Chronic Illness Psychologists and Therapists in Brighton, VIC

Dr Tanya Osicka
Psychologist, PsyBA - Health Psych.
Serves Area
Availability at Elsternwick and via Telehealth. Seeing clients with depression, anxiety and stress. As a Clinical and Health Psychologist Tanya has a strong interest in the interplay between physical health and psychological wellbeing; and has experience working with a wide range of health conditions in private practice, private hospital, research, oncology, IVF, and aged care settings. Tanya aims to support individuals to live more fulfilling lives whilst managing their mood and symptoms. She is also a Fertility Counsellor, and has a postgraduate qualification in Gerontology.
Availability at Elsternwick and via Telehealth. Seeing clients with depression, anxiety and stress. As a Clinical and Health Psychologist Tanya has a strong interest in the interplay between physical health and psychological wellbeing; and has experience working with a wide range of health conditions in private practice, private hospital, research, oncology, IVF, and aged care settings. Tanya aims to support individuals to live more fulfilling lives whilst managing their mood and symptoms. She is also a Fertility Counsellor, and has a postgraduate qualification in Gerontology.
0494 320 801 View 0494 320 801
Transformative Health AU
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
You already know what you should do. Eat better, move more, manage stress. But knowledge isn't the problem. The gap between knowing and doing reveals something deeper: unaddressed anxiety, trauma, hormonal imbalances, or chronic inflammation your body's been telling you about for years. I'm Dr. Zambrano (MBBS, Masters Counselling & Psychotherapy), integrating medical-lifestyle science, and psychotherapy. I don't just hand you a diet plan. We uncover why change hasn't stuck, then build sustainable transformation through evidence-based medicine, and therapeutic support for the emotional roots of physical illness.
You already know what you should do. Eat better, move more, manage stress. But knowledge isn't the problem. The gap between knowing and doing reveals something deeper: unaddressed anxiety, trauma, hormonal imbalances, or chronic inflammation your body's been telling you about for years. I'm Dr. Zambrano (MBBS, Masters Counselling & Psychotherapy), integrating medical-lifestyle science, and psychotherapy. I don't just hand you a diet plan. We uncover why change hasn't stuck, then build sustainable transformation through evidence-based medicine, and therapeutic support for the emotional roots of physical illness.
(03) 8338 1126 View (03) 8338 1126
Kathryn Nicholson Perry
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Online Only
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.
(02) 9244 1093 View (02) 9244 1093
Megan Hale
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I am a Melbourne-based clinical psychologist. I work with people who find themselves repeating the same difficult relationship patterns, feeling disconnected or in conflict with others, struggling with boundaries, or feeling stuck in ways of relating that no longer serve them. Therapy can help make sense of these patterns and create opportunities for change. I also work with people adjusting to life after serious illness, injury, or hospitalisation. I have a particular interest in psychological adjustment following intensive care (ICU), supporting both patients and those close to them. I am registered with the TAC.
I am a Melbourne-based clinical psychologist. I work with people who find themselves repeating the same difficult relationship patterns, feeling disconnected or in conflict with others, struggling with boundaries, or feeling stuck in ways of relating that no longer serve them. Therapy can help make sense of these patterns and create opportunities for change. I also work with people adjusting to life after serious illness, injury, or hospitalisation. I have a particular interest in psychological adjustment following intensive care (ICU), supporting both patients and those close to them. I am registered with the TAC.
(03) 7003 2617 View (03) 7003 2617
Kathryn Williamson
Psychologist, PsyBA - Health Psych.
Serves Area
Kathryn has 30 years of experience working as a Health Psychologist in both the private and public sector. Kathryn is a Board approved supervisor and has a background in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, anger and trauma. She has a focus and an interest in supporting people with chronic health conditions including chronic pain and chronic fatigue syndrome. Kathryn works with survivors of sexual abuse and sexual assault and has a love of working with relationship issues and personal development.
Kathryn has 30 years of experience working as a Health Psychologist in both the private and public sector. Kathryn is a Board approved supervisor and has a background in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, anger and trauma. She has a focus and an interest in supporting people with chronic health conditions including chronic pain and chronic fatigue syndrome. Kathryn works with survivors of sexual abuse and sexual assault and has a love of working with relationship issues and personal development.
0409 554 850 View 0409 554 850
Jessica Elberg
Counsellor, MA, AMHSW
Brighton, VIC 3186
Feeling overwhelmed by life? I am a warm, skilled and experienced counsellor, who will support you through life's challenges, I can help you deal with a broad range of concerns, supporting you to examine your core beliefs and understanding of issues affecting you. Adjusting thoughts, feelings and behaviours through evidence-based counselling techniques creates opportunities for authentic growth and long-lasting change. I will support you in adopting and maintaining effective approaches to any difficulties that your'e experiencing, creating a renewed sense of optimism and well-being.
