Chronic Illness Psychologists and Therapists in Canberra, ACT
Hi, I’m Valentina, Clinical Psychologist and founder of Soul Soothing Psychology. I work with adults experiencing trauma, PTSD, chronic pain, chronic health conditions, dysautonomia, anxiety, and nervous system dysregulation.
Many of the clients I work with feel stuck in survival mode — overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, disconnected from themselves, or struggling with symptoms that impact both mind and body. Often, they have spent years trying to cope with trauma, chronic stress, physical symptoms, burnout, hypervigilance, or persistent pain, while feeling misunderstood or unsupported.
Hi, I’m Valentina, Clinical Psychologist and founder of Soul Soothing Psychology. I work with adults experiencing trauma, PTSD, chronic pain, chronic health conditions, dysautonomia, anxiety, and nervous system dysregulation.
Many of the clients I work with feel stuck in survival mode — overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, disconnected from themselves, or struggling with symptoms that impact both mind and body. Often, they have spent years trying to cope with trauma, chronic stress, physical symptoms, burnout, hypervigilance, or persistent pain, while feeling misunderstood or unsupported.
Chronic illness is inherently traumatic.
If you’re living with complex conditions like POTS, Long COVID, MCAS, EDS, CFS, or Autoimmune disorders, your nervous system is likely in a constant state of high alert.
When a body is stuck in a cycle of flares, exhaustion, and medical gaslighting, "just talking about it" often isn't enough. You can’t talk your way out of a physiological nervous system response.
My practice is designed for those who have hit a wall with traditional talk therapy and are seeking a body-based, neuroaffirming approach to find stability again.
Chronic illness is inherently traumatic.
If you’re living with complex conditions like POTS, Long COVID, MCAS, EDS, CFS, or Autoimmune disorders, your nervous system is likely in a constant state of high alert.
When a body is stuck in a cycle of flares, exhaustion, and medical gaslighting, "just talking about it" often isn't enough. You can’t talk your way out of a physiological nervous system response.
My practice is designed for those who have hit a wall with traditional talk therapy and are seeking a body-based, neuroaffirming approach to find stability again.
Somatic Psychotherapies offers Clinical Supervision (+SOS), Counselling (talk & somatic based) & Trauma Informed Yoga Therapy to Child/Youth/Adult, Couples & Families with availability for Weekday & Weekend sessions Online via (Video/Voicelink) across Australia, New Zealand & Worldwide. I can utilise various assessments when appropriate to measure the severity of a specific problem, as well as determining your progress within therapy. I can also teach many various emotional regulation skills where this may be of benefit for you too. Whatever you are going through, know that there is hope - Let me help you find that hope.
Somatic Psychotherapies offers Clinical Supervision (+SOS), Counselling (talk & somatic based) & Trauma Informed Yoga Therapy to Child/Youth/Adult, Couples & Families with availability for Weekday & Weekend sessions Online via (Video/Voicelink) across Australia, New Zealand & Worldwide. I can utilise various assessments when appropriate to measure the severity of a specific problem, as well as determining your progress within therapy. I can also teach many various emotional regulation skills where this may be of benefit for you too. Whatever you are going through, know that there is hope - Let me help you find that hope.
If you're living with persistent pain, a chronic illness, or symptoms that are real even though the scans keep coming back clear, you may know the tiredness of feeling half-believed.
My doctorate was on pain after spinal cord injury, and I spent years in hospital pain management, so these conditions are familiar ground. We work on practical improvements in your day to day life, drawing on pain and health science and cognitive behavioural approaches, always alongside your medical team rather than in place of it.
If you're living with persistent pain, a chronic illness, or symptoms that are real even though the scans keep coming back clear, you may know the tiredness of feeling half-believed.
My doctorate was on pain after spinal cord injury, and I spent years in hospital pain management, so these conditions are familiar ground. We work on practical improvements in your day to day life, drawing on pain and health science and cognitive behavioural approaches, always alongside your medical team rather than in place of it.
