Chronic Illness Therapists in Central Toronto, Toronto, ON
See all counsellors in Central Toronto, Toronto
Amanda Masterton
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
I draw from Narrative, Mindfulness-based, Trauma-informed, and Emotion Focused Therapy approaches to support clients with a range of issues including anxiety, depression,
chronic illness
, Lyme disease and tick-borne infections, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, disability issues, learning disabilities, self-esteem, interpersonal challenges, and life transitions.
I bring a gentle, whole-person approach to therapy with a focus on creating safety and building a trusting therapeutic relationship. I will work collaboratively with you to help you gain new perspectives, shift towards preferred ways of being, and create space for new possibilities. Together, we will tap into your existing strengths and abilities, develop new skills and internal resources, and foster resiliency to help you realise your goals and make positive changes.
Lynne Protain
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP, CPC, ELI-MP, PCC
Verified
Verified
I know sharing the challenges that have brought you here can be daunting and make you feel vulnerable. Welcome to a warm, compassionate, calm and non-judgmental space. I work with both individuals & couples. My specialties include trauma and abuse,
chronic illness
, chronic pain, women’s health issues (including fertility issues and reproductive conditions), anxiety, depression, neurodiversity, relationship issues, unhealthy family patterns and setting healthy boundaries. I operate from a trauma-focused lens, looking at all the systems that impact you while honouring your personal identity, beliefs, challenges and values.
Delanie Nusca Registered Nurse Psychotherapist
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BScN, CON(C)
Verified
Verified
I have many years of experience working with patients who experience distress, depression, trauma, and
chronic illness
(specifically cancer).
Welcome to your wellness journey. Some journeys are more challenging and complicated than others. You may feel yours is just that and more. Or, you may feel that it’s not. Whatever it is, you are here looking for someone to help you get through it.
Rebecca Barrett
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
6 Endorsed
Verified
6 Endorsed
I have experience in supporting a variety of mental health challenges such as anxiety & depression, with a specific focus in coping with cancer, life threatening illness &
chronic illness
, caregiver support, grief & bereavement, low self-esteem & abandonment.
It is common for individuals to feel stuck in their suffering. Recurring issues take up space within the mind & body, making it difficult to live in the present & within one’s full potential. I use an integrative, trauma-informed & strengths-based approach to build therapeutic relationships rooted in connection, compassion & empathy to help transform this suffering into deep healing. I use a variety of therapeutic techniques including mindfulness, visualization & relaxation to help clients process their experiences & unresolved trauma & to help regulate their emotions in a healthy way.
Bailey Oake
Counsellor, MC:AT, DVATI, RP, RCT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Are you feeling lonely or isolated in your current life situation and searching for ways to cope with a new normal? Finding purpose in your life in the midst of a health crisis or mental health crisis is possible. Together in the therapeutic process we will draw meaning from your circumstance, and help you find the skills needed to thrive.
Chronic illness
, mental health issues and neurodivergent diagnoses can be lonely experiences; let's work together to emerge out of isolation and reconnect.
Alana McLeod
MA, ExAT, RTC, CCPA
"Self- love is doing the work we need to do to be free"- Yung Pueblo. I have experience working with opening creative blockages, survivors of interpersonal violence and abuse such as sexual assault and domestic violence, adults with a history of child-hood sexual abuse, people with diagnoses of post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex post- traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD). I can help with sleep issues, anxiety, depression, loneliness, grief & loss, stress related to
chronic illness
such as multiple chemical sensitivities, persistent feelings of sadness and feeling a lack of meaning and joy in life.
Not accepting new clients
Yasene Mawji
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I use acceptance and commitment, trauma-informed and cognitive behavioural therapies to address issues with grief & loss, anxiety,
chronic illness
, relationships, childhood trauma, substance use, and identity.
Seeking therapy can be intimidating. Are you ready to talk to someone, but unsure where to start? Are you thinking, 'What's the point?' and 'No one can help me.' Are you worried about being judged? Criticized? You are probably feeling overwhelmed by these thoughts, and very alone. But what if you could talk freely and openly without being judged? What if you were offered practical tools to face your challenges? This is the space that I can create for you. I will use authenticity, respect, curiosity and kindness to help you confront and explore your challenges. I will help you build tailored strategies to confidently meet your goals.
Maria Rowsell
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I support adults and youth experiencing challenges with their mental health, physical health and life circumstances. I have a special interest in supporting individuals in the areas of anxiety, OCD,
chronic illness
and pain, ADHD, learning disabilities, ASD and caregiver fatigue. My approach is compassion-focused with the intention of creating a safe space for your healing. I believe that you are the expert in your own life and that my role as your supporter is to honour and help you to access that pre-existing wisdom while offering insight and gentle opportunities for growth, change and empowerment.
Saba Rizvi
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), DTATI
Verified
Verified
Are you struggling with a
chronic illness
or a disability? Are you dealing with challenging relationships? I work with a variety of health and relationship concerns, both in individual and couples therapy. I can help support you while you make sense of the old and new you. I can help you with anxiety, health concerns, depression, trauma, and relationship issues. Navigating life and its sudden changes/transitions is difficult, and I'm here to facilitate that process for you via listening, strategies, skills, and coping tools. My work is collaborative and non-judgmental and I look forward to supporting your needs and growth.
Dr. Rachel Siegal - Centre For Psychology And Emotional Health
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I am a Clinical Health Psychologist and provide psychotherapy and assessment services to adults in areas related to depression, anxiety, OCD and related disorders, trauma and eating disorders. I also have expertise in helping individuals cope with
chronic illness
and currently work at the GoodHope Ehler's Danlos Syndrome Clinic at Toronto General Hospital.
