Chronic Illness Psychologists and Therapists in Petersham, NSW
I trained as a therapist because I know the grief, health-related anxiety and depression of chronic illness can be overwhelming.
I work holistically with the mind-body connection using present experience. Greater awareness of the nuances between physical symptoms, emotions, sensations and patterns of thinking and experience can create more choice, a better relationship with yourself, your body and your condition.
I trained as a therapist because I know the grief, health-related anxiety and depression of chronic illness can be overwhelming.
I work holistically with the mind-body connection using present experience. Greater awareness of the nuances between physical symptoms, emotions, sensations and patterns of thinking and experience can create more choice, a better relationship with yourself, your body and your condition.
If you're feeling lost, defeated, trying to navigate difficult emotions, I am here to help support you through your next life chapter. I am an accredited mental health social worker with experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. It can be incredibly difficult to change ongoing negative patterns of behaviour, I work on increasing your awareness of these behaviours and responses, whilst giving you coping skills to change old patterns. Whether your goal is to learn to cope with difficult emotions, understanding your psyche or looking to get "unstuck", we can work together to improve the next phase of your life.
If you're feeling lost, defeated, trying to navigate difficult emotions, I am here to help support you through your next life chapter. I am an accredited mental health social worker with experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. It can be incredibly difficult to change ongoing negative patterns of behaviour, I work on increasing your awareness of these behaviours and responses, whilst giving you coping skills to change old patterns. Whether your goal is to learn to cope with difficult emotions, understanding your psyche or looking to get "unstuck", we can work together to improve the next phase of your life.
Neurodivergent identity, unmasking, burnout recovery, emotional regulation, ND life management, healing childhood wounds, coping with chronic illness and pain, social and relationship challenges, substance abuse support, distress tolerance, stress and overwhelm, self-esteem, ethical non-monogamy support, gender/sexuality/identity exploration.
I support clients who may feel misunderstood by traditional models of mental health care, particularly those who (like me) are Neurodivergent, Queer, Chronically ill & Disabled. I typically work with clients who are navigating burnout, emotional overwhelm, life transitions, relationship or workplace challenges, substance use concerns, anxiety, mood swings or existential crisis.
I am honoured to walk alongside my clients helping them to make meaning, heal hurt, find their spark, cope with suffering, and come home to themselves. My work is guided by my values of authenticity, connection, humour, agency, and joy.
Neurodivergent identity, unmasking, burnout recovery, emotional regulation, ND life management, healing childhood wounds, coping with chronic illness and pain, social and relationship challenges, substance abuse support, distress tolerance, stress and overwhelm, self-esteem, ethical non-monogamy support, gender/sexuality/identity exploration.
I support clients who may feel misunderstood by traditional models of mental health care, particularly those who (like me) are Neurodivergent, Queer, Chronically ill & Disabled. I typically work with clients who are navigating burnout, emotional overwhelm, life transitions, relationship or workplace challenges, substance use concerns, anxiety, mood swings or existential crisis.
I am honoured to walk alongside my clients helping them to make meaning, heal hurt, find their spark, cope with suffering, and come home to themselves. My work is guided by my values of authenticity, connection, humour, agency, and joy.
With over 35 years experience in various therapy and senior health management roles including President of the NSW Association of Adolescent Health, I have had the privilege and opportunity to listen to and develop a deep understanding of the needs of others. I use a range of evidence based, wholistic, strength focussed and trauma informed strategies to support, empower and enhance mental wellbeing.
With over 35 years experience in various therapy and senior health management roles including President of the NSW Association of Adolescent Health, I have had the privilege and opportunity to listen to and develop a deep understanding of the needs of others. I use a range of evidence based, wholistic, strength focussed and trauma informed strategies to support, empower and enhance mental wellbeing.
