Chronic Illness Counselling in B24
Brian Rich
Psychotherapist, MA, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Birmingham B24 (Online Only)
When life becomes difficult we can often find ourselves acting in ways that are self-defeating or prevent us from living life as fully as possible. This may be because of low mood, anxiety, low self-esteem, chronic illness, trauma or difficulties in relationships with others. I offer a safe and confidential space to identify and understand what is holding you back and work with you to overcome those difficulties. You may want to work on a specific issue for a short time or look at wider, deeper issues over a longer period. To find out more about how we might work together, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
When life becomes difficult we can often find ourselves acting in ways that are self-defeating or prevent us from living life as fully as possible. This may be because of low mood, anxiety, low self-esteem, chronic illness, trauma or difficulties in relationships with others. I offer a safe and confidential space to identify and understand what is holding you back and work with you to overcome those difficulties. You may want to work on a specific issue for a short time or look at wider, deeper issues over a longer period. To find out more about how we might work together, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Deborah Grice-Griffin
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Birmingham B24
Your mental health is important. If you have any issues or concerns that are affecting your well-being or feel that you are struggling with your emotions or you just sense that having someone to talk to could affect real change in your life, then now is the right time to explore Counselling, whether you are an adult or child counselling can help you. My name is Debbie and I have worked with both adults and children helping them through a variety of issues and concerns, whether it's anxiety, stress, grief, depression, low self-esteem, feeling overwhelmed, I'm here to help.
Your mental health is important. If you have any issues or concerns that are affecting your well-being or feel that you are struggling with your emotions or you just sense that having someone to talk to could affect real change in your life, then now is the right time to explore Counselling, whether you are an adult or child counselling can help you. My name is Debbie and I have worked with both adults and children helping them through a variety of issues and concerns, whether it's anxiety, stress, grief, depression, low self-esteem, feeling overwhelmed, I'm here to help.
See more therapy options for B24
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.