Feeling overwhelmed by life? I am a warm, skilled and experienced counsellor, who will support you through life's challenges, I can help you deal with a broad range of concerns, supporting you to examine your core beliefs and understanding of issues affecting you. Adjusting thoughts, feelings and behaviours through evidence-based counselling techniques creates opportunities for authentic growth and long-lasting change. I will support you in adopting and maintaining effective approaches to any difficulties that your'e experiencing, creating a renewed sense of optimism and well-being.
0410 913 154 View 0410 913 154
Clarissa Martinez
Counsellor, MC, ACA-L4
Brighton, VIC 3186
Hello you may have arrived here in search of support and clarity or to understand some issues that may have had a profound impact within your life. If you are looking for support and guidance through a challenging situation or you’re just ready to move into a new direction in your life I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. I work one on one with adults at my practice located in Brighton. The services I provide is an integrative mixture of Kinesiology, Counselling, Neurofeedback therapy and Reiki.
Hello you may have arrived here in search of support and clarity or to understand some issues that may have had a profound impact within your life. If you are looking for support and guidance through a challenging situation or you’re just ready to move into a new direction in your life I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. I work one on one with adults at my practice located in Brighton. The services I provide is an integrative mixture of Kinesiology, Counselling, Neurofeedback therapy and Reiki.
(03) 7003 2286 View (03) 7003 2286
Izzy Seddon
Psychologist, Australian Association of Psychologists - Member
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I believe when we feel genuinely heard and understood, we are able to access greater insight, healing and sustainable change. I have a special interest in supporting clients with anxiety, burnout, stress, complex trauma, relationship difficulties, neurodivergent experiences (Autism, ADHD, OCD), negative self-image and perfectionistic tendencies. I work with clients who want to better understand themselves and heal from the roots of their presenting challenges, as well as learn and adopt evidence-based strategies to help them live a more meaningful life in accordance with their goals and values.
I believe when we feel genuinely heard and understood, we are able to access greater insight, healing and sustainable change. I have a special interest in supporting clients with anxiety, burnout, stress, complex trauma, relationship difficulties, neurodivergent experiences (Autism, ADHD, OCD), negative self-image and perfectionistic tendencies. I work with clients who want to better understand themselves and heal from the roots of their presenting challenges, as well as learn and adopt evidence-based strategies to help them live a more meaningful life in accordance with their goals and values.
(03) 8771 5251 View (03) 8771 5251
Dr Monique Steen
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Online Only
Dr Monique Steen, PhD, is a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years experience working in private, public and community mental health settings, as well as within government agencies and schools. Monique provides clinical psychology services to adults and adolescents with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), body focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs), phobias, anxiety disorders, tics/tourette syndrome, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, perinatal/postnatal difficulties, grief/loss, and general life stress. Alongside clinical practice, Monique is a board approved clinical supervisor.
Dr Monique Steen, PhD, is a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years experience working in private, public and community mental health settings, as well as within government agencies and schools. Monique provides clinical psychology services to adults and adolescents with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), body focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs), phobias, anxiety disorders, tics/tourette syndrome, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, perinatal/postnatal difficulties, grief/loss, and general life stress. Alongside clinical practice, Monique is a board approved clinical supervisor.
0447 092 028 View 0447 092 028
Vivienne Interrigi
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L4
3 Endorsed
Brighton, VIC 3186
I am passionate about working with clients who are wanting to find that different path in life. As a family therapist, I have worked with families to focus on parenting, family dynamics, finding different ways or building relationships with each other. I enjoy working with couples who are wanting to explore the potentials of their relationship and to work out where their next steps are. As an ACA Clinical Supervisor, I run individual and group supervision for counsellors - to find a safe space to have a growth mindset to continually learn how to build up their therapeutic skills.
I am passionate about working with clients who are wanting to find that different path in life. As a family therapist, I have worked with families to focus on parenting, family dynamics, finding different ways or building relationships with each other. I enjoy working with couples who are wanting to explore the potentials of their relationship and to work out where their next steps are. As an ACA Clinical Supervisor, I run individual and group supervision for counsellors - to find a safe space to have a growth mindset to continually learn how to build up their therapeutic skills.
(03) 7500 5338 View (03) 7500 5338
Jo-Elle Warhurst - People Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Brighton, VIC 3186
Jo-Elle is a Registered Psychologist with over twenty years experience specialising in supporting clients, children (5-12 years), teenagers (13-17 years) and adults, to overcome their psychological symptoms to achieve recovery and personal growth. Through the application of CBT, ACT and Mindfulness principles, Jo-Elle is able to assist clients to stabilise anxiety, mood fluctuation, insomnia, social withdrawal and rebuild their self esteem. Jo-Elle quickly establishes rapport with clients across a broad range of sectors and backgrounds to explore their challenges and equip them with the tools to resolve their presenting concerns.
