Chronic Illness Therapists in Port Colborne, ON

Photo of Dr. Che Cherrilyn Birchwood, Psychologist in Port Colborne, ON
Dr. Che Cherrilyn Birchwood
Psychologist, PhD, BA Hons
Verified Verified
Port Colborne, ON L3K  (Online Only)
Dr Birchwood, aka TheDivergenceDoctor, has worked in mental health and social services for the past 17 years; creating practices and spaces to serve communities in a variety of ways. This provides you with a multitude of talents and experiences to help you live the life you want, in the way you want. They meld history, sociology, and psychology; giving weight to social determinants of health such as race, gender, ability, and trauma. Dr Birchwood believes knowledge is power and knowing yourself is the path to freedom. Who are you? Where have you been? How do you want to live?
Dr Birchwood, aka TheDivergenceDoctor, has worked in mental health and social services for the past 17 years; creating practices and spaces to serve communities in a variety of ways. This provides you with a multitude of talents and experiences to help you live the life you want, in the way you want. They meld history, sociology, and psychology; giving weight to social determinants of health such as race, gender, ability, and trauma. Dr Birchwood believes knowledge is power and knowing yourself is the path to freedom. Who are you? Where have you been? How do you want to live?
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Photo of Affinity Wellness Counselling, Registered Social Worker in Port Colborne, ON
Affinity Wellness Counselling
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Port Colborne, ON L3K
Karen McCafferty BSW MSW RSW. We all have times in our lives when we need someone to talk to and help work through issues. I support men and women of all ages, & I’d be happy to talk to you. I have experience with individual & family counselling. I enjoy working with adolescents & young adults utilizing CBT for self-esteem, anxiety, depression, relationship/interpersonal issues, weight management, identity concerns & overcoming loss and grief by identifying triggers, supporting client strengths & building effective coping skills. For remote or home bound clients: tele-counselling and video counselling Is offered.
Karen McCafferty BSW MSW RSW. We all have times in our lives when we need someone to talk to and help work through issues. I support men and women of all ages, & I’d be happy to talk to you. I have experience with individual & family counselling. I enjoy working with adolescents & young adults utilizing CBT for self-esteem, anxiety, depression, relationship/interpersonal issues, weight management, identity concerns & overcoming loss and grief by identifying triggers, supporting client strengths & building effective coping skills. For remote or home bound clients: tele-counselling and video counselling Is offered.
(289) 814-6091 View (289) 814-6091
Photo of Checking In Counselling & Consulting, Registered Psychotherapist in Port Colborne, ON
Checking In Counselling & Consulting
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, CHyp
Verified Verified
Port Colborne, ON L3K
Psychotherapy is a confidential, collaborative process in order to achieve improved health and happiness. Amanda is passionate about positive psychology and applies a strengths-based approach to treatment. You will work together to understand and navigate life’s relationships, stressors and emotional experiences. Amanda will work with you in an authentic and compassionate way, utilizing an integrated approach to meet your individual needs – helping you create a more balanced and enjoyable life.
Psychotherapy is a confidential, collaborative process in order to achieve improved health and happiness. Amanda is passionate about positive psychology and applies a strengths-based approach to treatment. You will work together to understand and navigate life’s relationships, stressors and emotional experiences. Amanda will work with you in an authentic and compassionate way, utilizing an integrated approach to meet your individual needs – helping you create a more balanced and enjoyable life.
(289) 277-5551 View (289) 277-5551

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Karen Smith Herrow, Registered Social Worker in Port Colborne, ON
Karen Smith Herrow
Registered Social Worker, MSW , MEd, RSW
Verified Verified
Welland, ON L3C
Are you feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Are you facing a challenge or life transition? Do you want to make changes, but are not sure where to begin? It is common for people to feel stuck. Life, at times, can seem perplexing, painful, and overwhelming. Sometimes we need a space and place to talk things out, gather resources, look at challenges in new ways, and plan for a way forward. I work collaboratively with you, building upon your inner strength and resiliency. I honour your story and journey while helping you to achieve your goals, face life challenges, connect with supportive resources, and move forward in healing.
Are you feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Are you facing a challenge or life transition? Do you want to make changes, but are not sure where to begin? It is common for people to feel stuck. Life, at times, can seem perplexing, painful, and overwhelming. Sometimes we need a space and place to talk things out, gather resources, look at challenges in new ways, and plan for a way forward. I work collaboratively with you, building upon your inner strength and resiliency. I honour your story and journey while helping you to achieve your goals, face life challenges, connect with supportive resources, and move forward in healing.
