, MNZAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Havelock North 4130
Is it possible to save your marriage when you're lying in bed at night, a million miles apart, with that hopeless knot in your stomach? Most people think their partner must be equally committed to making changes, but I've discovered it takes just ONE person to turn things around. Like many of my clients, you may be successful professionally or in business but struggling with your relationship - facing broken communication, constant conflicts, lost intimacy, or trying to rebuild trust. You're tired of the icy cold silence and talk of divorce. You know your relationship deserves better, but traditional couples therapy isn't helping.
Is it possible to save your marriage when you're lying in bed at night, a million miles apart, with that hopeless knot in your stomach? Most people think their partner must be equally committed to making changes, but I've discovered it takes just ONE person to turn things around. Like many of my clients, you may be successful professionally or in business but struggling with your relationship - facing broken communication, constant conflicts, lost intimacy, or trying to rebuild trust. You're tired of the icy cold silence and talk of divorce. You know your relationship deserves better, but traditional couples therapy isn't helping.
Hi, I'm Tam, a relationship and dating therapist. Whether you're a couple in crisis, struggling with trust issues or emotional disconnection, or you're single and feeling stuck and discouraged by modern dating, or maybe you're picking up the pieces after a painful breakup or divorce—whatever your situation, my goal is to support you through it. I offer online individual and couples therapy and coaching sessions.
Hi, I'm Tam, a relationship and dating therapist. Whether you're a couple in crisis, struggling with trust issues or emotional disconnection, or you're single and feeling stuck and discouraged by modern dating, or maybe you're picking up the pieces after a painful breakup or divorce—whatever your situation, my goal is to support you through it. I offer online individual and couples therapy and coaching sessions.
I am specialised in clinical care and have extensive practice with complex cases, including anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma issues. I have worked in public health and private practice in Brazil and NZ and was responsible for carrying out mental health services and managing clinical teams. Currently, I work at my private practice in Wellington. I am a Provisional Member of the NZAC and Member of the Centre for Lacanian Analysis in NZ. I have a Master’s in Social and Institutional Psychology (recognised level 9 NZQA), Specialisation in Clinical Care, and Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (recognised level 7 NZQA).
I am specialised in clinical care and have extensive practice with complex cases, including anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma issues. I have worked in public health and private practice in Brazil and NZ and was responsible for carrying out mental health services and managing clinical teams. Currently, I work at my private practice in Wellington. I am a Provisional Member of the NZAC and Member of the Centre for Lacanian Analysis in NZ. I have a Master’s in Social and Institutional Psychology (recognised level 9 NZQA), Specialisation in Clinical Care, and Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (recognised level 7 NZQA).
So often we talk or act in ways we wouldn't choose to if we were being our authentic selves. I use a 'parts approach' to help my clients make sense of their mind and bodies. With awareness, they learn to respond to stressors in their life with more choice and freedom.
So often we talk or act in ways we wouldn't choose to if we were being our authentic selves. I use a 'parts approach' to help my clients make sense of their mind and bodies. With awareness, they learn to respond to stressors in their life with more choice and freedom.
Steve has extensive experience working with adults and young people on a variety of issues, including grief and loss, anxiety, depression, issues around adjustment/life changes, interpersonal issues to gender and sexuality. As a registered counsellor and supervisor with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors he uses evidenced based approaches to support clients wanting explore aspects of their life while raising awareness and building resilience. Steve is warm with a sense of humor and particularly passionate about supporting marginalised and LBGTQI+ people. He's held various roles in NGOs & PHOs in Australia the UK and NZ.
Steve has extensive experience working with adults and young people on a variety of issues, including grief and loss, anxiety, depression, issues around adjustment/life changes, interpersonal issues to gender and sexuality. As a registered counsellor and supervisor with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors he uses evidenced based approaches to support clients wanting explore aspects of their life while raising awareness and building resilience. Steve is warm with a sense of humor and particularly passionate about supporting marginalised and LBGTQI+ people. He's held various roles in NGOs & PHOs in Australia the UK and NZ.
I offer a safe, warm, confidential environment where you will be seen as a whole person. I will talk with you about any present or historical challenges you have by exploring your thoughts and emotions as we pay attention to and work therapeutically with what is also happening within your body. Physical signs we may observe together during your session can include changes in breathing, muscular tension, numbness, emotion, pain and differences in temperature as can happen during anxiety, depression and trauma. How we work together will depend on what issues are significant for you and what your needs are for each session.
I offer a safe, warm, confidential environment where you will be seen as a whole person. I will talk with you about any present or historical challenges you have by exploring your thoughts and emotions as we pay attention to and work therapeutically with what is also happening within your body. Physical signs we may observe together during your session can include changes in breathing, muscular tension, numbness, emotion, pain and differences in temperature as can happen during anxiety, depression and trauma. How we work together will depend on what issues are significant for you and what your needs are for each session.
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.
See more therapy options for Palmerston North
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.