Chronic Illness Counselling in Bovingdon

Photo of Dr Lee Martin, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
Dr Lee Martin
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
Serves Area
Hello and Welcome, Life can indeed be difficult at times. Many are struggling with mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings can rise to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a PHD(Hon), Master Degree and EMDR(Accredited), I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
Hello and Welcome, Life can indeed be difficult at times. Many are struggling with mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings can rise to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a PHD(Hon), Master Degree and EMDR(Accredited), I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
020 4538 6806 View 020 4538 6806
Photo of Debi Magonet, Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Debi Magonet
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Something feels harder than it should and you might not even have the words for it yet. Maybe you're overwhelmed, anxious, or carrying grief you can't quite name. Perhaps becoming a parent has brought unexpected emotions to the surface. Or you're in the middle of a life transition that's left you feeling lost. I offer warm, relational psychotherapy tailored entirely to you, a space to slow down, make sense of what's happening and feel less alone with it.
Something feels harder than it should and you might not even have the words for it yet. Maybe you're overwhelmed, anxious, or carrying grief you can't quite name. Perhaps becoming a parent has brought unexpected emotions to the surface. Or you're in the middle of a life transition that's left you feeling lost. I offer warm, relational psychotherapy tailored entirely to you, a space to slow down, make sense of what's happening and feel less alone with it.
01442 509736 View 01442 509736
Photo of Julie Lesslie, Counsellor, MBACP
Julie Lesslie
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
I am a person-centred Counsellor and a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). There are times in life when people can experience unmanageable or emotionally overwhelming feelings and behaviours or maybe a trauma that may persist even if there is support from friends and loved ones. I encourage my clients to fully explore their experiences and help them accept who they are and what is out of their personal control, so they can better understand their current situation and improve their lives.
I am a person-centred Counsellor and a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). There are times in life when people can experience unmanageable or emotionally overwhelming feelings and behaviours or maybe a trauma that may persist even if there is support from friends and loved ones. I encourage my clients to fully explore their experiences and help them accept who they are and what is out of their personal control, so they can better understand their current situation and improve their lives.
01494 328836 View 01494 328836
Photo of Rebecca Ingram, Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Rebecca Ingram
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Serves Area
Do you find yourself prioritising the external world and the needs of those around you? Perhaps you feel different to others or misunderstood in relationships? It may be you experience self-doubt, negative thinking or notice yourself repeating patterns that impact your relationships. Whatever is going on for you working together, relationally we can begin to explore ‘YOU’, focus on raising your awareness & understanding of the way you experience yourself, to identify your goals for therapy, to be open to learning new ways of being. Therapy is a commitment between client & therapist, to be open to wanting things to be different.
Do you find yourself prioritising the external world and the needs of those around you? Perhaps you feel different to others or misunderstood in relationships? It may be you experience self-doubt, negative thinking or notice yourself repeating patterns that impact your relationships. Whatever is going on for you working together, relationally we can begin to explore ‘YOU’, focus on raising your awareness & understanding of the way you experience yourself, to identify your goals for therapy, to be open to learning new ways of being. Therapy is a commitment between client & therapist, to be open to wanting things to be different.
01628 969896 View 01628 969896
Photo of Kim Abercromby, Counsellor, MBACP
Kim Abercromby
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
Many of the people I work with have been struggling quietly for a long time. They may appear fine on the outside while feeling anxious, exhausted, or deeply stuck underneath. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, panic attacks, low self-esteem, bereavement, PTSD, or body dysmorphia, you do not have to keep carrying it alone. I work with adults and young people in a warm, private, and completely non-judgemental space. My priority from the very first session is that you feel safe, heard, and respected. I believe that a genuine, trusting therapeutic relationship is the foundation of all meaningful change.
Many of the people I work with have been struggling quietly for a long time. They may appear fine on the outside while feeling anxious, exhausted, or deeply stuck underneath. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, panic attacks, low self-esteem, bereavement, PTSD, or body dysmorphia, you do not have to keep carrying it alone. I work with adults and young people in a warm, private, and completely non-judgemental space. My priority from the very first session is that you feel safe, heard, and respected. I believe that a genuine, trusting therapeutic relationship is the foundation of all meaningful change.
01296 327570 View 01296 327570

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Julia Osborne, Counsellor, MBACP
Julia Osborne
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
I am a warm, down-to-earth counsellor offering a safe and non-judgemental space to explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. I work with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, grief, trauma, and life transitions. My integrative approach combines person-centred and psychodynamic therapy, helping you feel heard while exploring how past experiences influence your current patterns. I incorporate mindfulness and breathwork to support emotional regulation and grounding. I believe the therapeutic relationship is key to change, helping you build self-awareness, resilience, and a stronger sense of self.