(289) 301-8049 View (289) 301-8049
Photo of Tracy Gostlow, Registered Social Worker in Port Colborne, ON
Tracy Gostlow
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Welland, ON L3C
As a whole, therapy is a place that allows people to be vulnerable. My main goal as a therapist is to provide a safe outlet for you to share your story, validate your feelings and worries, emphasize your strengths, and encourage you to carry out the quality of life you deserve.
As a whole, therapy is a place that allows people to be vulnerable. My main goal as a therapist is to provide a safe outlet for you to share your story, validate your feelings and worries, emphasize your strengths, and encourage you to carry out the quality of life you deserve.
(365) 675-0554 View (365) 675-0554
Photo of Bonnie Filipchuk Counselling and Consulting, Registered Social Worker in Port Colborne, ON
Bonnie Filipchuk Counselling and Consulting
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Welland, ON L3B
Are you facing challenges or feeling overwhelmed by life events, relationship issues or other stressful situations? I'm here to work collaboratively with you to resolve these. Backed by education, training and more than 25 years experience, you can feel confident that your needs will be addressed. For more information about me visit my website.
Are you facing challenges or feeling overwhelmed by life events, relationship issues or other stressful situations? I'm here to work collaboratively with you to resolve these. Backed by education, training and more than 25 years experience, you can feel confident that your needs will be addressed. For more information about me visit my website.
(289) 677-9526 View (289) 677-9526
Photo of Tracey Marshall, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Port Colborne, ON
Tracey Marshall
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Welland, ON L3B
Do you feel about to explode or you don't know where to start to make things better? I help individuals and families navigate difficult situations and mental health challenges including loss, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, depression, divorce, trauma, and self-harm. My 20+ years experience working in mental health services including private practice, residential care, day treatment, family outreach, youth justice, and crisis services have provided me the tools and understanding to help you, starting from where you are right now.
Do you feel about to explode or you don't know where to start to make things better? I help individuals and families navigate difficult situations and mental health challenges including loss, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, depression, divorce, trauma, and self-harm. My 20+ years experience working in mental health services including private practice, residential care, day treatment, family outreach, youth justice, and crisis services have provided me the tools and understanding to help you, starting from where you are right now.
(365) 645-6170 View (365) 645-6170
Photo of Wayne A Ambrose-Miller, Registered Social Worker in Port Colborne, ON
Wayne A Ambrose-Miller
Registered Social Worker, MSW, PhD, RSW
Verified Verified
Welland, ON L3C  (Online Only)
It isn't easy to ask for help. Stressors come at us from so many directions. Issues such as depression, anxiety, interpersonal conflict and job and family stress keep us from living the kind of life that we had hoped for.
It isn't easy to ask for help. Stressors come at us from so many directions. Issues such as depression, anxiety, interpersonal conflict and job and family stress keep us from living the kind of life that we had hoped for.
(289) 312-3120 View (289) 312-3120
Photo of Colleen Johnson, Registered Psychotherapist in Port Colborne, ON
Colleen Johnson
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Welland, ON L3C
I am now accepting clients in person and online. Flexible appointments with evenings and weekends available.. I am a registered psychotherapist dedicated to meeting you where you are in life. I have been using evidence-based interventions for over 20 years. Seeking support through counselling is a courageous step. I want to take the step with you at a pace you feel comfortable with.
I am now accepting clients in person and online. Flexible appointments with evenings and weekends available.. I am a registered psychotherapist dedicated to meeting you where you are in life. I have been using evidence-based interventions for over 20 years. Seeking support through counselling is a courageous step. I want to take the step with you at a pace you feel comfortable with.
(365) 803-5008 View (365) 803-5008
Photo of Natalie Phelan, Registered Psychotherapist in Port Colborne, ON
Natalie Phelan
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, BHSc, (OT), RegOn, RP
Verified Verified
Welland, ON L3C
Taking the step to talk to a therapist can be difficult, but if you find yourself contemplating this, I would encourage you to take the next step and reach out. It is not easy to go through difficult times on your own and having an experienced therapist to help guide you, provide you with alternative perspectives, develop coping strategies, or challenge you in your thoughts or behaviour patterns can really help to gain some ground in feeling better and working through life’s hard times. I am an experienced therapist with over twenty years experience working with people in a variety of situations.
