Chronic Illness Therapists in Dunedin

Photo of Talia Norriss
Talia Norriss
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dunedin 9016
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 India Hughes-Chang, NZAC - Provisional, Counsellor
India Hughes-Chang
Counsellor, NZAC - Provisional
Verified Verified
Dunedin 9011
I am an experienced and passionate Counsellor specialised in working with children, teenagers, and young adults. I am committed to listening deeply to people and walking alongside them on their journey, whatever that may look like.
I am an experienced and passionate Counsellor specialised in working with children, teenagers, and young adults. I am committed to listening deeply to people and walking alongside them on their journey, whatever that may look like.
0800 447 359 x54 View 0800 447 359 x54
Photo of Claire Thompson, MNZAC, Counsellor
Claire Thompson
Counsellor, MNZAC
Verified Verified
Dunedin 9010
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 Megan Carter - Megan Carter, Ocean Psy Clinical Psychology , MPsych, Psychologist
Megan Carter, Ocean Psy Clinical Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych
Verified Verified
Dunedin 9018  (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 Evelyn Shackley, MA, PBANZ, Psychotherapist
Evelyn Shackley
Psychotherapist, MA, PBANZ
Verified Verified
Dunedin 9010
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 Patricia Pataki, MSc, PBANZ, Psychotherapist
Patricia Pataki
Psychotherapist, MSc, PBANZ
Verified Verified
Dunedin 9012
I am a Nelson-based Psychotherapist offering short-term and long-term psychotherapy for adults, children and young people. My approach to working in therapy relies mainly on psychodynamic theories; meaning that I believe our early experiences (such as those encountered during our childhood and adolescence) have a significant impact on us. We may search for patterns in your life, to better understand what may be causing and perpetuating your problems. In long-term therapy it is crucial that you come to trust me, to share these often very personal memories and experiences.
I am a Nelson-based Psychotherapist offering short-term and long-term psychotherapy for adults, children and young people. My approach to working in therapy relies mainly on psychodynamic theories; meaning that I believe our early experiences (such as those encountered during our childhood and adolescence) have a significant impact on us. We may search for patterns in your life, to better understand what may be causing and perpetuating your problems. In long-term therapy it is crucial that you come to trust me, to share these often very personal memories and experiences.
0800 627 050 x75 View 0800 627 050 x75
Photo of Aleksandra Gosteva, Psychologist
Aleksandra Gosteva
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Dunedin 9010  (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

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Wendi Halligan, Counsellor
Wendi Halligan
Counsellor
Verified Verified
Mosgiel 9024
Hi I have been practicing working with people towards change for 17t years now. In counselling , group work, external supervision. During this time I have learnt a lot to put into my kete of knowledge to help with you to move forward to the life you will happy with.
Hi I have been practicing working with people towards change for 17t years now. In counselling , group work, external supervision. During this time I have learnt a lot to put into my kete of knowledge to help with you to move forward to the life you will happy with.
0800 447 359 x97 View 0800 447 359 x97

See more therapy options for Dunedin

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.