I am a warm, down-to-earth counsellor offering a safe and non-judgemental space to explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. I work with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, grief, trauma, and life transitions. My integrative approach combines person-centred and psychodynamic therapy, helping you feel heard while exploring how past experiences influence your current patterns. I incorporate mindfulness and breathwork to support emotional regulation and grounding. I believe the therapeutic relationship is key to change, helping you build self-awareness, resilience, and a stronger sense of self.
020 4634 7760 View 020 4634 7760
Photo of Ayisha Khan, Counsellor, MBACP
Ayisha Khan
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
You might be neurodivergent and tired of masking, navigating ADHD, or living with chronic illness and its impact on identity and energy.
I am a qualified integrative therapist with a background in psychology (BSc), combining person-centred and psychodynamic approaches. I offer a calm, non-judgemental space where therapy feels human and accepting, and work collaboratively to adapt sessions to your needs.
You might be neurodivergent and tired of masking, navigating ADHD, or living with chronic illness and its impact on identity and energy.
I am a qualified integrative therapist with a background in psychology (BSc), combining person-centred and psychodynamic approaches. I offer a calm, non-judgemental space where therapy feels human and accepting, and work collaboratively to adapt sessions to your needs.
020 4572 5497 View 020 4572 5497
Photo of Lucy Smith, Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Lucy Smith
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
2 Endorsed
Online Only
There are many difficulties in life that can feel overwhelming at times. Life circumstances or internal struggles can leave us feeling as if we are not getting what we should out of life and we want to be able to move forward. In all circumstances I believe passionately in the power of therapy to help enact positive change. The tools and skills you could learn with me can enable you to feel that you can live the rest of your life free from what has been holding you back. We would do this together working at your pace and always being in partnership.
There are many difficulties in life that can feel overwhelming at times. Life circumstances or internal struggles can leave us feeling as if we are not getting what we should out of life and we want to be able to move forward. In all circumstances I believe passionately in the power of therapy to help enact positive change. The tools and skills you could learn with me can enable you to feel that you can live the rest of your life free from what has been holding you back. We would do this together working at your pace and always being in partnership.
0161 519 0839 View 0161 519 0839
Photo of Dr Katherine Mollart
Dr Katherine Mollart
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
London SW6
I hold a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Oxford University. I have experience of working with individuals, couples, families, adults, older adults, children and adolescents and people with learning disabilities, within a wide range of NHS health care settings. I specialise in working with couples and also supporting people who have long-term physical health problems such as diabetes, chronic pain and chronic fatigue. I wrote my doctoral thesis on adolescents’ experiences of going to boarding school and have an interest in the impact of boarding school on psychological wellbeing.
I hold a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Oxford University. I have experience of working with individuals, couples, families, adults, older adults, children and adolescents and people with learning disabilities, within a wide range of NHS health care settings. I specialise in working with couples and also supporting people who have long-term physical health problems such as diabetes, chronic pain and chronic fatigue. I wrote my doctoral thesis on adolescents’ experiences of going to boarding school and have an interest in the impact of boarding school on psychological wellbeing.
01372 239531 View 01372 239531
Photo of Dr Shadiq Joseph, Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Shadiq Joseph
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Online Only
I’m a Clinical Psychologist offering a warm, grounded space to help you understand your challenges and move toward meaningful change. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, low mood, trauma, or uncertainty in life, together we’ll work towards making changes that aligns with your values and goals.
I’m a Clinical Psychologist offering a warm, grounded space to help you understand your challenges and move toward meaningful change. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, low mood, trauma, or uncertainty in life, together we’ll work towards making changes that aligns with your values and goals.
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Photo of Sue Egan - Dr. Sue Egan - Psychologist/EMDR Therapist, Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Dr. Sue Egan - Psychologist/EMDR Therapist
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Online Only
I specialise in healing trauma including PTSD, complex trauma, sexual and domestic abuse, complicated grief, suicide grief and chronic illness.
There is hope, even when you have experienced significant life trauma. Although it might not be possible to forget life's challenges completely, it is possible to manage them so you can live life again with the volume turned down on the past. My role is to facilitate a safe, supportive space where you can begin to heal from life's traumas and remember who you are. I value doing all I can to offer you an integrated approach assessing your past, present and future using counselling and psychological theories. As the client, the time we have will be entirely yours, as I assist and guide you to uncover the way forward.
I specialise in healing trauma including PTSD, complex trauma, sexual and domestic abuse, complicated grief, suicide grief and chronic illness.
There is hope, even when you have experienced significant life trauma. Although it might not be possible to forget life's challenges completely, it is possible to manage them so you can live life again with the volume turned down on the past. My role is to facilitate a safe, supportive space where you can begin to heal from life's traumas and remember who you are. I value doing all I can to offer you an integrated approach assessing your past, present and future using counselling and psychological theories. As the client, the time we have will be entirely yours, as I assist and guide you to uncover the way forward.