Virginia Boquiren
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified
Verified
Dr. Virginia Boquiren is a clinical health psychologist, registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. Dr. Boquiren works with clients who are experiencing a variety of psychological disorders, including anxiety and depressive difficulties. In addition, she helps individuals who are coping with various psychosocial stressors, including low self-esteem and confidence, body image issues, self-criticism, relationship issues, work stress, trauma, grief/loss, as well as challenges living with
chronic illness
.
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Ana Bilanovic
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified
Verified
I am a clinical and health psychologist with a client-centered approach. My therapeutic style is compassionate, empathic, and collaborative. I utilize evidence-based therapy – cognitive behaviour therapy, schema therapy, emotion focused therapy – to develop a treatment plan toward our therapeutic goals. I work with clients to address a range of mental health concerns including mood and anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, and other issues which impact on emotional well-being. Moreover, I work with clients to help them navigate the impact, stress, and challenges of serious and
chronic illness
(e.g., cancer, cardiac disease).
Mindful Maelstrom Wellness Clinic
Registered Psychotherapist, CPsych, MC, RP, MA, RP, MEd,RP, LMSW
Verified
19 Endorsed
Verified
19 Endorsed
Whether you suffer from an acute or
chronic illness
, or simply wish to relieve everyday stress and tension, our team of health professionals will work with you to create a personalized treatment program.
Your Oasis of Calm - Take a step inside of our private wellness clinic and you will instantly be transported from the bustle of the vibrant neighbourhood outside into an oasis of healing and calm. Located just one block north of Queen Street West on the Ossington strip, we are passionate about working with each of our clients to create a personalized treatment program. Offering a range of regulated health modalities, we are here to support you in achieving your desired state of emotional balance by working through both the physical and psychological discomforts in your life.
New Pathways Therapy Centre
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
We work with
chronic illness
, burnout, depression, ADHD, complex trauma, pain, and PTSD.
The decision to start therapy takes a lot of courage and trust. Our team of therapists have decades of experience and wisdom working with people like yourself who are navigating significant life changes. Whether you are recovering from trauma, healing difficult relationships, or struggling with loss, our team of therapists provide a safe and confidential space to support you on your journey. Healing from mental health problems requires cultivating a compassionate attitude towards self as well as learning practical strategies to manage challenging emotions. Therapy can be a gateway to leading a better life and seeing possibilities.
Amber Homeniuk | Creative Differences Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RCAT, RP
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Are you ready to address difficulties that need experienced individualized support? For over 25 years, it has been an honour to hold compassionate, joyfully affirming, safer spaces for people coping with a range of concerns in response to trauma, abuse, relationship stressors, self-injurious actions,
chronic illness
, grief, and life transitions, and for people who have experienced discrimination related to any aspect(s) of their physical, personal, and cultural identities. I love working with helping professionals, carers, healers, and seekers of psychedelic integration processes. What is your project for healing, growth, change?
Not accepting new clients
Christopher McKinnon
Registered Psychotherapist, BSc, MA
Verified
6 Endorsed
Verified
6 Endorsed
Please reach out if you would like to be notified when I am accepting new clients. As a therapist, I am here to work with you to overcome the challenges that you are facing. Whether you are struggling with depression or anxiety, thoughts about suicide, challenges related to
chronic illness
or disability, interpersonal and relationship issues, cultural identity, immigration, sexuality, gender identity, grief and loss, or difficult emotions, we will work together to build up your resources and your resilience.
Not accepting new clients
Marie-Pierre Fontaine-Paquet
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
Many of us face times in our lives when we need support to get through difficult periods. I see psychotherapy as a safe space to explore yourself, gain self-insight and understanding, and develop tools and resources to face the ups and downs of life. Since 2011, I have had the chance to work with adults with various needs and challenges. I have supported clients to work through relationship difficulties, repetitive patterns that were no longer serving them, anxiety, depression, painful emotions related to present or past events (including traumas), self-esteem issues, grief and loss, and adjustment to
chronic illness
.
Charlie Parker-McKay
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, HBA
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I work with neurodivergent, ADHD, and autistic 2SLGBTQ+ youth and adults, and those with lived experiences of discrimination,
chronic illness
/pain, childhood and complex trauma, PTSD/C-PTSD, and anxiety.
I am a neurodivergent non-binary lesbian therapist that operates a 2SLGBTQ+ and neurodiversity-affirming trauma-focussed practice. I work from culturally informed, intersectional, anti-racist, feminist, and body-positive/HAES values. I provide strengths-based, client-centered holistic therapy that fosters connection to the whole self. We can explore your values and intersecting identities, build self-compassion, set boundaries, and heal from complex traumas. Together we can build a relationship based on trust and compassion that recognizes and empowers your lived experiences and authentic self.
Stefani Kolochuk
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BA, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I believe we heal through safe connections and relationships. Relationship to self, community, and the land. This perspective is how I approach my therapeutic practice; together we create a sacred space to explore your challenges, successes and concerns. I specialize in working with people living with mental health challenges, grief and loss, traumatic death, spirituality, life transitions, stress and burnout, substance use and those who wish to explore alternative forms of wellness. Other common issues are PTSD/Complex trauma, emotional regulation, managing HIV/AIDS and other
chronic illness
. I see adults and youth ages 14+.
Houyuan (Hy) Luo
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified
Verified
I am Dr. Houyuan Luo. I am a registered Counselling/Clinical Psychologist and an experienced CBT & ACT therapist in Toronto, Ontario. Thanks for reading my profile and congratulations on considering the journey of healing and living a meaningful life! As human beings, we all feel vulnerable and struggle with things at times. Nobody is swimming their way through life smoothly and without bumps. As a psychologist, I am your co-traveller. About me: I earned a Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology from the University of Alberta. I aspire to provide high-quality psychological services. More about me on www.drhouyuan.com.
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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.