Chronic Illness Psychologists and Therapists in Freshwater, NSW
Perhaps you are navigating depression, anxiety, grief, or feeling like you don’t fit the mould? This might mean being neuro-divergent, in a larger body, or struggling with emotion regulation, relationship challenges, and life’s difficult transitions. The impact is real, and it can leave you questioning your worth.
Perhaps you are navigating depression, anxiety, grief, or feeling like you don’t fit the mould? This might mean being neuro-divergent, in a larger body, or struggling with emotion regulation, relationship challenges, and life’s difficult transitions. The impact is real, and it can leave you questioning your worth.
Elizabeth Gray, (Liz) is the only Certified Gottman Method Couples Therapist on the Northern Beaches Sydney. Liz has been a Psychologist for 24 years, (10 of those in private practice) and has worked in a range of settings, including Macquarie University, 'Open Colleges AUS', Hospital and Prison Services, (UK). Liz hails from the sunny UK, and has fulfilled a childhood dream of living in Australia. Liz has many long term clients, and is also happy to see clients who just need a few sessions to get back on track in life! Liz sees solo clients and couples. Gottman method Couples Therapy is a research based approach to couples.
Elizabeth Gray, (Liz) is the only Certified Gottman Method Couples Therapist on the Northern Beaches Sydney. Liz has been a Psychologist for 24 years, (10 of those in private practice) and has worked in a range of settings, including Macquarie University, 'Open Colleges AUS', Hospital and Prison Services, (UK). Liz hails from the sunny UK, and has fulfilled a childhood dream of living in Australia. Liz has many long term clients, and is also happy to see clients who just need a few sessions to get back on track in life! Liz sees solo clients and couples. Gottman method Couples Therapy is a research based approach to couples.
Dorian is an experienced, caring, and understanding male Psychologist providing counselling support for a wide range of personal, relationship, and psychological issues. Dorian is located in Brookvale on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Please contact Dorian for appointments, enquiries, or to make a referral for Psychological support. AHPRA Registered Psychologist; Member Australian Psychological Society; Assoc. Member College of Counselling Psychologists; Medicare Provider 5042532T.
Dorian is an experienced, caring, and understanding male Psychologist providing counselling support for a wide range of personal, relationship, and psychological issues. Dorian is located in Brookvale on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Please contact Dorian for appointments, enquiries, or to make a referral for Psychological support. AHPRA Registered Psychologist; Member Australian Psychological Society; Assoc. Member College of Counselling Psychologists; Medicare Provider 5042532T.
Are you constantly anxious? Stuck or struggling with relationships? No idea how to move on? My name's Robyn and I'm a Gestalt Psychotherapist and Somatic Movement/Dance Movement Therapist with 17 years' experience working with groups and individuals. A deep knowledge of body process and nonverbal communication allows me to attend to the whole of a person's experience, rather than just what they say. I take a relational, creative and trauma-informed approach, and tailor it for every person or group I work with.
Are you constantly anxious? Stuck or struggling with relationships? No idea how to move on? My name's Robyn and I'm a Gestalt Psychotherapist and Somatic Movement/Dance Movement Therapist with 17 years' experience working with groups and individuals. A deep knowledge of body process and nonverbal communication allows me to attend to the whole of a person's experience, rather than just what they say. I take a relational, creative and trauma-informed approach, and tailor it for every person or group I work with.
More Therapists Nearby
Are you feeling disconnected from yourself and others? You could be feeling depressed, maybe you suffer from anxiety. You might feel overwhelmed by your emotions at times. Sadness. Anger. Confusion. Sometimes they all mix together into one big negative feeling that threatens to overtake you. Or, maybe you just feel numb–you go about your life… like you are living in a daze not knowing what you feel or what you want. Maybe you feel simply just not good enough.
Are you feeling disconnected from yourself and others? You could be feeling depressed, maybe you suffer from anxiety. You might feel overwhelmed by your emotions at times. Sadness. Anger. Confusion. Sometimes they all mix together into one big negative feeling that threatens to overtake you. Or, maybe you just feel numb–you go about your life… like you are living in a daze not knowing what you feel or what you want. Maybe you feel simply just not good enough.
They may be living with chronic illness, disability, or neurodivergence; be LGBTQIA+; be older adults navigating major transitions; or parents carrying their own health challenges.
I'm Mel — a social worker with a Master of Social Work (UTAS) and Bachelor of Psychological Science (CQU). I offer psychosocial support, therapeutic conversations, case management and advocacy via secure telehealth - Australia-wide. My practice is strengths-based, trauma-informed, and draws on my own lived experience of chronic illness and disability.
They may be living with chronic illness, disability, or neurodivergence; be LGBTQIA+; be older adults navigating major transitions; or parents carrying their own health challenges.
I'm Mel — a social worker with a Master of Social Work (UTAS) and Bachelor of Psychological Science (CQU). I offer psychosocial support, therapeutic conversations, case management and advocacy via secure telehealth - Australia-wide. My practice is strengths-based, trauma-informed, and draws on my own lived experience of chronic illness and disability.
I am a Registered Psychologist providing evidence-based psychological support to adults and older adults navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and complex emotional challenges. I work with individuals experiencing burnout, chronic stress, grief and loss, relationship changes, health-related adjustment, and times where life can feel uncertain or overwhelming. Many people seek support when things begin to feel heavier than usual, or when their usual ways of coping are no longer as effective. My focus is on supporting people to gain clarity, build emotional stability, and develop practical strategies for daily life.