01432 808347 View 01432 808347
Photo of Megan Prowse, Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Megan Prowse
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Serves Area
Hi there! I would very much like to help you with your difficulties. I am currently providing online and phone therapy sessions but can rent a space in the bath/Bristol area. I have worked within the NHS for over 10 years in specialist settings for anxiety/depression/trauma/ physical illness/ neuro. As a Clinical Psychologist I work with all ages and difficulties either individually or with couples and families. I am fully accredited as a CBT therapist but as a Clinical Psychologist I draw on many different therapies to tailor treatment to suit your needs choosing evidence-based therapies related to your particular difficulties.
Hi there! I would very much like to help you with your difficulties. I am currently providing online and phone therapy sessions but can rent a space in the bath/Bristol area. I have worked within the NHS for over 10 years in specialist settings for anxiety/depression/trauma/ physical illness/ neuro. As a Clinical Psychologist I work with all ages and difficulties either individually or with couples and families. I am fully accredited as a CBT therapist but as a Clinical Psychologist I draw on many different therapies to tailor treatment to suit your needs choosing evidence-based therapies related to your particular difficulties.
01865 900924 View 01865 900924
Photo of Dr Ingela Thuné-Boyle, Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Health Psych.
Dr Ingela Thuné-Boyle
Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Health Psych.
Online Only
I provide online therapy for adults living with chronic illness or chronic pain whose quality of life has been significantly affected, yet who want to create a meaningful life alongside their health challenges.
I run a small practice which means I'm able to dedicate more time to each of my clients. I use an Integrative Therapeutic Approach that adapts to the unique needs of each client, drawing from a range of different approaches. The aim is to restore daily functioning and minimize the many consequences of your illness/situation on your quality of life.
I provide online therapy for adults living with chronic illness or chronic pain whose quality of life has been significantly affected, yet who want to create a meaningful life alongside their health challenges.
I run a small practice which means I'm able to dedicate more time to each of my clients. I use an Integrative Therapeutic Approach that adapts to the unique needs of each client, drawing from a range of different approaches. The aim is to restore daily functioning and minimize the many consequences of your illness/situation on your quality of life.
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Photo of Janine Hayward, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Janine Hayward
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
London W1G
Hello. Do you struggle with anxiety, work, relationships or parenting stress? Are you overwhelmed, worried, depressed, stuck, low in self-esteem or navigating ADHD, Autism? You are not alone. Does your need to be perfect take up too much time? Is trauma, an illness, a major loss or death hurting you? It doesn't have to be that way. The team & I help people like you understand distress, learn new skills for managing uncomfortable emotions and thoughts, improve relationships, motivation, find meaning and focus. We're Clinical Psychologists (HCPC) with >10 years of experience delivering effective therapy to kids, teens and adults.
Hello. Do you struggle with anxiety, work, relationships or parenting stress? Are you overwhelmed, worried, depressed, stuck, low in self-esteem or navigating ADHD, Autism? You are not alone. Does your need to be perfect take up too much time? Is trauma, an illness, a major loss or death hurting you? It doesn't have to be that way. The team & I help people like you understand distress, learn new skills for managing uncomfortable emotions and thoughts, improve relationships, motivation, find meaning and focus. We're Clinical Psychologists (HCPC) with >10 years of experience delivering effective therapy to kids, teens and adults.
0333 344 2063 View 0333 344 2063
Photo of Dr Ana Wright, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Ana Wright
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Online Only
My main specialties are working with grief and bereavement, chronic illness (including chronic pain), life transitions, anxiety, and sleep difficulties.
Do you feel that life has changed in ways you cannot control, leaving you stuck and unable to move forward? You may have lost a loved one, be adjusting to physical health changes, or living with chronic pain. I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist specialising in grief and bereavement (including Prolonged Grief Disorder), adjustment to physical health conditions, and chronic pain. I can also offer tailored support if you are experiencing mild memory or attentional difficulties (such as in Mild Cognitive Impairment). I have 15 years of experience in mental health practice and research, and currently also hold a part-time NHS post.
My main specialties are working with grief and bereavement, chronic illness (including chronic pain), life transitions, anxiety, and sleep difficulties.
Do you feel that life has changed in ways you cannot control, leaving you stuck and unable to move forward? You may have lost a loved one, be adjusting to physical health changes, or living with chronic pain. I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist specialising in grief and bereavement (including Prolonged Grief Disorder), adjustment to physical health conditions, and chronic pain. I can also offer tailored support if you are experiencing mild memory or attentional difficulties (such as in Mild Cognitive Impairment). I have 15 years of experience in mental health practice and research, and currently also hold a part-time NHS post.
