Chronic Illness Counselling in Bristol

Photo of Ky Kepner, Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Ky Kepner
Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
1 Endorsed
Bristol BS2
Other areas of interest/experience include living with chronic illness and neurodiversity.
I'm a dissertation-stage psychotherapist in training, and I've been offering clients lower-cost therapy in private practice since early 2021. I aim to hold a therapeutic space that allows us to build a relationship in which you feel safe enough for us to explore your experience and difficulties, what they mean to you, how they relate to one another, and how they express themselves between us. This can expand your awareness of your relationship with yourself, others, and the environment in which you live. My hope is to help you find a way forward that feels more joyful and and authentic.
Other areas of interest/experience include living with chronic illness and neurodiversity.
I'm a dissertation-stage psychotherapist in training, and I've been offering clients lower-cost therapy in private practice since early 2021. I aim to hold a therapeutic space that allows us to build a relationship in which you feel safe enough for us to explore your experience and difficulties, what they mean to you, how they relate to one another, and how they express themselves between us. This can expand your awareness of your relationship with yourself, others, and the environment in which you live. My hope is to help you find a way forward that feels more joyful and and authentic.
0117 463 3910 View 0117 463 3910
Photo of Claire Bosanquet, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Claire Bosanquet
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Bristol BS2
You might be someone who’s living with a long-term health, chronic health condition or chronic illness and feeling the emotional impact in ways others don’t always see.
This is where I can help. I focus on the emotional, mental, and psychological toll of physical health. I offer a place where you don’t have to justify how hard things are. Together, we’ll explore the deeper layers of what you’re feeling, and find ways to reduce overwhelm, build emotional resilience, and reconnect you to a life that feels more meaningful.
You might be someone who’s living with a long-term health, chronic health condition or chronic illness and feeling the emotional impact in ways others don’t always see.
This is where I can help. I focus on the emotional, mental, and psychological toll of physical health. I offer a place where you don’t have to justify how hard things are. Together, we’ll explore the deeper layers of what you’re feeling, and find ways to reduce overwhelm, build emotional resilience, and reconnect you to a life that feels more meaningful.
0117 463 7987 View 0117 463 7987
Photo of Dr Nicole Pernod - Bristol Wellness, Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Bristol Wellness
Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Bristol BS8
I specialize in trauma support, chronic illness, grief, anxiety, depression, and nutritional psychiatry.
I utilize a range of modalities including: Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Somatic Experiencing (SE), and Mindfulness. I am a certified yoga instructor and also provide nutritional counseling.
I specialize in trauma support, chronic illness, grief, anxiety, depression, and nutritional psychiatry.
I utilize a range of modalities including: Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Somatic Experiencing (SE), and Mindfulness. I am a certified yoga instructor and also provide nutritional counseling.
0117 463 1328 View 0117 463 1328
Photo of Jayne Elisabeth Archer, Counsellor, MBACP
Jayne Elisabeth Archer
Counsellor, MBACP
Bristol BS6
I'm Jayne an Integrative Counsellor specialising in working with individuals experiencing Stress, Anxiety, Worry, Burnout and Chronic Illness.
Our work together will focus on supporting you to build deeper self awareness of what is holding you back so you can create more capacity and make conscious, active choices for the things that truly matter. My approach is practical and integrative, working with both mind and body. We can work with day to day issues and/ or deeper rooted anxieties.
I'm Jayne an Integrative Counsellor specialising in working with individuals experiencing Stress, Anxiety, Worry, Burnout and Chronic Illness.
Our work together will focus on supporting you to build deeper self awareness of what is holding you back so you can create more capacity and make conscious, active choices for the things that truly matter. My approach is practical and integrative, working with both mind and body. We can work with day to day issues and/ or deeper rooted anxieties.
0117 463 0967 View 0117 463 0967
Photo of Dr Emily McBride, Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Health Psych.
Dr Emily McBride
Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Health Psych.
