Chronic Illness Psychologists and Therapists in Oakleigh, VIC
I am a bilingual psychologist (English and Greek) working with anxiety, social anxiety, phobias, depression, trauma, attention deficits, autism, grief and loss, chronic pain, relationship and family difficulties, life transitions, and workplace stress. I also work with bullying, social skills difficulties and self-esteem. Deciding to engage in therapy can sometimes feel overwhelming and this is normal. I offer a safe, non-judgemental and supportive therapeutic space to help you move forward in your journey of healing and growth. I believe in empowering clients and developing personal strengths to achieve long lasting change.
I am a bilingual psychologist (English and Greek) working with anxiety, social anxiety, phobias, depression, trauma, attention deficits, autism, grief and loss, chronic pain, relationship and family difficulties, life transitions, and workplace stress. I also work with bullying, social skills difficulties and self-esteem. Deciding to engage in therapy can sometimes feel overwhelming and this is normal. I offer a safe, non-judgemental and supportive therapeutic space to help you move forward in your journey of healing and growth. I believe in empowering clients and developing personal strengths to achieve long lasting change.
Often people present to my services and are unsure of what they want, need, or how a psychologist can help. It is my job to make a space for you to explore what may help, and for me to use my expertise to put a "scaffold" around you as we navigate the next steps together.
I work with all commonly experienced conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, those experiencing major transitions in life, and have significant expertise working with trauma presentations in emergency services personnel. It is humbling and a priviledge to be able to do the work I do, and have people trust in my care when they are in need of support.
Often people present to my services and are unsure of what they want, need, or how a psychologist can help. It is my job to make a space for you to explore what may help, and for me to use my expertise to put a "scaffold" around you as we navigate the next steps together.
I work with all commonly experienced conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, those experiencing major transitions in life, and have significant expertise working with trauma presentations in emergency services personnel. It is humbling and a priviledge to be able to do the work I do, and have people trust in my care when they are in need of support.
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.
You might feel overwhelmed, stuck in patterns you don’t fully understand, or unsure how to move forward. Maybe you’re dealing with anxiety, people pleasing, overthinking, or feeling like you’ve lost touch with who you are. It’s likely you’re carrying more than most people realise.
I’m a psychologist who helps people work through trauma, relationship struggles, risky behaviours, and major life transitions. Therapy with me is about creating a safe space to unpack what’s going on and start feeling like the version of yourself you want to be.
You might feel overwhelmed, stuck in patterns you don’t fully understand, or unsure how to move forward. Maybe you’re dealing with anxiety, people pleasing, overthinking, or feeling like you’ve lost touch with who you are. It’s likely you’re carrying more than most people realise.
I’m a psychologist who helps people work through trauma, relationship struggles, risky behaviours, and major life transitions. Therapy with me is about creating a safe space to unpack what’s going on and start feeling like the version of yourself you want to be.
There are times in life when it’s important to reach out for help. I enjoy working with a range of people and presentations including: anxiety or mood challenges, life adjustments, work and academic stress, self-esteem, boundaries and assertiveness development, trauma, grief and loss, relationship issues, and support for people in carer roles. Women's health is a particular interest, including antenatal and postnatal through to menopause support, and neurodivergence (ADHD and Autism) in women.
There are times in life when it’s important to reach out for help. I enjoy working with a range of people and presentations including: anxiety or mood challenges, life adjustments, work and academic stress, self-esteem, boundaries and assertiveness development, trauma, grief and loss, relationship issues, and support for people in carer roles. Women's health is a particular interest, including antenatal and postnatal through to menopause support, and neurodivergence (ADHD and Autism) in women.
As a Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor I have experience working with many common issues and concerns (such as relationship conflict, grief and loss, work stress) as well as serious mental health difficulties (such as Depression, Anxiety, Self Harm and Suicidal Ideation). My particular areas of expertise are in the treatment of Complex Trauma, Childhood Sexual Abuse and Problem Gambling. I have spent the past 15 years developing specialist knowledge and skills in connecting with clients who have found it difficult to connect with a therapist in the past to get the assistance they need.
As a Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor I have experience working with many common issues and concerns (such as relationship conflict, grief and loss, work stress) as well as serious mental health difficulties (such as Depression, Anxiety, Self Harm and Suicidal Ideation). My particular areas of expertise are in the treatment of Complex Trauma, Childhood Sexual Abuse and Problem Gambling. I have spent the past 15 years developing specialist knowledge and skills in connecting with clients who have found it difficult to connect with a therapist in the past to get the assistance they need.
More Therapists Nearby
Hi, I’m Gun — an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, trained in Evidence-Based EFT/Tapping, ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy), ACT for trauma, anxiety, relationships, ADHD and perfectionism, and a Certified Buteyko Breathing Instructor. I specialise in anxiety, trauma, insomnia, chronic pain/illnesses and other health challenges. Offering psychological interventions tailored to your needs and with a Mental Health Care Plan, 10 Medicare rebate sessions per calendar year.
Hi, I’m Gun — an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, trained in Evidence-Based EFT/Tapping, ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy), ACT for trauma, anxiety, relationships, ADHD and perfectionism, and a Certified Buteyko Breathing Instructor. I specialise in anxiety, trauma, insomnia, chronic pain/illnesses and other health challenges. Offering psychological interventions tailored to your needs and with a Mental Health Care Plan, 10 Medicare rebate sessions per calendar year.
I have experience working with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, burnout, aging, cultural diversity, and with particular expertise in trauma, mindfulness, and chronic illness.
