Chronic Illness Counselling in Queens Park, NSW

Hi, I’m Catherine Nyika, the Founder & Principal Practitioner at The Inner Shine Clinic & I am not your average counsellor & coach. I specialise in empowering women & teens to overcome anxiety, 'imposter syndrome" and "not enoughness" so that they can learn to shine again. I will help you to see the light inside of you that you forgot was even there & teach you the self-help tools so that you can keep that light turned on. You find yourself here because you are searching for answers. Inner peace and confidence seem out of reach & other things haven't helped. You recognise it's time to start to heal from the inside out. Let's begin!
Hi, I’m Catherine Nyika, the Founder & Principal Practitioner at The Inner Shine Clinic & I am not your average counsellor & coach. I specialise in empowering women & teens to overcome anxiety, 'imposter syndrome" and "not enoughness" so that they can learn to shine again. I will help you to see the light inside of you that you forgot was even there & teach you the self-help tools so that you can keep that light turned on. You find yourself here because you are searching for answers. Inner peace and confidence seem out of reach & other things haven't helped. You recognise it's time to start to heal from the inside out. Let's begin!

We live in an "age of anxiety." It is not only me or you that experiences mental health challenges. Taking care of our mental health challenges is crucial to our well being, our relationships, and for living a worthwhile life. My approach to therapy is guided by the words of Marianne Williamson: "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?"
We live in an "age of anxiety." It is not only me or you that experiences mental health challenges. Taking care of our mental health challenges is crucial to our well being, our relationships, and for living a worthwhile life. My approach to therapy is guided by the words of Marianne Williamson: "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?"

I am a clinical psychologist located in Bondi, who believes in the importance of a grounded, calming and soothing space. I believe it is key to faciliating safety and trust in the therapy room.
I am a clinical psychologist located in Bondi, who believes in the importance of a grounded, calming and soothing space. I believe it is key to faciliating safety and trust in the therapy room.

Individuals who are navigating a complex modern world and are experiencing psychological disorders need care. Psychological treatment that is evidence-based and works can make a difference to people’s lives.
Individuals who are navigating a complex modern world and are experiencing psychological disorders need care. Psychological treatment that is evidence-based and works can make a difference to people’s lives.
More Therapists Nearby

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.

Balance your Life Counselling - Martina Link
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Terrey Hills, NSW 2084
Life can be overwhelming, especially when facing challenges like chronic illness, loss & grief, interpersonal relationship issues and general emotional distress.
Apart from an understanding and empathic approach of your therapist, one of the most important aspects of effective counselling is the ability to communicate freely and comfortably, without any language barriers. That's why I offer counselling sessions also in German, for those who feel more comfortable to address their issues in their native language.
Life can be overwhelming, especially when facing challenges like chronic illness, loss & grief, interpersonal relationship issues and general emotional distress.
Apart from an understanding and empathic approach of your therapist, one of the most important aspects of effective counselling is the ability to communicate freely and comfortably, without any language barriers. That's why I offer counselling sessions also in German, for those who feel more comfortable to address their issues in their native language.

Hi, I'm Bronwyn, and I specialize in ethical non-monogamy (ENM) and chronic illness through online and in-person counselling.
With 30+ years lived experience with chronic illness, I understand many of the challenges faced by individuals living with illness and/or pain, including; endless Drs appointments, financial pressures, fatigue, and social expectations. Clients often discuss topics such as feeling of being a burden to others, career dilemmas, medical trauma and life purpose.
Hi, I'm Bronwyn, and I specialize in ethical non-monogamy (ENM) and chronic illness through online and in-person counselling.
With 30+ years lived experience with chronic illness, I understand many of the challenges faced by individuals living with illness and/or pain, including; endless Drs appointments, financial pressures, fatigue, and social expectations. Clients often discuss topics such as feeling of being a burden to others, career dilemmas, medical trauma and life purpose.