I am a Registered Psychologist providing evidence-based psychological support to adults and older adults navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and complex emotional challenges. I work with individuals experiencing burnout, chronic stress, grief and loss, relationship changes, health-related adjustment, and times where life can feel uncertain or overwhelming. Many people seek support when things begin to feel heavier than usual, or when their usual ways of coping are no longer as effective. My focus is on supporting people to gain clarity, build emotional stability, and develop practical strategies for daily life.
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.
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.
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.
Leonie has lived in the local area her whole life and has been practicing in Matraville for over 20 years. Leonie holds a Masters Degree in Psychology from Sydney University, is AHPRA, NDIS and SIRA accredited. Through her career Leonie has assisted patients of virtually every cultural background and believes the diversity of her patients has led to her skill and strength as a practitioner.
Leonie has lived in the local area her whole life and has been practicing in Matraville for over 20 years. Leonie holds a Masters Degree in Psychology from Sydney University, is AHPRA, NDIS and SIRA accredited. Through her career Leonie has assisted patients of virtually every cultural background and believes the diversity of her patients has led to her skill and strength as a practitioner.
I specialise in supporting individuals facing challenges involving perfectionism, burnout, chronic illness, overwhelm and anxiety.
I provide neuroaffirming care and practice according to trauma-aware principles, acknowledging and welcoming people of all experiences, identities and bodies. My practice is a LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC safe space and I pay deep respect and celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
I specialise in supporting individuals facing challenges involving perfectionism, burnout, chronic illness, overwhelm and anxiety.
I provide neuroaffirming care and practice according to trauma-aware principles, acknowledging and welcoming people of all experiences, identities and bodies. My practice is a LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC safe space and I pay deep respect and celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
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.
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.
Kim Brauer offers a compassionate, evidence based, and culturally sensitive approach to therapy, empowering clients to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and self-compassion. Kim integrates evidence-based practices with a deep commitment to holistic care.
Her wellness-based approach supports individuals in achieving emotional, physical, intellectual, occupational, spiritual, and social well-being. Kim supports clients foster personal growth, enhance self-awareness, and create meaningful, sustainable life changes.
Kim Brauer offers a compassionate, evidence based, and culturally sensitive approach to therapy, empowering clients to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and self-compassion. Kim integrates evidence-based practices with a deep commitment to holistic care.
Her wellness-based approach supports individuals in achieving emotional, physical, intellectual, occupational, spiritual, and social well-being. Kim supports clients foster personal growth, enhance self-awareness, and create meaningful, sustainable life changes.
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.
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.
I am a psychologist working with people experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, depression, trauma, eating and body image concerns, stress/life changes, grief/loss, chronic health conditions, chronic pain, and disability. I have an interest in assessment and experience with Autism, ADHD, learning, and adaptive functioning assessments. I can provide reports for NDIS and education/school plans. I have lived experience of disability and work from an affirming, collaborative and empowering framework. I work with people ages 16 and over and currently only offer Telehealth services.
I am a psychologist working with people experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, depression, trauma, eating and body image concerns, stress/life changes, grief/loss, chronic health conditions, chronic pain, and disability. I have an interest in assessment and experience with Autism, ADHD, learning, and adaptive functioning assessments. I can provide reports for NDIS and education/school plans. I have lived experience of disability and work from an affirming, collaborative and empowering framework. I work with people ages 16 and over and currently only offer Telehealth services.
You might be finding it hard to switch off, feeling weighed down by your thoughts, or struggling with your relationship with food, your body, your health, or yourself. I work with adults and older adolescents (16+) who want to feel more understood, supported, and equipped to cope. Together, we can make sense of what’s been keeping you stuck and work toward meaningful, practical change. My approach is warm and collaborative, with a focus on helping you move forward at a pace that feels manageable.
You might be finding it hard to switch off, feeling weighed down by your thoughts, or struggling with your relationship with food, your body, your health, or yourself. I work with adults and older adolescents (16+) who want to feel more understood, supported, and equipped to cope. Together, we can make sense of what’s been keeping you stuck and work toward meaningful, practical change. My approach is warm and collaborative, with a focus on helping you move forward at a pace that feels manageable.
They may be navigating trauma, addiction recovery, chronic illness, burnout, early family experiences, or anxiety that feels deeper than stress management alone.
My work integrates talk therapy, somatic approaches, nervous system regulation, and symbolic work such as Sandplay (in person). I also understand the connection between emotional and physical wellbeing, particularly for clients living with chronic illness. Sessions are personalised, practical, and tailored to your needs.
They may be navigating trauma, addiction recovery, chronic illness, burnout, early family experiences, or anxiety that feels deeper than stress management alone.
My work integrates talk therapy, somatic approaches, nervous system regulation, and symbolic work such as Sandplay (in person). I also understand the connection between emotional and physical wellbeing, particularly for clients living with chronic illness. Sessions are personalised, practical, and tailored to your needs.
See more therapy options for Freshwater
Nearby Chronic Illness Therapists Searches for Freshwater
- Balgowlah
- Brookvale
- Cammeray
- Cremorne
- Dee Why
- Frenchs Forest
- Manly
- Mosman
- Neutral Bay
- Seaforth
- Vaucluse
- Willoughby
Chronic Illness Therapists
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.