I am a psychoanalytically oriented therapist offering containment and a sense of spaciousness through regular appointments and ongoing relationship. I also provide short term therapies such as EMDR and sensorimotor psychotherapy for trauma, and mindfulness-based approaches for stress and mood regulation and developing insight.
I have experience working with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, burnout, aging, cultural diversity, and with particular expertise in trauma, mindfulness, and chronic illness.
I am a psychoanalytically oriented therapist offering containment and a sense of spaciousness through regular appointments and ongoing relationship. I also provide short term therapies such as EMDR and sensorimotor psychotherapy for trauma, and mindfulness-based approaches for stress and mood regulation and developing insight.
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.
Therapy provides a safe space to explore issues and practice new ways of being and the potential for healing from 'stuckness' or a clinical condition. The relationship with the therapist is most important in therapy, so feel free to give me a call to see if we connect. I'm registered with WorkCover (Worksafe Victoria) and specialise in helping those with trauma and workplace injury, psychological or physical, as well as ongoing medical conditions and health problems. I have training in psychodynamic and body-oriented approaches (somatics) and EMDR, as well as cognitive-behavioural (CBT) approaches like ACT.
Therapy provides a safe space to explore issues and practice new ways of being and the potential for healing from 'stuckness' or a clinical condition. The relationship with the therapist is most important in therapy, so feel free to give me a call to see if we connect. I'm registered with WorkCover (Worksafe Victoria) and specialise in helping those with trauma and workplace injury, psychological or physical, as well as ongoing medical conditions and health problems. I have training in psychodynamic and body-oriented approaches (somatics) and EMDR, as well as cognitive-behavioural (CBT) approaches like ACT.
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.
Sophie is a relational gestalt psychotherapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) & clinical supervisor informed by attachment and developmental approaches. Sophie offers a creative, embodied and highly attuned style of therapy that supports change through somatic processing & nervous system regulation within a safe therapeutic relationship. Sophie works in private practice at Abbotsford Convent, Melbourne, and in Frankston South, as well as online. Sophie’s approach is grounded in cultural humility, respect for lived experience, and collaboration, with care shaped to each client’s unique needs and identities.
Sophie is a relational gestalt psychotherapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) & clinical supervisor informed by attachment and developmental approaches. Sophie offers a creative, embodied and highly attuned style of therapy that supports change through somatic processing & nervous system regulation within a safe therapeutic relationship. Sophie works in private practice at Abbotsford Convent, Melbourne, and in Frankston South, as well as online. Sophie’s approach is grounded in cultural humility, respect for lived experience, and collaboration, with care shaped to each client’s unique needs and identities.
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.
Perhaps you are dealing with grief or bereavement, chronic illness or disability, are having relationship difficulties or are struggling with anxiety and depression.
As a counsellor, I value having an authentic connection with my clients, listening respectfully and without judgment. I am a Mental Health Social Worker, grief and bereavement counsellor and a Gestalt Psychotherapist, who has worked in the disability/ chronic illness arena. I have worked in private practice on a parttime basis since 2015.
Perhaps you are dealing with grief or bereavement, chronic illness or disability, are having relationship difficulties or are struggling with anxiety and depression.
As a counsellor, I value having an authentic connection with my clients, listening respectfully and without judgment. I am a Mental Health Social Worker, grief and bereavement counsellor and a Gestalt Psychotherapist, who has worked in the disability/ chronic illness arena. I have worked in private practice on a parttime basis since 2015.
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.
Breeanna is a registered and endorsed clinical health psychologist and credentialed eating disorder therapist. Breeanna is the director of Mind Your Health Centre in Rosanna. She enjoys providing evidence based treatment to a variety of people with mood and anxiety problems; pain management concerns; physical or psychological injury or illnesses; disordered eating, body image and weight management issues; life changes; grief and loss; parenting and relationship problems; performance and supporting health care professionals; assisting with academic and career issues.
Breeanna is a registered and endorsed clinical health psychologist and credentialed eating disorder therapist. Breeanna is the director of Mind Your Health Centre in Rosanna. She enjoys providing evidence based treatment to a variety of people with mood and anxiety problems; pain management concerns; physical or psychological injury or illnesses; disordered eating, body image and weight management issues; life changes; grief and loss; parenting and relationship problems; performance and supporting health care professionals; assisting with academic and career issues.
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.
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!
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 firmly believe that the mind and body are connected at Mind and Body. I specialise in providing a holistic approach to counselling using a humanistic approach. Please bring whatever you feel to your sessions; I will not judge you. Counselling is about being true to yourself and working through life's challenges. We will work together to look at your goals and your needs at that very moment. We need to work together to face and overcome the challenges you are going through. By working together, you should be able to gain answers to some of the life questions you are seeking by yourself.
I firmly believe that the mind and body are connected at Mind and Body. I specialise in providing a holistic approach to counselling using a humanistic approach. Please bring whatever you feel to your sessions; I will not judge you. Counselling is about being true to yourself and working through life's challenges. We will work together to look at your goals and your needs at that very moment. We need to work together to face and overcome the challenges you are going through. By working together, you should be able to gain answers to some of the life questions you are seeking by yourself.
Nearby Chronic Illness Therapists Searches for Oakleigh
- Bentleigh
- Bentleigh East
- Burwood
- Camberwell
- Carnegie
- Chadstone
- Clayton
- Glen Iris
- Hampton
- Malvern East
- Moorabbin
- Mulgrave
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.