Online Only
Perhaps living with a long-term condition (like chronic illness or depression) has affected your sense of identity or self-worth.
I am trained in several different therapies which I tailor to best suit you. I offer established approaches like CBT, ACT, CFT, EMDR, psychodynamic, and somatic (body) awareness. Together, we can explore how your automatic patterns, past experiences, body and nervous system, and current environment shape your behaviour and health.
Perhaps living with a long-term condition (like chronic illness or depression) has affected your sense of identity or self-worth.
I am trained in several different therapies which I tailor to best suit you. I offer established approaches like CBT, ACT, CFT, EMDR, psychodynamic, and somatic (body) awareness. Together, we can explore how your automatic patterns, past experiences, body and nervous system, and current environment shape your behaviour and health.
020 4572 4011 View 020 4572 4011
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.
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I specialise in healing trauma including PTSD, complex trauma, sexual and domestic abuse, traumatic 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, traumatic 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 Laura Jasmine Heads - L H Counselling, Counsellor, MBACP
L H Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Online Only
The main issues that I work with are anxiety disorders, body positivity and living with chronic illness.
Life can be chaotic and fast-moving and sometimes it can be difficult to take a step back from it all or take time out to make sure that we're looking after ourselves. I aim to offer a service where you can be authentically yourself, free of judgment, and step away from the chaos for a little while. You can bring anything which is on your mind to our counselling sessions together. I offer open-ended therapy; I will be here for you as long as you need me to be and I aim to build a relationship with you where you are able to become more confident and feel you are able to become the best version of yourself.
The main issues that I work with are anxiety disorders, body positivity and living with chronic illness.
Life can be chaotic and fast-moving and sometimes it can be difficult to take a step back from it all or take time out to make sure that we're looking after ourselves. I aim to offer a service where you can be authentically yourself, free of judgment, and step away from the chaos for a little while. You can bring anything which is on your mind to our counselling sessions together. I offer open-ended therapy; I will be here for you as long as you need me to be and I aim to build a relationship with you where you are able to become more confident and feel you are able to become the best version of yourself.
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Photo of Em Hirst - Em Hirst - Counselling, Counsellor, MBACP
Em Hirst - Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
Experienced across a variety of concerns including: Depression - Anxiety - Chronic illness - Relationship issues - Trauma - Stress - Pre/Postnatal issues - Parenting - Eating Disorders - Body image - Sexual assault - Identity - Sexuality - "People pleasing" - Life changes such as Redundancy/Retirement.
Neurodivergent needs are warmly welcome as are LGBTQIA+ GSRM clients - in essence valuing you exactly as you are and supporting you as you move towards your future the way you choose it.
Experienced across a variety of concerns including: Depression - Anxiety - Chronic illness - Relationship issues - Trauma - Stress - Pre/Postnatal issues - Parenting - Eating Disorders - Body image - Sexual assault - Identity - Sexuality - "People pleasing" - Life changes such as Redundancy/Retirement.
Neurodivergent needs are warmly welcome as are LGBTQIA+ GSRM clients - in essence valuing you exactly as you are and supporting you as you move towards your future the way you choose it.
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Photo of Laura Steele, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Laura Steele
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Online Only
Drawing from more than 2500 hours of client work, I have experience working with people navigating anxiety, panic attacks, depression, burnout, loneliness, trauma, loss, grief or bereavement, major life transitions, relationship difficulties, low self-confidence, ADHD or Autism, chronic illness, queer experiences, and spiritual exploration.
Hi, I'm Laura, a BACP registered therapist with experience helping people to find meaningful change through exploring their feelings, thoughts, relationships, and experiences. I am a warm, relational, encouraging therapist with an open-hearted and creative approach to my practice. I appreciate the uniqueness of each person (and their experiences), and I welcome you, whatever journey you have taken to get here. I understand it can take great courage to reach out, and I offer Person-Centred Therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy to help you navigate what's coming up in your life.