Taking the step to talk to a therapist can be difficult, but if you find yourself contemplating this, I would encourage you to take the next step and reach out. It is not easy to go through difficult times on your own and having an experienced therapist to help guide you, provide you with alternative perspectives, develop coping strategies, or challenge you in your thoughts or behaviour patterns can really help to gain some ground in feeling better and working through life’s hard times. I am an experienced therapist with over twenty years experience working with people in a variety of situations.
(365) 800-0379 View (365) 800-0379
Photo of Trish Muir Counselling & Consulting, Registered Psychotherapist in Port Colborne, ON
Trish Muir Counselling & Consulting
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Welland, ON L3B  (Online Only)
You may be unsure if sharing your story with a therapist will create the positive change you need. However, if you met & even surpassed your expectations, you would likely feel well-served by the interaction. I am here to help you do just that in a safe environment. I specialize in helping individuals obtain a DISTINCT sense of RELIEF from what distresses them. My strongest experience is with STRESS related issues manifesting in ANXIETY, Depression, OCD & Eating Disorders. I also work well with those dealing with FEAR, Anger, PANIC, Addictions, Grief, Physical Health (cancer etc.) & more. Check out my YOUTUBE channel MIND BOSS!
You may be unsure if sharing your story with a therapist will create the positive change you need. However, if you met & even surpassed your expectations, you would likely feel well-served by the interaction. I am here to help you do just that in a safe environment. I specialize in helping individuals obtain a DISTINCT sense of RELIEF from what distresses them. My strongest experience is with STRESS related issues manifesting in ANXIETY, Depression, OCD & Eating Disorders. I also work well with those dealing with FEAR, Anger, PANIC, Addictions, Grief, Physical Health (cancer etc.) & more. Check out my YOUTUBE channel MIND BOSS!
(289) 206-8761 View (289) 206-8761

Online Therapists

Photo of Dr. Stella Dentakos, Psychologist in Port Colborne, ON
Dr. Stella Dentakos
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M2N
Stella and her team have extensive experience working with various needs including stress and anxiety, low mood, attention, learning, emotion regulation, trauma, disruptive behaviors, and general adjustment difficulties, as well as chronic pain and symptoms, somatization, needle and procedural fears, and coping with acute or chronic illness.
Dr. Stella Dentakos is the Founder and Director of Whole Kids Health. Whole Kids Health is dedicated to improving the wellness of kids, teens, and their families, providing psychological services in Toronto and across Ontario (virtual care). Whole Kids Health offers a variety of services including therapy, assessment (psychoeducational, psychodiagnostic), and parent/caregiver coaching. As a team of hospital-trained health psychologists and associates, we also offer comprehensive health psychology services, focused on supporting the needs of children and youth with health conditions.
Stella and her team have extensive experience working with various needs including stress and anxiety, low mood, attention, learning, emotion regulation, trauma, disruptive behaviors, and general adjustment difficulties, as well as chronic pain and symptoms, somatization, needle and procedural fears, and coping with acute or chronic illness.
Dr. Stella Dentakos is the Founder and Director of Whole Kids Health. Whole Kids Health is dedicated to improving the wellness of kids, teens, and their families, providing psychological services in Toronto and across Ontario (virtual care). Whole Kids Health offers a variety of services including therapy, assessment (psychoeducational, psychodiagnostic), and parent/caregiver coaching. As a team of hospital-trained health psychologists and associates, we also offer comprehensive health psychology services, focused on supporting the needs of children and youth with health conditions.
(289) 312-2136 View (289) 312-2136
Photo of Klara Siber-Simic, Psychotherapy and Supervision , Registered Psychotherapist in Port Colborne, ON
Klara Siber-Simic, Psychotherapy and Supervision
Registered Psychotherapist, MDiv, MHSc, RP
Verified Verified
Hamilton, ON L8P
Have you experienced grief or loss? Are you going through a life transition? Are you living with health challenges, chronic or acute illness? Have you experienced injury and trauma? Do you provide care to a person living with chronic illness? Are you struggling to navigate through important decisions? Are you hoping to live a more balanced or more meaningful life? Through psychotherapy you can learn about yourself, identify and access your strengths, process past or present experience, gain valuable insight, build your resilience, examine beliefs and identify what you would like to change and how to go about moving forward.