Jo-Elle is a Registered Psychologist with over twenty years experience specialising in supporting clients, children (5-12 years), teenagers (13-17 years) and adults, to overcome their psychological symptoms to achieve recovery and personal growth. Through the application of CBT, ACT and Mindfulness principles, Jo-Elle is able to assist clients to stabilise anxiety, mood fluctuation, insomnia, social withdrawal and rebuild their self esteem. Jo-Elle quickly establishes rapport with clients across a broad range of sectors and backgrounds to explore their challenges and equip them with the tools to resolve their presenting concerns.
(03) 7003 2532 View (03) 7003 2532
Eleasa Pearce - People Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Brighton, VIC 3186
Eleasa Pearce has extensive experience counselling clients and can help you if you’re experiencing: Anxiety Panic Attacks Phobias (Fear of specific things / situations) Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Early childhood trauma Depression Relationship issues / counselling and interpersonal issues Eco anxiety and client grief Values exploration Burnout Workplace stress and career change Communication skills Grief and loss Chronic pain Stress-related conditions Coaching Anger Management Sleep difficulties Medicare, Private Health Insurers, NDIS, TAC and WorkCover Psychologist Reports. EMDR Specialist.
Eleasa Pearce has extensive experience counselling clients and can help you if you’re experiencing: Anxiety Panic Attacks Phobias (Fear of specific things / situations) Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Early childhood trauma Depression Relationship issues / counselling and interpersonal issues Eco anxiety and client grief Values exploration Burnout Workplace stress and career change Communication skills Grief and loss Chronic pain Stress-related conditions Coaching Anger Management Sleep difficulties Medicare, Private Health Insurers, NDIS, TAC and WorkCover Psychologist Reports. EMDR Specialist.
(03) 7003 2671 View (03) 7003 2671
Dr Claudine Martijn - People Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Brighton, VIC 3186
Dr Claudine Martijn (pronounced “Martin”), clinical psychologist, can help you and has extensive experience with multiple psychological, emotional, and mental health needs, including: Stress Anxiety Panic Attacks & Anxiety Phobias (Fear of specific things / situations) Agoraphobia / Social Anxiety Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) & Anxiety Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Depression Depressive Disorders Perinatal Psychology / Mental Health including Post Natal Depression (PND) Pregnancy Counselling Antenatal Depression Parenting issues Bipoloar Disorder (BD) Grief and Loss and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Dr Claudine Martijn (pronounced “Martin”), clinical psychologist, can help you and has extensive experience with multiple psychological, emotional, and mental health needs, including: Stress Anxiety Panic Attacks & Anxiety Phobias (Fear of specific things / situations) Agoraphobia / Social Anxiety Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) & Anxiety Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Depression Depressive Disorders Perinatal Psychology / Mental Health including Post Natal Depression (PND) Pregnancy Counselling Antenatal Depression Parenting issues Bipoloar Disorder (BD) Grief and Loss and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
(03) 7003 2516 View (03) 7003 2516
Anita Bonollo - People Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Brighton, VIC 3186
Anita works with clients of all ages and diverse backgrounds including individuals, couples and adolescents. She has extensive experience counselling clients and can help you with anxiety, stress, panic attacks, or depression; coping with pain, post-trauma (PTSD), OCD, or workplace issues; managing weight loss; couples therapy and sports psychology. How can Anita help you? Whether you need support, guidance, motivation, or counselling, she can assist you in your journey. Please feel free to book an initial consultation with her.
Anita works with clients of all ages and diverse backgrounds including individuals, couples and adolescents. She has extensive experience counselling clients and can help you with anxiety, stress, panic attacks, or depression; coping with pain, post-trauma (PTSD), OCD, or workplace issues; managing weight loss; couples therapy and sports psychology. How can Anita help you? Whether you need support, guidance, motivation, or counselling, she can assist you in your journey. Please feel free to book an initial consultation with her.
(03) 9068 5232 View (03) 9068 5232
David P Field
Psychologist, MPsych, FAPS
Serves Area
I am a Health Psychologist and have worked as a psychologist for the past 30 years. I have an interest in strengths based and mindfulness-based therapies, chronic pain and trauma therapy. Provided in an environment that is genuine, supportive and safe for people to talk about things that are important to them in relation to the life changes they aim to make. Counselling is a process of collaboration and working together to achieve the desired outcomes.
