Chronic Illness Counselling in B2
Dr Leah Wood
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham B2 (Online Only)
I am an experienced clinical psychologist who has extensive experience in supporting clients with a range of difficulties that impact on their mental health and overall wellbeing. I believe we all deserve to live a life where we feel empowered and able to cope with what life throws at us. Life becomes more manageable if we have a clear sense of who we are, what is genuinely important to us, and in what direction we want to take our lives. Reaching an understanding of how our past impacts on us in the present is often a key first step in developing an understanding of our internal world and how this affects us day to day.
I am an experienced clinical psychologist who has extensive experience in supporting clients with a range of difficulties that impact on their mental health and overall wellbeing. I believe we all deserve to live a life where we feel empowered and able to cope with what life throws at us. Life becomes more manageable if we have a clear sense of who we are, what is genuinely important to us, and in what direction we want to take our lives. Reaching an understanding of how our past impacts on us in the present is often a key first step in developing an understanding of our internal world and how this affects us day to day.
EMDR Treatment
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Birmingham B2
At EMDR Treatment we know how powerful EMDR is in treating many mental health problems. We understand how frustrating it can be to find an EMDR Therapist nearby and available and believe that EMDR should be easily accessible, convenient and of the highest quality. Our therapists are all EMDR trained, qualified to deliver the therapy and experienced. We are able to provide EMDR online and face to face in many clinic locations across the UK. We understand the link between experiences we have and the impact these have on our mental health. EMDR can break this link meaning clients can move forward.
At EMDR Treatment we know how powerful EMDR is in treating many mental health problems. We understand how frustrating it can be to find an EMDR Therapist nearby and available and believe that EMDR should be easily accessible, convenient and of the highest quality. Our therapists are all EMDR trained, qualified to deliver the therapy and experienced. We are able to provide EMDR online and face to face in many clinic locations across the UK. We understand the link between experiences we have and the impact these have on our mental health. EMDR can break this link meaning clients can move forward.
Charlene Thomson
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Birmingham B2 (Online Only)
We can all find life overwhelming at times - whether we're struggling with life circumstances or events, experiencing relationship problems, emotional difficulties or just feeling stuck. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel comfortable to share and explore any difficulties you may be experiencing. The therapy I offer is tailored to the specific areas you are seeking support with and I focus on developing our therapeutic relationship to support you to gain the most from therapy.
We can all find life overwhelming at times - whether we're struggling with life circumstances or events, experiencing relationship problems, emotional difficulties or just feeling stuck. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel comfortable to share and explore any difficulties you may be experiencing. The therapy I offer is tailored to the specific areas you are seeking support with and I focus on developing our therapeutic relationship to support you to gain the most from therapy.
See more therapy options for B2
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.