I'm available for general counselling for any life problems you may have, as well as specific strategies aimed at treating anxiety, depression and sleep difficulties.
I'm available for general counselling for any life problems you may have, as well as specific strategies aimed at treating anxiety, depression and sleep difficulties.
I am passionate about supporting thriving, connection and personal growth. Utilizing creative, reflective and trauma informed practices together we work to support positive change in life’s most difficult and complex circumstances. Working in the here and now with what emerges in the therapeutic relationship we discover and uncover new awareness's. Some people don't like being in closed rooms and some enjoy connecting to nature ask me about my walk and talk session for grounding and re-energizing, clearing the mind of rumination, improve circulation, practice deep breathing, relieve body tension, regulate moods and decrease anxiety.
I am passionate about supporting thriving, connection and personal growth. Utilizing creative, reflective and trauma informed practices together we work to support positive change in life’s most difficult and complex circumstances. Working in the here and now with what emerges in the therapeutic relationship we discover and uncover new awareness's. Some people don't like being in closed rooms and some enjoy connecting to nature ask me about my walk and talk session for grounding and re-energizing, clearing the mind of rumination, improve circulation, practice deep breathing, relieve body tension, regulate moods and decrease anxiety.
Hi, I'm Bronwyn and I specialize in ethical non-monogamy (ENM), chronic illness, and neurodivergence – I also hold safe, affirming space for LGBTQIA+, kink, and BDSM communities.
With 30+ years of lived experience navigating chronic illness and pain, I understand what it means to carry invisible weight; medical gaslighting, fatigue, the sense of being ‘too much’ or ‘not enough’ in a world that doesn’t always get it. Whether it’s grief, career uncertainty, burnout or just needing to say things out loud, I'm here for it!
Hi, I'm Bronwyn and I specialize in ethical non-monogamy (ENM), chronic illness, and neurodivergence – I also hold safe, affirming space for LGBTQIA+, kink, and BDSM communities.
With 30+ years of lived experience navigating chronic illness and pain, I understand what it means to carry invisible weight; medical gaslighting, fatigue, the sense of being ‘too much’ or ‘not enough’ in a world that doesn’t always get it. Whether it’s grief, career uncertainty, burnout or just needing to say things out loud, I'm here for it!
Hi, I’m Gun — an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, trained in Evidence-Based EFT/Tapping, ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy), ACT for trauma, anxiety, relationships, ADHD and perfectionism, and a Certified Buteyko Breathing Instructor. I specialise in anxiety, trauma, insomnia, chronic pain/illnesses and other health challenges. Offering psychological interventions tailored to your needs and with a Mental Health Care Plan, 10 Medicare rebate sessions per calendar year.
Hi, I’m Gun — an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, trained in Evidence-Based EFT/Tapping, ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy), ACT for trauma, anxiety, relationships, ADHD and perfectionism, and a Certified Buteyko Breathing Instructor. I specialise in anxiety, trauma, insomnia, chronic pain/illnesses and other health challenges. Offering psychological interventions tailored to your needs and with a Mental Health Care Plan, 10 Medicare rebate sessions per calendar year.
I understand that one needs significant courage to take the first step towards therapy, and therefore I aim to provide a safe environment where you will feel comfortable to openly discuss any issues in a non-judgmental, warm, empathic, and supportive manner. We will explore your current difficulties and invite you to consider what you would like to be different. You will set the direction for our work and I will walk alongside you, as we identify and work on the strategies and actions that support you the best to build the life you want.
I understand that one needs significant courage to take the first step towards therapy, and therefore I aim to provide a safe environment where you will feel comfortable to openly discuss any issues in a non-judgmental, warm, empathic, and supportive manner. We will explore your current difficulties and invite you to consider what you would like to be different. You will set the direction for our work and I will walk alongside you, as we identify and work on the strategies and actions that support you the best to build the life you want.