I am a Health Psychologist and have worked as a psychologist for the past 30 years. I have an interest in strengths based and mindfulness-based therapies, chronic pain and trauma therapy. Provided in an environment that is genuine, supportive and safe for people to talk about things that are important to them in relation to the life changes they aim to make. Counselling is a process of collaboration and working together to achieve the desired outcomes.
0438 877 043 View 0438 877 043
Rachel O'meara
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Rachel is a compassionate Psychologist dedicated to providing support to individuals across the lifespan, from children to adolescents and adults, who are navigating a variety of challenges. With experience in Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders, family violence and physical disabilities, Rachel brings a comprehensive approach to her practice. She believes in the power of strengths-based intervention plans tailored to each person’s unique needs, fostering a sense of empowerment and agency.
Rachel is a compassionate Psychologist dedicated to providing support to individuals across the lifespan, from children to adolescents and adults, who are navigating a variety of challenges. With experience in Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders, family violence and physical disabilities, Rachel brings a comprehensive approach to her practice. She believes in the power of strengths-based intervention plans tailored to each person’s unique needs, fostering a sense of empowerment and agency.
(03) 7003 2714 View (03) 7003 2714
Raissa Donadon Berne
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I am a psychologist with experience in helping people with a diverse range of mental health concerns and life challenges, such as depression, insomnia, anxiety, panic and grief, among others. I am committed to keeping a stance of curiosity, humbleness and collaboration in therapy and I am interested in working with people who want to find ways to make life more meaningful. I focus on building a strong, supportive relationship with my clients to help them explore their feelings and experiences in a safe and contained space. I stand for social justice, value diversity and use an intersectionality approach.
I am a psychologist with experience in helping people with a diverse range of mental health concerns and life challenges, such as depression, insomnia, anxiety, panic and grief, among others. I am committed to keeping a stance of curiosity, humbleness and collaboration in therapy and I am interested in working with people who want to find ways to make life more meaningful. I focus on building a strong, supportive relationship with my clients to help them explore their feelings and experiences in a safe and contained space. I stand for social justice, value diversity and use an intersectionality approach.
(03) 8771 4586 View (03) 8771 4586
Adam Kreuzer - Psychotherapist
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Online Only
I create a safe and open space for my clients to therapeutically explore their issues, challenges and concerns. My ideal client is someone who is open to exploring the connections between their trauma and life experiences and how this has impacted their lives in positive and negative ways. I like to work with clients that are action and goal oriented, as I like to set homework tasks and brain training exercises to re-wire their thinking in a healthier and more functional way. I am very conversational and my clients like this approach to discussing areas of concern to them.
I create a safe and open space for my clients to therapeutically explore their issues, challenges and concerns. My ideal client is someone who is open to exploring the connections between their trauma and life experiences and how this has impacted their lives in positive and negative ways. I like to work with clients that are action and goal oriented, as I like to set homework tasks and brain training exercises to re-wire their thinking in a healthier and more functional way. I am very conversational and my clients like this approach to discussing areas of concern to them.
(03) 7020 2782 View (03) 7020 2782
Jordan Whitehead
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Are you struggling to control behaviours like gambling, pornography, substances, gaming or constant internet use, despite wanting to stop? I work with adults who feel stuck in patterns that are affecting their relationships, work, or sense of self. Many have tried to cut back but keep slipping into the same cycles. My team supports clients to understand triggers, reduce shame, and build practical strategies that lead to lasting change.
Are you struggling to control behaviours like gambling, pornography, substances, gaming or constant internet use, despite wanting to stop? I work with adults who feel stuck in patterns that are affecting their relationships, work, or sense of self. Many have tried to cut back but keep slipping into the same cycles. My team supports clients to understand triggers, reduce shame, and build practical strategies that lead to lasting change.
0426 283 599 View 0426 283 599
Suzanne Sharp
Psychotherapist, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Life doesn't come with a user's guide and all of us struggle at times. In looking for a therapist you have taken a step toward finding greater ease in your life. Psychotherapy is about building a greater awareness and understanding of your patterns in life. This allows you to find a sense of spaciousness where, rather than act reactively, you can make more conscious choices and cultivate a stronger sense of self. If you find yourself often feeling anxious or depressed, held back by past traumas, not living the life you want, or lacking direction, then please reach out so I can support you in finding the change you need.
Life doesn't come with a user's guide and all of us struggle at times. In looking for a therapist you have taken a step toward finding greater ease in your life. Psychotherapy is about building a greater awareness and understanding of your patterns in life. This allows you to find a sense of spaciousness where, rather than act reactively, you can make more conscious choices and cultivate a stronger sense of self. If you find yourself often feeling anxious or depressed, held back by past traumas, not living the life you want, or lacking direction, then please reach out so I can support you in finding the change you need.
(03) 7003 2693 View (03) 7003 2693

See more therapy options for Brighton

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.