The Sydney Psychology Practice
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Sydney, NSW 2000
Shiraze is a clinical psychologist with experience treating the psychological effects of chronic illness and supporting people of diverse cultures, sexualities and genders.
The Sydney Psychology Practice is focused on supporting clients to make sustainable change. Our team has extensive experience with a diverse range of clients and concerns, and using treatments with demonstrated research efficacy.
Shiraze is a clinical psychologist with experience treating the psychological effects of chronic illness and supporting people of diverse cultures, sexualities and genders.
The Sydney Psychology Practice is focused on supporting clients to make sustainable change. Our team has extensive experience with a diverse range of clients and concerns, and using treatments with demonstrated research efficacy.

I work with individuals with many types of experiences: childhood trauma, abuse and neglect, anxiety, panic, chronic pain, chronic illness, grief and addiction.
I have 30 years experience in counselling and mental health recovery, 13 of those as a Trauma-Informed Psychotherapist in Private Practice.
I specialise in working with adult individuals struggling with generalised anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, low self esteem and disconnection.
My work includes supporting people to recover from stuck patterns of thinking and behaviour by helping them connect to positive parts of themselves, their creativity and sense of humour.
I am experienced in a number of modalities, including EMDR, which has proven to be a very successful technique in shifting trauma and negative self beliefs.
I work with individuals with many types of experiences: childhood trauma, abuse and neglect, anxiety, panic, chronic pain, chronic illness, grief and addiction.
I have 30 years experience in counselling and mental health recovery, 13 of those as a Trauma-Informed Psychotherapist in Private Practice.
I specialise in working with adult individuals struggling with generalised anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, low self esteem and disconnection.
My work includes supporting people to recover from stuck patterns of thinking and behaviour by helping them connect to positive parts of themselves, their creativity and sense of humour.
I am experienced in a number of modalities, including EMDR, which has proven to be a very successful technique in shifting trauma and negative self beliefs.

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.

As someone with personal lived experience of cancer I also have an interest in working with individuals experiencing chronic illness or cancer.
I provide a warm, emotion-focused approach when working with clients. I utilise a variety of approaches including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Schema Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and exposure based approaches to trauma including Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy.
As someone with personal lived experience of cancer I also have an interest in working with individuals experiencing chronic illness or cancer.
I provide a warm, emotion-focused approach when working with clients. I utilise a variety of approaches including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Schema Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and exposure based approaches to trauma including Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy.

My compassionate approach is shaped by my own journey healing from childhood trauma and chronic illness.
Living with childhood trauma can feel lonely and overwhelming. But you are not broken, True healing is possible. I absolutely believe that with the right support you can heal. I am here to be your guide and companion. To help you find the parts of yourself that are lost, frozen, scared and hurting and bring you back to wholeness. If there is something in your life that is making you feel anxious, sad, lost, stuck, depressed, ashamed or uncomfortable in any way, please reach out. You don't have to do it alone. We can work together to help you create a life worth living - with more peace, joy, direction and vitality.
My compassionate approach is shaped by my own journey healing from childhood trauma and chronic illness.
Living with childhood trauma can feel lonely and overwhelming. But you are not broken, True healing is possible. I absolutely believe that with the right support you can heal. I am here to be your guide and companion. To help you find the parts of yourself that are lost, frozen, scared and hurting and bring you back to wholeness. If there is something in your life that is making you feel anxious, sad, lost, stuck, depressed, ashamed or uncomfortable in any way, please reach out. You don't have to do it alone. We can work together to help you create a life worth living - with more peace, joy, direction and vitality.