Drawing from more than 2500 hours of client work, I have experience working with people navigating anxiety, panic attacks, depression, burnout, loneliness, trauma, loss, grief or bereavement, major life transitions, relationship difficulties, low self-confidence, ADHD or Autism, chronic illness, queer experiences, and spiritual exploration.
Hi, I'm Laura, a BACP registered therapist with experience helping people to find meaningful change through exploring their feelings, thoughts, relationships, and experiences. I am a warm, relational, encouraging therapist with an open-hearted and creative approach to my practice. I appreciate the uniqueness of each person (and their experiences), and I welcome you, whatever journey you have taken to get here. I understand it can take great courage to reach out, and I offer Person-Centred Therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy to help you navigate what's coming up in your life.
0117 463 0552 View 0117 463 0552
Photo of Meirav Dagan, Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Health Psych.
Meirav Dagan
Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Health Psych.
Bristol BS6
Are you struggling with issues related to anxiety, distress, or major life changes? Have you recently been diagnosed with Physical Health Condition or find it hard to adjust to the impact of your Conditions? There comes a time when a professional support is needed to learn how to cope with your life’s challenges. I am a Chartered Health Psychologist and a CBT therapist. Over the years I have worked extensively with people coping with different psychological symptoms (e.g. worries, general anxiety, stress, OCD, phobias, health worries, sleep problems) and physical health conditions (e.g. Cancer, Cardiac conditions, Diabetes, IBD).
Are you struggling with issues related to anxiety, distress, or major life changes? Have you recently been diagnosed with Physical Health Condition or find it hard to adjust to the impact of your Conditions? There comes a time when a professional support is needed to learn how to cope with your life’s challenges. I am a Chartered Health Psychologist and a CBT therapist. Over the years I have worked extensively with people coping with different psychological symptoms (e.g. worries, general anxiety, stress, OCD, phobias, health worries, sleep problems) and physical health conditions (e.g. Cancer, Cardiac conditions, Diabetes, IBD).
0117 456 5103 View 0117 456 5103
Photo of Samantha Lloyd, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Samantha Lloyd
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Bristol BS1
I have experience of working with clients experiencing a range of emotional difficulties including anxiety, low mood, PTSD, stress and burnout, low self-esteem and shame. I am experienced in working with trauma, adjustment to major life events, loss and bereavement. I also have a special interest in clinical health psychology and in supporting individuals who are experiencing health related emotional difficulties, such as adjusting to living with a diagnosis or physical symptoms, anxiety, low mood or treatment related trauma. I draw flexibly upon a range of evidence based approaches tailored to the individual and their needs.
I have experience of working with clients experiencing a range of emotional difficulties including anxiety, low mood, PTSD, stress and burnout, low self-esteem and shame. I am experienced in working with trauma, adjustment to major life events, loss and bereavement. I also have a special interest in clinical health psychology and in supporting individuals who are experiencing health related emotional difficulties, such as adjusting to living with a diagnosis or physical symptoms, anxiety, low mood or treatment related trauma. I draw flexibly upon a range of evidence based approaches tailored to the individual and their needs.
0117 463 0041 View 0117 463 0041
Photo of Iris Bosnic, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Iris Bosnic
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Bristol BS1
Managing daily commitments and juggling mental and physical health, while trying to enjoy life on top of that, is a lot at the best of times. Especially then when issues arise, living the life you want can feel near impossible. These periods in life are too often related to more “obvious” things such as life events and illness. However, they can also be about more “subtle”, yet very real and common experiences such as sadness and discomfort of where you are in life, how you feel about yourself, and unresolved past issues. Whatever the challenges, I believe that a safe and non-judgemental therapy space may help you navigate them.
Managing daily commitments and juggling mental and physical health, while trying to enjoy life on top of that, is a lot at the best of times. Especially then when issues arise, living the life you want can feel near impossible. These periods in life are too often related to more “obvious” things such as life events and illness. However, they can also be about more “subtle”, yet very real and common experiences such as sadness and discomfort of where you are in life, how you feel about yourself, and unresolved past issues. Whatever the challenges, I believe that a safe and non-judgemental therapy space may help you navigate them.