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Photo of Dr Elizabeth Howl, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Elizabeth Howl
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Aylesbury HP17
When something unexpected comes into your life, such as a traumatic event, physical health condition, or mental health problem, you can feel like your world has been turned upside down. You might wonder if you will ever get back to being the person you used to be and if you will ever enjoy life again. You might experience anxiety, episodes of panic, struggle with constant negative thoughts, be unable to sleep, isolate yourself and push away those you care most about. Whatever you are struggling with, please get in touch and together we can help you move towards the life you want to lead.
When something unexpected comes into your life, such as a traumatic event, physical health condition, or mental health problem, you can feel like your world has been turned upside down. You might wonder if you will ever get back to being the person you used to be and if you will ever enjoy life again. You might experience anxiety, episodes of panic, struggle with constant negative thoughts, be unable to sleep, isolate yourself and push away those you care most about. Whatever you are struggling with, please get in touch and together we can help you move towards the life you want to lead.
01442 504528 View 01442 504528
Photo of Jess Hilliard, Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Jess Hilliard
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
London SE1
It can be painful to feel held back in life, that somehow you are meant for more, yet being at a loss to know how to move forward. Perhaps you experience a struggle in knowing who you really are and what you want from life. If you’ve experienced life changing challenges, setbacks or some sort of trauma, this can often be felt somewhere within your self image. You may have a deep desire for self empowerment, to feel a sense of belonging and rooted in a more authentic you.
It can be painful to feel held back in life, that somehow you are meant for more, yet being at a loss to know how to move forward. Perhaps you experience a struggle in knowing who you really are and what you want from life. If you’ve experienced life changing challenges, setbacks or some sort of trauma, this can often be felt somewhere within your self image. You may have a deep desire for self empowerment, to feel a sense of belonging and rooted in a more authentic you.
01273 110581 View 01273 110581
Photo of Miranda Jackson, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Miranda Jackson
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
London W1K
The ideal client is of course anyone ready to make real change in their lives, but I work with many seeking to reach that point. Clients see me asking “Why do I feel like this?” Once we have worked through why you do, the next goal is to see how you can change your mindset, rewrite the script so that your attitude to certain situations no longer causes you distress.
The ideal client is of course anyone ready to make real change in their lives, but I work with many seeking to reach that point. Clients see me asking “Why do I feel like this?” Once we have worked through why you do, the next goal is to see how you can change your mindset, rewrite the script so that your attitude to certain situations no longer causes you distress.
020 3962 1735 View 020 3962 1735
Photo of Nicola Gilbert, Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Nicola Gilbert
Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
2 Endorsed
London SW17
Updated June 2026. As a queer woman living with invisible disabilities and long-term health conditions I know what it's like to feel different and physically and mentally drained by life. Tired of not being believed, of not being heard. You might feel scared, alone, and like no-one understands. Maybe you feel like you’re in a world not designed for you. Perhaps you're struggling to eat, can’t sleep, maybe you keep thinking or remembering things over and over and can’t get them out of your head. I can help you rebuild your confidence, work on your relationships, and find a new life that works for you.
Updated June 2026. As a queer woman living with invisible disabilities and long-term health conditions I know what it's like to feel different and physically and mentally drained by life. Tired of not being believed, of not being heard. You might feel scared, alone, and like no-one understands. Maybe you feel like you’re in a world not designed for you. Perhaps you're struggling to eat, can’t sleep, maybe you keep thinking or remembering things over and over and can’t get them out of your head. I can help you rebuild your confidence, work on your relationships, and find a new life that works for you.
020 4572 2393 View 020 4572 2393
Photo of Sarah Wardley, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Sarah Wardley
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Online Only
Are you pregnant and struggling with anxiety or low mood or anxious about the birth? Maybe you experienced a traumatic birth and would like a safe space to make sense of this? Or anxiety or low mood is making it hard for you to enjoy Parenthood? I am a CBT Therapist trained to work with a talking therapy recommended by the NHS for anxiety and depression. I enjoy working with adults at all stages of life but as a Registered Midwife I specialise in pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period ( up to 24 months after the birth). Please take a look at my website to read some testimonials from previous clients I have worked with.
Are you pregnant and struggling with anxiety or low mood or anxious about the birth? Maybe you experienced a traumatic birth and would like a safe space to make sense of this? Or anxiety or low mood is making it hard for you to enjoy Parenthood? I am a CBT Therapist trained to work with a talking therapy recommended by the NHS for anxiety and depression. I enjoy working with adults at all stages of life but as a Registered Midwife I specialise in pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period ( up to 24 months after the birth). Please take a look at my website to read some testimonials from previous clients I have worked with.
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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.