When lingering or reoccurring issues arise they create within us a dissatisfaction about life and how we feel about ourselves. Issues such as relationship difficulties, addictions, career, life transitions, parenting, depression, anxiety, stress, body image, negative beliefs and thoughts, emotional overwhelm, aggression, low energy, impulsivity etc. can affect your self esteem and your ability to think clearly and solve problems effectively. Learning new skills, building on resilience and resources and dealing with past issues that affect your present life can be empowering and create satisfaction and fulfilment in your life.
When lingering or reoccurring issues arise they create within us a dissatisfaction about life and how we feel about ourselves. Issues such as relationship difficulties, addictions, career, life transitions, parenting, depression, anxiety, stress, body image, negative beliefs and thoughts, emotional overwhelm, aggression, low energy, impulsivity etc. can affect your self esteem and your ability to think clearly and solve problems effectively. Learning new skills, building on resilience and resources and dealing with past issues that affect your present life can be empowering and create satisfaction and fulfilment in your life.
Ann-Maree is a warm and experienced psychologist, who works from a strengths-based and trauma-informed perspective. She works collaboratively with clients using a wide range of evidence-based treatment approaches tailored to their individual needs. She creates a safe, non-judgemental and supportive therapeutic space where individuals can develop insight and create meaningful change in their lives and relationships. Ann-Maree has been registered since 2009, and has extensive experience in working with clients through life experiences such as neurodiversity, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma, grief and loss.
Ann-Maree is a warm and experienced psychologist, who works from a strengths-based and trauma-informed perspective. She works collaboratively with clients using a wide range of evidence-based treatment approaches tailored to their individual needs. She creates a safe, non-judgemental and supportive therapeutic space where individuals can develop insight and create meaningful change in their lives and relationships. Ann-Maree has been registered since 2009, and has extensive experience in working with clients through life experiences such as neurodiversity, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma, grief and loss.
Hi, I'm Bronwyn. I am an integrative, empathic, person-centred therapist bringing holistic, somatic, creative and dynamic approaches to the intersections of anti-oppressive, trauma informed practice. I offer inclusive, accessible therapy that values every aspect of the client. This means that I view each client as a whole person with a unique worldview informed by the stories of their mind-body experiences. Each unique individual requires a uniquely individual approach and this approach is grounded in the principles of trauma care; safety, trustworthiness, collaboration, empowerment and choice.
Hi, I'm Bronwyn. I am an integrative, empathic, person-centred therapist bringing holistic, somatic, creative and dynamic approaches to the intersections of anti-oppressive, trauma informed practice. I offer inclusive, accessible therapy that values every aspect of the client. This means that I view each client as a whole person with a unique worldview informed by the stories of their mind-body experiences. Each unique individual requires a uniquely individual approach and this approach is grounded in the principles of trauma care; safety, trustworthiness, collaboration, empowerment and choice.
Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or disconnected from yourself? Life’s pressures, past experiences, and ongoing responsibilities can make it hard to slow down and feel grounded. Counselling offers a supportive space to pause, reflect, and reconnect.
I’m Anne-Marie, a Marrickville-based counsellor and clinical supervisor, offering trauma-informed counselling to adults and parents across the Inner West and greater Sydney. My approach is holistic, inclusive, and deeply personal, recognising the strong connection between mind and body. I offer a warm, safe, and non-judgemental space where you can show up exactly as you are.
Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or disconnected from yourself? Life’s pressures, past experiences, and ongoing responsibilities can make it hard to slow down and feel grounded. Counselling offers a supportive space to pause, reflect, and reconnect.
I’m Anne-Marie, a Marrickville-based counsellor and clinical supervisor, offering trauma-informed counselling to adults and parents across the Inner West and greater Sydney. My approach is holistic, inclusive, and deeply personal, recognising the strong connection between mind and body. I offer a warm, safe, and non-judgemental space where you can show up exactly as you are.