Other areas of practice: cancer-informed supportive psychotherapy; living with chronic illness; grief and loss / bereavement / traumatic grief; migrant issues; couple counselling for beginning or renewing a relationship, re-discovering the meaning of a partnership, recovery work with traumatized couples; support with conscious un-coupling / co-parenting.
I am a qualified and experienced psychotherapist, clinical member of PACFA, ACA, EMDRAA and CCP. I am committed to supporting my client's self-discovery and self-expression by offering respectful, compassionate and attuned presence, therapeutic skills and experience. I offer support with meaning making, trauma recovery, facilitating post-traumatic growth. I can be of support to people affected by childhood trauma / attachment traumas, emotional pain from the past affecting present; challenges with addictive patterns, disordered eating, body image and self-identity, complex family dynamics, ancestral trauma, relationship issues.
Other areas of practice: cancer-informed supportive psychotherapy; living with chronic illness; grief and loss / bereavement / traumatic grief; migrant issues; couple counselling for beginning or renewing a relationship, re-discovering the meaning of a partnership, recovery work with traumatized couples; support with conscious un-coupling / co-parenting.
I am a qualified and experienced psychotherapist, clinical member of PACFA, ACA, EMDRAA and CCP. I am committed to supporting my client's self-discovery and self-expression by offering respectful, compassionate and attuned presence, therapeutic skills and experience. I offer support with meaning making, trauma recovery, facilitating post-traumatic growth. I can be of support to people affected by childhood trauma / attachment traumas, emotional pain from the past affecting present; challenges with addictive patterns, disordered eating, body image and self-identity, complex family dynamics, ancestral trauma, relationship issues.

My expertise includes working with grief, trauma, ADHD, substance use, and life transitions, as well as supporting university students, women’s mental health, and chronic illness.
My clients normally feel disconnected from themselves, others, or the world. They may be struggling with anxiety, stress, grief, trauma, or life transitions. Their needs include authentic connection, a safe space for self-exploration, and practical tools for emotional well-being. Their goals are to find clarity, heal, and create meaningful change. They want therapy that is grounded in nature, creative, and holistic, helping them reconnect with themselves and build resilience for the future.
My expertise includes working with grief, trauma, ADHD, substance use, and life transitions, as well as supporting university students, women’s mental health, and chronic illness.
My clients normally feel disconnected from themselves, others, or the world. They may be struggling with anxiety, stress, grief, trauma, or life transitions. Their needs include authentic connection, a safe space for self-exploration, and practical tools for emotional well-being. Their goals are to find clarity, heal, and create meaningful change. They want therapy that is grounded in nature, creative, and holistic, helping them reconnect with themselves and build resilience for the future.

functional gut related disorders such as IBS), eating disorders, sleep difficulties and coping with chronic illness.
My integrative approach incorporates an individualised approach to treatment. This holistic approach addresses the person's emotional, cognitive, behavioural, interpersonal, existential and psychodynamic areas of functioning. I offer a wide variety of therapies including hypnosis as is appropriate to each client.
functional gut related disorders such as IBS), eating disorders, sleep difficulties and coping with chronic illness.
My integrative approach incorporates an individualised approach to treatment. This holistic approach addresses the person's emotional, cognitive, behavioural, interpersonal, existential and psychodynamic areas of functioning. I offer a wide variety of therapies including hypnosis as is appropriate to each client.

I specialise in mental health, trauma (including childhood trauma & sexual abuse/assault), domestic violence, parenting, cancer & chronic illness, offending behaviour, & BPD.
I have been a counsellor, case manager & youth worker since 2008. Prior to 2016 I worked primarily with young people & their families, however I can & have worked with people across the age spectrum, all with unique & varied needs. Counselling is an individual experience & I want you to feel that no matter what, your needs are important. This is why I aim to provide an accessible, affordable & sustainable service. I believe I can help you on your journey towards the best version of yourself. Contact me for a free 15 minute phone consult & see if you agree.
I specialise in mental health, trauma (including childhood trauma & sexual abuse/assault), domestic violence, parenting, cancer & chronic illness, offending behaviour, & BPD.
I have been a counsellor, case manager & youth worker since 2008. Prior to 2016 I worked primarily with young people & their families, however I can & have worked with people across the age spectrum, all with unique & varied needs. Counselling is an individual experience & I want you to feel that no matter what, your needs are important. This is why I aim to provide an accessible, affordable & sustainable service. I believe I can help you on your journey towards the best version of yourself. Contact me for a free 15 minute phone consult & see if you agree.