I am a registered clinical counsellor and art therapist who has worked in the community for since 2011. My style is gentle and flexible, I take cues from you as to what you are ready to explore. Whether you are navigating complex relationship dynamics, wanting to change difficult patterns in yourself, needing support to take some practical steps, or simply want to be witnessed in what you are going through, I will meet you where you're at. While we connect, I listen deeply to hear the lived meaning that is unfolding for you in the circumstances of your life, tracking the undercurrent of your experience to help it evolve.
I am a registered clinical counsellor and art therapist who has worked in the community for since 2011. My style is gentle and flexible, I take cues from you as to what you are ready to explore. Whether you are navigating complex relationship dynamics, wanting to change difficult patterns in yourself, needing support to take some practical steps, or simply want to be witnessed in what you are going through, I will meet you where you're at. While we connect, I listen deeply to hear the lived meaning that is unfolding for you in the circumstances of your life, tracking the undercurrent of your experience to help it evolve.
When we experience uncomfortable emotions, it’s easy to let those feelings guide our choices. Often, we end up prioritising others’ needs over our own, adopting behaviours to keep everyone else happy - overthinking, people pleasing and perfectionism. These behaviour patterns can leave us feeling anxious and stressed, exhausted mentally and physically. We simply may not feel good enough. If this resonates with you, maybe it’s time to pause and consider doing things differently.
When we experience uncomfortable emotions, it’s easy to let those feelings guide our choices. Often, we end up prioritising others’ needs over our own, adopting behaviours to keep everyone else happy - overthinking, people pleasing and perfectionism. These behaviour patterns can leave us feeling anxious and stressed, exhausted mentally and physically. We simply may not feel good enough. If this resonates with you, maybe it’s time to pause and consider doing things differently.
I support adults, older adults and teenagers experiencing grief, loss, bereavement, trauma, migration, and major life transitions. Many come after the death of a loved one. Others grieve something less visible but just as real: a relationship, a sense of home, an identity, or a version of themselves that feels lost. Some live with anxiety, depression, complex trauma, existential questions about life meaning and mortality. I work with neurodivergent individuals in an affirming way. I also work with French-speaking clients and people navigating relocation across all states and territories in Australia.
I support adults, older adults and teenagers experiencing grief, loss, bereavement, trauma, migration, and major life transitions. Many come after the death of a loved one. Others grieve something less visible but just as real: a relationship, a sense of home, an identity, or a version of themselves that feels lost. Some live with anxiety, depression, complex trauma, existential questions about life meaning and mortality. I work with neurodivergent individuals in an affirming way. I also work with French-speaking clients and people navigating relocation across all states and territories in Australia.
You may be coping with life transitions or change, managing a chronic illness or disability, or caring for someone.
Corella Counselling provides counselling support through the second half of life.
You may be coping with life transitions or change, managing a chronic illness or disability, or caring for someone.
Corella Counselling provides counselling support through the second half of life.
I work mostly with women in their 30s, 40s and 50s navigating burnout, relationship challenges, postnatal difficulties or perimenopause. I work in a gentle and supportive manner, helping clients access their innate resources, build resilience, agency and capacity, not only to withstand the stressors of life, but to feel more aliveness and expansion.
I work mostly with women in their 30s, 40s and 50s navigating burnout, relationship challenges, postnatal difficulties or perimenopause. I work in a gentle and supportive manner, helping clients access their innate resources, build resilience, agency and capacity, not only to withstand the stressors of life, but to feel more aliveness and expansion.
Natasha is a passionate and caring registered psychologist who uses a solution-focused approach to help you explore and develop strategies to better cope with the challenges you may be facing. Natasha has over 15 years experience in the Workers compensation space and has extensive experiencing working with adults to help them manage with anxiety, adjustment issues, low self-esteem and postnatal depression. Natasha also has special interest in coaching, teaching assertiveness and parenting.
Natasha is a passionate and caring registered psychologist who uses a solution-focused approach to help you explore and develop strategies to better cope with the challenges you may be facing. Natasha has over 15 years experience in the Workers compensation space and has extensive experiencing working with adults to help them manage with anxiety, adjustment issues, low self-esteem and postnatal depression. Natasha also has special interest in coaching, teaching assertiveness and parenting.