Have you experienced grief or loss? Are you going through a life transition? Are you living with health challenges, chronic or acute illness? Have you experienced injury and trauma? Do you provide care to a person living with chronic illness? Are you struggling to navigate through important decisions? Are you hoping to live a more balanced or more meaningful life? Through psychotherapy you can learn about yourself, identify and access your strengths, process past or present experience, gain valuable insight, build your resilience, examine beliefs and identify what you would like to change and how to go about moving forward.
(647) 699-1987 View (647) 699-1987
Photo of Nazneen Mehdi in Port Colborne, ON
Nazneen Mehdi
RN, CNP(Q)
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5N
Challenges and difficult times can happen to any one. Are you experiencing anxiety, unstable moods, life stress or transitions? Do you suffer from chronic illness, pain, perinatal challenges, or issues with substances? I will collaborate with at your pace to help you achieve more control, clarity, and solutions for difficult times. We will look at how thoughts, emotions, and behaviour work together to create different experiences in your life. A trusting relationship with a therapist allows you to enter into deeper discussions and exploration. This can help you transform and elevate your mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
Challenges and difficult times can happen to any one. Are you experiencing anxiety, unstable moods, life stress or transitions? Do you suffer from chronic illness, pain, perinatal challenges, or issues with substances? I will collaborate with at your pace to help you achieve more control, clarity, and solutions for difficult times. We will look at how thoughts, emotions, and behaviour work together to create different experiences in your life. A trusting relationship with a therapist allows you to enter into deeper discussions and exploration. This can help you transform and elevate your mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
(647) 905-6408 View (647) 905-6408
Photo of Wallace Upper, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Port Colborne, ON
Wallace Upper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge, ON N1R  (Online Only)
Wallace works with individuals dealing with various concerns including depression and anxiety, with a special focus on those with neurological disabilities, trauma and/or identifying as having a disability or chronic illness.
As a young person, Wallace Upper experienced the positive effects and the value of accessing counselling services. Therapy gave him the tools to navigate the effects of a traumatic childhood. His experience inspired him to help others and influenced his post-secondary education path. This desire was further cemented after sustaining a spinal cord injury during his second year of university, completely paralyzing him from the chest down. If not for the power of peer connections and the help of a great counsellor, he doesn’t believe he would be where he is today.
Wallace works with individuals dealing with various concerns including depression and anxiety, with a special focus on those with neurological disabilities, trauma and/or identifying as having a disability or chronic illness.
As a young person, Wallace Upper experienced the positive effects and the value of accessing counselling services. Therapy gave him the tools to navigate the effects of a traumatic childhood. His experience inspired him to help others and influenced his post-secondary education path. This desire was further cemented after sustaining a spinal cord injury during his second year of university, completely paralyzing him from the chest down. If not for the power of peer connections and the help of a great counsellor, he doesn’t believe he would be where he is today.
(519) 621-8858 View (519) 621-8858
Photo of Susan Cape, Registered Social Worker in Port Colborne, ON
Susan Cape
Registered Social Worker, MA, RSW, OAMHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hamilton, ON L8T  (Online Only)
I am a 5th year PhD candidate in the School of Social Work at McMaster University and balance my time between my practice, academic research and my zoo (cats and dogs!) My commitment is to walk alongside you as you navigate your path through life. My work experience in the non-profit sector has found me working with those struggling with mental health challenges (general anxiety/panic, depression, OCD, agoraphobia, trauma), addiction, chronic illness/pain, relationship issues and domestic abuse. I also identify as a consumer of care as a woman with an invisible disability and am passionate about advocacy work for migraine patients.
I am a 5th year PhD candidate in the School of Social Work at McMaster University and balance my time between my practice, academic research and my zoo (cats and dogs!) My commitment is to walk alongside you as you navigate your path through life. My work experience in the non-profit sector has found me working with those struggling with mental health challenges (general anxiety/panic, depression, OCD, agoraphobia, trauma), addiction, chronic illness/pain, relationship issues and domestic abuse. I also identify as a consumer of care as a woman with an invisible disability and am passionate about advocacy work for migraine patients.
