Chronic Illness Therapists in New Plymouth

Photo of Suzy Adair, NZAC - Provisional, Counsellor
Suzy Adair
Counsellor, NZAC - Provisional
Verified Verified
New Plymouth 4312
I work across many areas of mental health, such as supporting those with ADHD, BPD, dissociation, trauma, PTSD, anxiety and depression, as well as people experiencing significant changes and transitions in life, such as separation, blended family dynamics and grief.
I work across many areas of mental health, such as supporting those with ADHD, BPD, dissociation, trauma, PTSD, anxiety and depression, as well as people experiencing significant changes and transitions in life, such as separation, blended family dynamics and grief.
0800 468 212 x84 View 0800 468 212 x84
Photo of Grant Wattie - Relationship Mentor and Coach, MNZAC, Counsellor
Relationship Mentor and Coach
Counsellor, MNZAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New Plymouth 4310
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

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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.