Chronic Illness Therapists in East London
![Photo of Nolwazi Somtsewu, MA, HPCSA - Couns. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0c371170-e3e3-4c3f-8a8b-425d4b2e00b9/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a registered Counselling psychologist, with 16 years' experience in supporting clients with career planning and management, study, personal challenges affecting their wellbeing, performance and life satisfaction. I also help with employment preparation, adjustment to preparation for retirement. I am compassionate, and love to help clients to empower themselves to lead meaningful and fulfilling life. I am a firm believer in human potential and working collaboratively with my clients for their personal growth. My services are online and face to face, to individuals, groups, and organizations.
I am a registered Counselling psychologist, with 16 years' experience in supporting clients with career planning and management, study, personal challenges affecting their wellbeing, performance and life satisfaction. I also help with employment preparation, adjustment to preparation for retirement. I am compassionate, and love to help clients to empower themselves to lead meaningful and fulfilling life. I am a firm believer in human potential and working collaboratively with my clients for their personal growth. My services are online and face to face, to individuals, groups, and organizations.
![Photo of Patricia Margaret Hill - Pat Hill, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7f1cd010-af73-4613-ba4c-2d6a691806d5/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have been in private practice as a Clinical Psychologist for over 30 years so have experience with a wide range of problems.
I have been in private practice as a Clinical Psychologist for over 30 years so have experience with a wide range of problems.
![Photo of Niki Alexandra, ASCHP Specialist Wellness Counsellor, General Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ce70a86a-6e5e-46a9-91ef-7c5d15eca031/1/320x400.jpeg)
Niki Alexandra
General Counsellor, ASCHP Specialist Wellness Counsellor
Verified Verified
East London 5201 (Online Only)
My ideal client is someone who values authenticity, seeks neuroaffirming support, wants something different, values compassion and understanding, and is on a journey of self-discovery. You are looking for an approach that diverges from traditional psychological and medical models. Perhaps you've found that conventional methods haven't resonated with you or addressed your unique needs. You're also open to exploring integrative and holistic practices that consider the mind, body, and spirit.
My ideal client is someone who values authenticity, seeks neuroaffirming support, wants something different, values compassion and understanding, and is on a journey of self-discovery. You are looking for an approach that diverges from traditional psychological and medical models. Perhaps you've found that conventional methods haven't resonated with you or addressed your unique needs. You're also open to exploring integrative and holistic practices that consider the mind, body, and spirit.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Susan Louise McGarvie, PhD, General Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bc78e23c-8903-4f71-a9f7-112d63906471/1/320x400.jpeg)
Whether you're struggling to navigate difficult life circumstances, or feeling like you're ready to take action and make positive life changes, finding someone to support and guide you is a healthy and courageous step.
Whether you're struggling to navigate difficult life circumstances, or feeling like you're ready to take action and make positive life changes, finding someone to support and guide you is a healthy and courageous step.
See more therapy options for East London
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.