01934 311918 View 01934 311918
Photo of Pam Marion Susan Fitzpatrick, Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Pam Marion Susan Fitzpatrick
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Bristol BS15
I have over 12 years of experience working in the mental and physical health field, both in private practice and with the NHS North Bristol Chronic Fatigue and Pain Service. During this time, I’ve had the privilege of supporting clients through a range of challenges, including anxiety disorders, depression, and trauma, as well as managing a variety of chronic health conditions such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Post-Covid-19 Syndrome, Chronic Pain, Functional Neurological Disorder, Migraines, Vestibular Dysfunction, and Functional Dizziness (PPPD).
I have over 12 years of experience working in the mental and physical health field, both in private practice and with the NHS North Bristol Chronic Fatigue and Pain Service. During this time, I’ve had the privilege of supporting clients through a range of challenges, including anxiety disorders, depression, and trauma, as well as managing a variety of chronic health conditions such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Post-Covid-19 Syndrome, Chronic Pain, Functional Neurological Disorder, Migraines, Vestibular Dysfunction, and Functional Dizziness (PPPD).
01446 501531 View 01446 501531
Photo of Dr Michelle Griffiths, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Health Psych.
Dr Michelle Griffiths
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Health Psych.
Bristol BS9
I am a fully registered and insured Practitioner Psychologist and Chartered Psychologist, specialising in a variety of biological, psychological and social difficulties. I have over 15 years’ experience of supporting people to develop strategies to live with mental health issues (anxiety and depression, stress, worry or panic, health-related anxiety and depression), long-term conditions (e.g. thyroid disorders, pain, fatigue, COPD, PMDD, cancer and Long Covid) and challenging life circumstances.
I am a fully registered and insured Practitioner Psychologist and Chartered Psychologist, specialising in a variety of biological, psychological and social difficulties. I have over 15 years’ experience of supporting people to develop strategies to live with mental health issues (anxiety and depression, stress, worry or panic, health-related anxiety and depression), long-term conditions (e.g. thyroid disorders, pain, fatigue, COPD, PMDD, cancer and Long Covid) and challenging life circumstances.
0117 463 0225 View 0117 463 0225
Photo of Ashlyn Firkins, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Ashlyn Firkins
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Online Only
I am a HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist, with almost a decade of experience as an NHS Psychologist. I have a strong belief that people are intrinsically resilient, resourceful & that under the right therapeutic conditions, emotional suffering can be reduced & fulfilling lives, lived out. My intention is to provide a safe, hopeful space for people to explore how they would like to be in the wider world & practical ways to achieve this. I work with a broad range of difficulties, which include anxiety, low mood, trauma, chronic-illnesses, relationship and employment issues.
I am a HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist, with almost a decade of experience as an NHS Psychologist. I have a strong belief that people are intrinsically resilient, resourceful & that under the right therapeutic conditions, emotional suffering can be reduced & fulfilling lives, lived out. My intention is to provide a safe, hopeful space for people to explore how they would like to be in the wider world & practical ways to achieve this. I work with a broad range of difficulties, which include anxiety, low mood, trauma, chronic-illnesses, relationship and employment issues.
0117 463 7124 View 0117 463 7124
Photo of Dr Charlene Thomson, Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Dr Charlene Thomson
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Online Only
We can all find life overwhelming at times - whether we're struggling with life circumstances or events, experiencing relationship problems, emotional difficulties, physical health issues 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, physical health issues 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.