(365) 305-0045 View (365) 305-0045
Photo of Virtue Churchill Bajurny, Registered Social Worker in Port Colborne, ON
Virtue Churchill Bajurny
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6R  (Online Only)
Maintaining a sense of balance while dealing with a chronic illness can be challenging. The day-to-day process of keeping your body well can feel like a tiring and overwhelming full-time job, leading to distress, anxiety, depression, and/or burnout. Unlike a job, however, you can't rest and recharge by taking a vacation from taking care of yourself. So what can you do? Counselling can help you find your footing amidst this distress, so that you can get you back to achieving your overall goals in health and in life.
Maintaining a sense of balance while dealing with a chronic illness can be challenging. The day-to-day process of keeping your body well can feel like a tiring and overwhelming full-time job, leading to distress, anxiety, depression, and/or burnout. Unlike a job, however, you can't rest and recharge by taking a vacation from taking care of yourself. So what can you do? Counselling can help you find your footing amidst this distress, so that you can get you back to achieving your overall goals in health and in life.
(647) 799-5584 View (647) 799-5584
Photo of Rui Tian, Registered Psychotherapist in Port Colborne, ON
Rui Tian
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, PCPain
Verified Verified
Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON L4A  (Online Only)
practicing psychotherapy, clinical supervision, life coaching, consultation, training, and counselling through individual, couple family, and group formats. expertise in imental health (e.g. anxiety, depression, trauma); addictions (substances, problem gambling, eating, sex, and internet); concurrent disorders; developmental disability (ASD, MID, LD, ADHD, ODD); dual diagnosis; rehabilitation (MVA, WSIB, OWN, LTD, RTW, mTBI, and traumatic injuries); chronic illness (chronic pain and other chronic medical conditions); return to work, parenting (child and youth); couples and marital relationship, personal wellbeing/development.
practicing psychotherapy, clinical supervision, life coaching, consultation, training, and counselling through individual, couple family, and group formats. expertise in imental health (e.g. anxiety, depression, trauma); addictions (substances, problem gambling, eating, sex, and internet); concurrent disorders; developmental disability (ASD, MID, LD, ADHD, ODD); dual diagnosis; rehabilitation (MVA, WSIB, OWN, LTD, RTW, mTBI, and traumatic injuries); chronic illness (chronic pain and other chronic medical conditions); return to work, parenting (child and youth); couples and marital relationship, personal wellbeing/development.
(289) 207-6489 View (289) 207-6489
Photo of Noga Lutzky-Cohen - Centre For Psychology And Emotional Health, Psychological Associate in Port Colborne, ON
Noga Lutzky-Cohen - Centre For Psychology And Emotional Health
Psychological Associate, MA, CPsych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5R
Additionally, she has a background in rehabilitation, working with people who are living with chronic illness and pain.
Noga values the importance of the therapeutic relationship as the foundation from which empowerment and positive change grow. She emphasizes creating a safe, non-judgmental, collaborative environment to help clients address their concerns and goals. She helps clients with their pain and suffering as well as deepen their personal growth and improve their emotional well-being.
Additionally, she has a background in rehabilitation, working with people who are living with chronic illness and pain.
Noga values the importance of the therapeutic relationship as the foundation from which empowerment and positive change grow. She emphasizes creating a safe, non-judgmental, collaborative environment to help clients address their concerns and goals. She helps clients with their pain and suffering as well as deepen their personal growth and improve their emotional well-being.
(437) 291-8191 View (437) 291-8191
Photo of Joshua Albert, Psychologist in Port Colborne, ON
Joshua Albert
Psychologist, PsyD, CPsych
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4V
I appreciate that asking for help and sharing lived experiences are whole-hearted actions. It is a privilege for me to provide individual therapy to adolescents and adults during times of great distress, change, and loss. Clients often describe a loss of meaning and purpose in their lives, overcome by confusing and messy emotions that sabotage their functioning. Some clients are acutely aware of their compromised quality of life whereas others would describe chronic life conditions. My areas of specialization include anxiety, psychological trauma, depression, grief and bereavement, terminal illness, and chronic illness.
I appreciate that asking for help and sharing lived experiences are whole-hearted actions. It is a privilege for me to provide individual therapy to adolescents and adults during times of great distress, change, and loss. Clients often describe a loss of meaning and purpose in their lives, overcome by confusing and messy emotions that sabotage their functioning. Some clients are acutely aware of their compromised quality of life whereas others would describe chronic life conditions. My areas of specialization include anxiety, psychological trauma, depression, grief and bereavement, terminal illness, and chronic illness.
(647) 370-3947 View (647) 370-3947

See more therapy options for Port Colborne

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.