My own journey through mental health challenges, chronic illness,
being misdiagnosed and wrongly medicated, along with late diagnosis has given me a deep, personal understanding of what my clients need.
My main areas of focus are:
1. Supporting people in living their best lives through rehabilitation, physically, mentally, cognitively and psychologically including veterans and return to work.
2. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and also stroke and brain injury
3. Neurodivergent and queer folks
4. Chronic illness and disability
My own journey through mental health challenges, chronic illness,
being misdiagnosed and wrongly medicated, along with late diagnosis has given me a deep, personal understanding of what my clients need.
My main areas of focus are:
1. Supporting people in living their best lives through rehabilitation, physically, mentally, cognitively and psychologically including veterans and return to work.
2. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and also stroke and brain injury
3. Neurodivergent and queer folks
4. Chronic illness and disability
With more than 23 years in the helping professions in the UK and Australia, in various health, education, mental health areas across the lifespan, I'm able to support people with a wide range of presenting issues to support people navigating life's challenges. It can feel like no one gets it sometimes, even those closest to you. Wanting someone to listen to you who really gets it, I truly do and I know how to support you. I provide an opportunity to explore what you're experiencing with compassion focused on guiding you towards health and wellbeing.
With more than 23 years in the helping professions in the UK and Australia, in various health, education, mental health areas across the lifespan, I'm able to support people with a wide range of presenting issues to support people navigating life's challenges. It can feel like no one gets it sometimes, even those closest to you. Wanting someone to listen to you who really gets it, I truly do and I know how to support you. I provide an opportunity to explore what you're experiencing with compassion focused on guiding you towards health and wellbeing.
Emma brings a beautiful blend of professional expertise and genuine, heart-led warmth to her practice. Her passion for holistic wellness inspired her to step into the counselling space, driven by a deep desire to help others experience the same transformational growth she has seen firsthand.
Emma brings a beautiful blend of professional expertise and genuine, heart-led warmth to her practice. Her passion for holistic wellness inspired her to step into the counselling space, driven by a deep desire to help others experience the same transformational growth she has seen firsthand.
Life gets hard at times, we can get swamped and drop in to survival mode. I provide tele-health sessions to help anyone who is struggling to find a way to improve their quality of life, and head back towards thriving. Whether it be depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress, adjusting to change, grief, or general dissatisfaction, I collaborate with you to create a safe and warm space that provides the support that you need -we all do better when we share the load and forgo the battle to do it all alone.
Life gets hard at times, we can get swamped and drop in to survival mode. I provide tele-health sessions to help anyone who is struggling to find a way to improve their quality of life, and head back towards thriving. Whether it be depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress, adjusting to change, grief, or general dissatisfaction, I collaborate with you to create a safe and warm space that provides the support that you need -we all do better when we share the load and forgo the battle to do it all alone.
Free yourself from unprocessed emotion and painful memories. I work with people who are looking to free themselves from unhealed trauma and unhealthy relational patterning. If you are seeking support with the intention of breaking long held patterns and beliefs, then I would love to work with you.
I use breathwork, transcendental meditation, EMDR and dream rescripting are a few of the techniques available to process life experiences and move forward with purpose, presence and peace. Regulate the nervous system to heal, rest and reset. Trained in SSP (safe and sound protocol) based on polyvagal theory by Dr Stephen Porges.
Free yourself from unprocessed emotion and painful memories. I work with people who are looking to free themselves from unhealed trauma and unhealthy relational patterning. If you are seeking support with the intention of breaking long held patterns and beliefs, then I would love to work with you.
I use breathwork, transcendental meditation, EMDR and dream rescripting are a few of the techniques available to process life experiences and move forward with purpose, presence and peace. Regulate the nervous system to heal, rest and reset. Trained in SSP (safe and sound protocol) based on polyvagal theory by Dr Stephen Porges.
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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.