029 2271 2587 View 029 2271 2587
Photo of Jennifer Edge, Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Jennifer Edge
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Are you experiencing distress or dissatisfaction in your life no matter how hard you try? This may have been going on for a long time or perhaps you're left feeling out-of-control after a loved-one dying, a big change happening in your life, or maybe illness striking you or somebody that you care for? Perhaps nothing has happened, but you feel stuck and unhappy with your life and relationships? Are you exhausted taking care of others needs whilst ignoring your own? Whatever your situation you would like to find greater ease within yourself and have more satisfying relationships with other people in your life.
Are you experiencing distress or dissatisfaction in your life no matter how hard you try? This may have been going on for a long time or perhaps you're left feeling out-of-control after a loved-one dying, a big change happening in your life, or maybe illness striking you or somebody that you care for? Perhaps nothing has happened, but you feel stuck and unhappy with your life and relationships? Are you exhausted taking care of others needs whilst ignoring your own? Whatever your situation you would like to find greater ease within yourself and have more satisfying relationships with other people in your life.
01225 530233 View 01225 530233
Photo of Ozen Kazim, Counsellor, MBACP
Ozen Kazim
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
A warm welcome to those seeking therapy for the first time and those who might be coming back to its benefits. I offer a safe and supportive space where you can explore your feelings and experiences without judgment or expectation. My role in our therapy sessions is to support you emotionally through what can feel hard to confront alone. I am a qualified, BACP registered counsellor working with individuals on improved emotional well-being, increased self-awareness and understanding and development of healthier coping mechanisms. You have come this far, and are invited to contact me with any questions.
A warm welcome to those seeking therapy for the first time and those who might be coming back to its benefits. I offer a safe and supportive space where you can explore your feelings and experiences without judgment or expectation. My role in our therapy sessions is to support you emotionally through what can feel hard to confront alone. I am a qualified, BACP registered counsellor working with individuals on improved emotional well-being, increased self-awareness and understanding and development of healthier coping mechanisms. You have come this far, and are invited to contact me with any questions.
020 4572 5972 View 020 4572 5972
Photo of Aleksandra Hristova - Lex Hristova Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Lex Hristova Cognitive Behavioural Therapist
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Hello, I am Lexi. I am a warm, approachable, and highly skilled psychotherapist, Oxford-educated and BABCP-accredited, with over 10 years of experience in the NHS and psychotherapy services. As a Senior Lecturer in Psychology, I also teach and supervise other clinicians in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. If you feel that anxiety, low mood, or low self-esteem are affecting your daily activities, getting in the way of your relationships, or stopping you from enjoying your life, you may want to try CBT, which is the most effective therapy for those difficulties.
Hello, I am Lexi. I am a warm, approachable, and highly skilled psychotherapist, Oxford-educated and BABCP-accredited, with over 10 years of experience in the NHS and psychotherapy services. As a Senior Lecturer in Psychology, I also teach and supervise other clinicians in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. If you feel that anxiety, low mood, or low self-esteem are affecting your daily activities, getting in the way of your relationships, or stopping you from enjoying your life, you may want to try CBT, which is the most effective therapy for those difficulties.
020 3667 9927 View 020 3667 9927
Photo of Heather Elizabeth Witcher, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Heather Elizabeth Witcher
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Online Only
The process of seeking and finding professional counselling and therapy can be daunting, but you have already taken the first step! My counselling process is client focused and tailored. You and your personal journey are unique, therefore there is no "one size fits all" approach in my therapy space. Although I have had a long and varied education into counselling, psychology and social forces, I remain convinced by a fact that I learned on the first day of my degree. It is often not the method of counselling which predicts a benefit to our clients, but the relationship between client and practitioner.
The process of seeking and finding professional counselling and therapy can be daunting, but you have already taken the first step! My counselling process is client focused and tailored. You and your personal journey are unique, therefore there is no "one size fits all" approach in my therapy space. Although I have had a long and varied education into counselling, psychology and social forces, I remain convinced by a fact that I learned on the first day of my degree. It is often not the method of counselling which predicts a benefit to our clients, but the relationship between client and practitioner.
01803 222980 View 01803 222980
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See more therapy options for Bristol

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.