Chronic Illness Therapists in Toronto, ON
See all counsellors in Toronto
Megan Lawlor
Registered Social Worker, MSW
Verified
Verified
I am experienced in treating and supporting various concerns including grief & loss, anxiety,
chronic illness
, traumatic injury, & times of personal and family crises.
Hello! My name is Megan and I am a Registered Social Worker that specializes in supporting adults of all ages. I have extensive experience working with clients through times of transition including loss and/or illness. I operate from a trauma-informed background with a specialized focus on supporting individuals with change or loss at any stage in their life. I integrate a strengths-based approach into helping you navigate life’s toughest challenges and utilize an integrative and collaborative approach that I tailor to be appropriate for any age.
Virtue Churchill Bajurny
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
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.
Gennie Brukner
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified
Verified
Are you struggling in your life and yearning for freedom from suffering? If you are, getting the support you need the most can make all the difference, especially if you’re a highly sensitive person, an empath, or dealing with a
chronic illness
. You may also be yearning to work with a therapist that can appreciate your deep spirituality, your unique spiritual gifts, or your profound connection to Nature. Or you may be an artist, dancer or musician and are moved to create. I am someone that loves working with people at the soul level. I too am devoted to helping create ‘the more beautiful world our hearts know is possible’.
Dennis Keefe
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, MA
Verified
Verified
I am a former athlete who now experiences limited mobility due to
chronic illness
.
I have always been a big advocate of jumping into action and finding ways to address problems through concrete, focused strategies. I also honour the important need to foster compassion, validation and understanding as a foundation with my clients before this occurs. I am available to help adults presenting with a broad array of mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem, relationships and life purpose. I also have a specialized focus of helping clients with chronic pain,
chronic illness
and disability. I am honoured to take part in the change process with anyone who is open to doing deep personal work.
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.
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.
Toronto, ON M4J
& Online
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.
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.
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.
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.
Christine Keown
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd , RP, CCC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I focused my master’s research on the interceptions of non-nociceptive pain and resilience, so have an interest in working with chronic pain and
chronic illness
.
Relationship-building and a strong therapeutic alliance come at the core of the work that I do. To me, it is important to create a space that is welcoming, non-judgmental, and relaxed, so that clients can feel open to share. I find importance in meeting each client where they are at, and with young clients (or young at heart) have been known to use creative formats for engagement such as: games, art, sand tray therapy, music or going on walks. I am able to do work with children, adolescents, and adult clients. I have over a decade of experience working with children/youth and adults, both in a counselling and teaching capacity.
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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.
Office is near:
Toronto, ON M5V & Online
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.
Jacqueline On
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Is your
chronic illness
holding you back? Please know that you are worthy of living a fulfilling life. You are so much more than your illness. It can be challenging to carry on day to day. People around you may not understand just how much planning it takes to simply function when you are constantly low on energy, or how much effort you put in every single day to show up for yourself and others in spite of the pain. I see you, and I am here for you.
Angela Cowling
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, MACP
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
I can help you with anxiety,
chronic illness
, and grief. I'm a Certified Grief Counselling Specialist and have a Master’s degree in Health and a Master's in Counselling Psychology, and my interests in mental and physical health come together to help you cope, create life balance, and teach you how to put your needs first. I use a goal-directed approach to identify your needs and take an integrative approach of different theories and techniques to find the best fit for you. I can also help with stress, self-esteem, depression, relationships, and concerns related to the pandemic.
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.
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.
Dr. Stella Dentakos
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified
Verified
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.
Joshua Albert
Psychologist, PsyD, CPsych
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
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
.
Not accepting new clients
Chantal Legere
Pre-Licensed Professional, M Psy
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My psychotherapy interests include depression, anxiety, relationships, self-esteem,
chronic illness
, coping skills, grief and bereavement, stress, trauma, and PTSD.
I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship between therapist and client is crucial to healing and the facilitation of growth. I strive to achieve this through connecting with my clients, understanding their goals and concerns, and creating a safe, non-judgmental space. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings including private and non-profit sectors. I have gained substantial experience conducting clinical assessments and individual therapy through clinical internships and employment at several private practices in Toronto, Ontario.
See more therapy options for
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.