I am a Masters-qualified Counsellor and graduate-qualified Rehabilitation Counsellor, with specialisation in chronic illness/injury and disability.
Many of my clients are exhausted from a life in which everyone else's needs have always been made more important than their own. From the earliest age, they weren't supported to have boundaries, and now find themselves struggling with self-esteem, low mood, anxiety, problems with keeping supportive friendships and partnerships alive, struggling to assert themselves at work or cope with professional demands, and feeling stuck in relationship dynamics in which they can't be their true self. They want to put their painful past behind them, and to have their needs recognised and allowed space going forward.
I am a Masters-qualified Counsellor and graduate-qualified Rehabilitation Counsellor, with specialisation in chronic illness/injury and disability.
Many of my clients are exhausted from a life in which everyone else's needs have always been made more important than their own. From the earliest age, they weren't supported to have boundaries, and now find themselves struggling with self-esteem, low mood, anxiety, problems with keeping supportive friendships and partnerships alive, struggling to assert themselves at work or cope with professional demands, and feeling stuck in relationship dynamics in which they can't be their true self. They want to put their painful past behind them, and to have their needs recognised and allowed space going forward.

Janet Burke - The Holding Space Counselling
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Surry Hills, NSW 2010
With specialist skills in grief, chronic illness and infertility I work from a somatic and trauma informed lens.
I have a particular passion for working with children and young people, and find I learn a lot from their perspective and insight. I have worked with children, young people and their families for over 25 years to support resilience and coping and would love to work with you to support whatever it is you are currently struggling with.
With specialist skills in grief, chronic illness and infertility I work from a somatic and trauma informed lens.
I have a particular passion for working with children and young people, and find I learn a lot from their perspective and insight. I have worked with children, young people and their families for over 25 years to support resilience and coping and would love to work with you to support whatever it is you are currently struggling with.

Nationwide Grief Counselling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AASW
Verified Verified
Bondi Junction, NSW 2022
Grief, loss, chronic illness, and trauma are the main issues I treat.
Hi! My name is Sasha and I am an experienced grief, loss and trauma counsellor. Are you 'stuck' in your grief, overwhelmed, lacking motivation, struggling to engage with the world around you? Are you worried that you will never feel happy again?
Grief, loss, chronic illness, and trauma are the main issues I treat.
Hi! My name is Sasha and I am an experienced grief, loss and trauma counsellor. Are you 'stuck' in your grief, overwhelmed, lacking motivation, struggling to engage with the world around you? Are you worried that you will never feel happy again?

My areas of specialty include complex trauma, chronic illness, grief, and depressive and anxiety disorders.
I hold a Master of Clinical Psychology and am registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). I have experience with clients across the lifespan and facing diverse psychological and emotional challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, and sleep disturbances. I have a particular interest in supporting healthcare workers in overcoming work-related trauma. My work spans early intervention and long-term support for those with prolonged difficulties.
My areas of specialty include complex trauma, chronic illness, grief, and depressive and anxiety disorders.
I hold a Master of Clinical Psychology and am registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). I have experience with clients across the lifespan and facing diverse psychological and emotional challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, and sleep disturbances. I have a particular interest in supporting healthcare workers in overcoming work-related trauma. My work spans early intervention and long-term support for those with prolonged difficulties.
Nearby Chronic Illness Counsellors Searches for Queens Park
- Bellevue Hill
- Bondi
- Bondi Beach
- Bondi Junction
- Bronte
- Coogee
- Double Bay
- Kensington
- Kingsford
- Paddington
- Randwick
- Woollahra
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.