Chronic Illness Therapists in George

Photo of Emma Jade Gibbons - Safe Space Therapy- Ms Emma Gibbons , MA, Social Worker
Safe Space Therapy- Ms Emma Gibbons
Social Worker, MA
Verified Verified
George 6529
There is nothing I have not heard or seen! I create a non judgmental environment for you to share your ideas, concerns and beliefs. That is why we are called safespace !:)
There is nothing I have not heard or seen! I create a non judgmental environment for you to share your ideas, concerns and beliefs. That is why we are called safespace !:)
087 250 2748 x58 View 087 250 2748 x58

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Devon Golden, MSc, General Counsellor
Devon Golden
General Counsellor, MSc
Verified Verified
Wilderness 6538  (Online Only)
Life, from time to time, can become a struggle for all of us, and often we feel the desire to reach out for some understanding or companionship. However, we still live in an age where seeking support or help is often regarded as a sign of weakness. I believe the complete opposite. To seek out help and support in your darkest hours in order to better understand yourself and overcome your difficulties is a sign of true bravery and courage. By reaching out, you take the first courageous step toward healing, growth, and reclaiming your inner strength.
Life, from time to time, can become a struggle for all of us, and often we feel the desire to reach out for some understanding or companionship. However, we still live in an age where seeking support or help is often regarded as a sign of weakness. I believe the complete opposite. To seek out help and support in your darkest hours in order to better understand yourself and overcome your difficulties is a sign of true bravery and courage. By reaching out, you take the first courageous step toward healing, growth, and reclaiming your inner strength.
087 250 2962 x78 View 087 250 2962 x78

Online Therapists

Photo of Gertruida Susanna Dowse, BSocSci Hons, Social Worker
Gertruida Susanna Dowse
Social Worker, BSocSci Hons
Verified Verified
Oudtshoorn 6625
Feeling anxious and unsure what the next step is? Finding it difficult to relate to your partner? Finding it difficult to cope at work or finding it difficult to relate with employer/employee? Don’t know how to cope with addiction in the family or yourself? Are you in a overly toxic relationship? Do you want to start a new beginning/ business, but just can't!, struggling to stay motivated? Are you caught in a depressive situation? Do you want to change to a healthier relationship with yourself and others? Are you constantly in conflict with yourself or others? Do you experience obsessive fear?
Feeling anxious and unsure what the next step is? Finding it difficult to relate to your partner? Finding it difficult to cope at work or finding it difficult to relate with employer/employee? Don’t know how to cope with addiction in the family or yourself? Are you in a overly toxic relationship? Do you want to start a new beginning/ business, but just can't!, struggling to stay motivated? Are you caught in a depressive situation? Do you want to change to a healthier relationship with yourself and others? Are you constantly in conflict with yourself or others? Do you experience obsessive fear?
087 250 0442 x43 View 087 250 0442 x43
Photo of Dorett Herbst, ASCHP Specialist Wellness Counsellor, General Counsellor
Dorett Herbst
General Counsellor, ASCHP Specialist Wellness Counsellor
Verified Verified
Wittedrif 6603
Integrated Wellness that focus on emotional and physical well being. Health Education, counselling and support for those with life limiting illness and emotional burdens that feels to heavy. I can help you deal with accepting change, while mindfully looking at grief, bereavement, trauma or what creates physical and emotional discomfort.
Integrated Wellness that focus on emotional and physical well being. Health Education, counselling and support for those with life limiting illness and emotional burdens that feels to heavy. I can help you deal with accepting change, while mindfully looking at grief, bereavement, trauma or what creates physical and emotional discomfort.
087 250 0536 x17 View 087 250 0536 x17
Adriaan Augustyn
Psychologist, MPsych, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Plettenberg Bay 6600
I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist that works from an integrative perspective. I assist adolescents and adults with a wide range of psychological challenges and endeavor to provide a compassionate and meaningful therapeutic experience for those I work with.
I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist that works from an integrative perspective. I assist adolescents and adults with a wide range of psychological challenges and endeavor to provide a compassionate and meaningful therapeutic experience for those I work with.
087 250 0513 x60 View 087 250 0513 x60

See more therapy options for George

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.