Currently unable to accept new referrals - several months wait time. I provide psychological intervention to adults and adolescents, with a focus on developing insight into your current life difficulties (eg anxiety, depression, issues connecting with people), considering how you would like your life to be, and beginning to take actions toward that desired life. I utilise Schema Therapy, with elements from a range of other therapy models (eg ACT, IPT, DBT, CBT) where needed, particularly when assisting people to develop new skills.
Currently unable to accept new referrals - several months wait time. I provide psychological intervention to adults and adolescents, with a focus on developing insight into your current life difficulties (eg anxiety, depression, issues connecting with people), considering how you would like your life to be, and beginning to take actions toward that desired life. I utilise Schema Therapy, with elements from a range of other therapy models (eg ACT, IPT, DBT, CBT) where needed, particularly when assisting people to develop new skills.
More Therapists Nearby
As a fellow human, I deeply understand that pain and suffering, although normal, can be exquisitely hard. I provide a safe space for you to explore the struggles in your life and how your backstory affects you today. Together we can discover and establish the story you want to lead going forward; one in which you can be at rest and flourish.
As a fellow human, I deeply understand that pain and suffering, although normal, can be exquisitely hard. I provide a safe space for you to explore the struggles in your life and how your backstory affects you today. Together we can discover and establish the story you want to lead going forward; one in which you can be at rest and flourish.
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.
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.
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 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!
Would you like to grow in confidence and skill to deepen your connection to your self and the ones you love? Do you want to improve your relationships and wellbeing? If you could benefit from discovering how to be kinder to your self, learning skills like boundaries to improve your relationships or understand and heal from the effects of trauma then I might be the person to help you. Sometimes we need a guide to empower us to explore our inner world and discover tools to help us move forward.
Would you like to grow in confidence and skill to deepen your connection to your self and the ones you love? Do you want to improve your relationships and wellbeing? If you could benefit from discovering how to be kinder to your self, learning skills like boundaries to improve your relationships or understand and heal from the effects of trauma then I might be the person to help you. Sometimes we need a guide to empower us to explore our inner world and discover tools to help us move forward.
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.
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.
Hi, my name is Christine (she/her) and I live on Gadigal land. I’m an experienced AHPRA registered clinical psychologist and a member of the Australian Psychological Society and the EMDR Association of Australia. I have extensive experience across drug and alcohol, complex mental health and trauma, and chronic pain and medical conditions. I offer individualised, person-centred therapy that affords you the greatest agency by prioritising collaboration, combining your self-wisdom with a variety of evidence-based psychological treatments.
Hi, my name is Christine (she/her) and I live on Gadigal land. I’m an experienced AHPRA registered clinical psychologist and a member of the Australian Psychological Society and the EMDR Association of Australia. I have extensive experience across drug and alcohol, complex mental health and trauma, and chronic pain and medical conditions. I offer individualised, person-centred therapy that affords you the greatest agency by prioritising collaboration, combining your self-wisdom with a variety of evidence-based psychological treatments.
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.
As a clinical psychologist, I aim to create an authentic and compassionate therapeutic relationship as the foundation of the work. I integrate various evidence-based psychotherapy techniques and tailor my approach to meet each individual’s unique context, disposition and needs. I believe that true empowerment lies in developing a deeper understanding of one’s thoughts, emotions, body, and behaviours, while cultivating the skills to navigate these elements intentionally.
As a clinical psychologist, I aim to create an authentic and compassionate therapeutic relationship as the foundation of the work. I integrate various evidence-based psychotherapy techniques and tailor my approach to meet each individual’s unique context, disposition and needs. I believe that true empowerment lies in developing a deeper understanding of one’s thoughts, emotions, body, and behaviours, while cultivating the skills to navigate these elements intentionally.
Nearby Chronic Illness Therapists Searches for Petersham
- Annandale
- Ashfield
- Camperdown
- Canterbury
- Dulwich Hill
- Enmore
- Erskineville
- Leichhardt
- Marrickville
- Newtown
- Stanmore
- Summer Hill
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.