Chronic Illness Counselling in Cheltenham

Chris Matcham
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Verified
Cheltenham GL52
Chronic illness
/disability also connects us with our own mortality; The struggles can feel immense, but we can work to find a lighter way of being.
Let's work together to figure out the next steps to feeling better: Seeking help, as you are doing by searching this site, is a brave and important step in satisfying your own needs - in doing this, you are already creating some relief and a pathway towards yourself as you wish to be. You may feel lost or confused as to what comes next, but you have already shown that you can think in new ways and adapt in order to change a situation which isn’t working for you. Our task is to get in touch with feelings that can further open up your awareness, to allow change to happen.
Chronic illness
/disability also connects us with our own mortality; The struggles can feel immense, but we can work to find a lighter way of being.
Let's work together to figure out the next steps to feeling better: Seeking help, as you are doing by searching this site, is a brave and important step in satisfying your own needs - in doing this, you are already creating some relief and a pathway towards yourself as you wish to be. You may feel lost or confused as to what comes next, but you have already shown that you can think in new ways and adapt in order to change a situation which isn’t working for you. Our task is to get in touch with feelings that can further open up your awareness, to allow change to happen.

Katrina Jones
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified
Cheltenham GL51
Life is full of challenges, and we can all struggle to cope with the impact of difficult events or circumstances. Therapy can be a useful support in navigating tricky periods and can help people deal with distress in a way that minimises its impact on quality of life. I work with individuals in a collaborative way, using a process of formulation to develop a shared understanding of psychological difficulties. The direction and content of our work will depend on an individual’s personal goals for the future and can range from exploratory work to a more structured approach focusing on the development of self-management skills.
Life is full of challenges, and we can all struggle to cope with the impact of difficult events or circumstances. Therapy can be a useful support in navigating tricky periods and can help people deal with distress in a way that minimises its impact on quality of life. I work with individuals in a collaborative way, using a process of formulation to develop a shared understanding of psychological difficulties. The direction and content of our work will depend on an individual’s personal goals for the future and can range from exploratory work to a more structured approach focusing on the development of self-management skills.

Kate Gregory
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified
Cheltenham GL50
Hello, I'm Kate. I offer 1:1 counselling to adults. This can be short or long term depending on your needs. I work face to face in Cheltenham or online via Zoom. I offer a warm, supportive and confidential space to explore your feelings, thoughts and experiences. Counselling can help you to look at a particular issue that is worrying you, to make sense of difficult feelings, to explore deeply rooted issues, or simply to understand yourself better. I work with clients on many issues including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, low self-esteem, feeling stuck and unmotivated, questions of identity, and adapting to life changes.
Hello, I'm Kate. I offer 1:1 counselling to adults. This can be short or long term depending on your needs. I work face to face in Cheltenham or online via Zoom. I offer a warm, supportive and confidential space to explore your feelings, thoughts and experiences. Counselling can help you to look at a particular issue that is worrying you, to make sense of difficult feelings, to explore deeply rooted issues, or simply to understand yourself better. I work with clients on many issues including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, low self-esteem, feeling stuck and unmotivated, questions of identity, and adapting to life changes.

KeiraLianne Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified
Cheltenham GL51
I hope to offer a safe space, warm and trusting environment and non-judgemental relationship, where we can discuss the difficult and uncomfortable elements of your life. Be those early life experiences and relationships, significant life events (pregnancy/birth/death/marriage/divorce), anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, identity, sense of self, loss or diagnosis.
I hope to offer a safe space, warm and trusting environment and non-judgemental relationship, where we can discuss the difficult and uncomfortable elements of your life. Be those early life experiences and relationships, significant life events (pregnancy/birth/death/marriage/divorce), anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, identity, sense of self, loss or diagnosis.

Elizabeth Hale
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Health Psych.
Verified
Cheltenham GL50
I work with adult clients who feel they need some help taking care of their psychological well-being. I can help with: Anxiety; social anxiety; health anxiety; stress and "burnout". Low mood and depression. I can work with clients to achieve life transitions and promote compassionate self-care. I have expertise in working with people who have chronic physical health conditions, particularly rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders, chronic pain; fibromyalgia; chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME) and can assist in the management of "long covid". I use Mindfulness and provide a future-focused therapeutic approach.
I work with adult clients who feel they need some help taking care of their psychological well-being. I can help with: Anxiety; social anxiety; health anxiety; stress and "burnout". Low mood and depression. I can work with clients to achieve life transitions and promote compassionate self-care. I have expertise in working with people who have chronic physical health conditions, particularly rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders, chronic pain; fibromyalgia; chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME) and can assist in the management of "long covid". I use Mindfulness and provide a future-focused therapeutic approach.

Tracy Wilford
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified
Cheltenham GL51
When life's challenges become overwhelming we all need a safe space where we can be heard.
When life's challenges become overwhelming we all need a safe space where we can be heard.

Sarah Bolton-Locke
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified
Cheltenham GL51
I have a face to face and online counselling practice based in Cheltenham and Gloucester, offering warm and accepting therapy for adults and children. Having a non-judgmental and safe space will give you the opportunity to explore whatever you may be struggling with.
I have a face to face and online counselling practice based in Cheltenham and Gloucester, offering warm and accepting therapy for adults and children. Having a non-judgmental and safe space will give you the opportunity to explore whatever you may be struggling with.

Susannah Newell
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified
Cheltenham GL53
Hello. As an experienced psychotherapist, I can help you manage current life challenges like sudden changes or losses; anxiety; relationship issues; bereavement; loneliness; parenthood; depression or past experiences intruding on your present. Sometimes clients come with a more general sense of unfulfilment or want to know themselves better. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to share your load, rather than carrying it alone. Psychotherapy offers vital connection, support and opportunity to work things through with an empathic, trained professional totally unconnected to your life.
Hello. As an experienced psychotherapist, I can help you manage current life challenges like sudden changes or losses; anxiety; relationship issues; bereavement; loneliness; parenthood; depression or past experiences intruding on your present. Sometimes clients come with a more general sense of unfulfilment or want to know themselves better. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to share your load, rather than carrying it alone. Psychotherapy offers vital connection, support and opportunity to work things through with an empathic, trained professional totally unconnected to your life.

Jen Edwards
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified
Cheltenham GL50
I recognise that life is a journey that can sometimes be a struggle. Life in this modern world is often chaotic, stressful and moves at such a fast pace, yet our reptilian brains are still designed to deal with cave man threats. This can lead to our bodies being flooded with fight, flight or freeze responses. In time these can build and lead to conditions such as anxiety, depression and low level trauma if not dealt with correctly. Having the support to help you through is not always easy to find.
I recognise that life is a journey that can sometimes be a struggle. Life in this modern world is often chaotic, stressful and moves at such a fast pace, yet our reptilian brains are still designed to deal with cave man threats. This can lead to our bodies being flooded with fight, flight or freeze responses. In time these can build and lead to conditions such as anxiety, depression and low level trauma if not dealt with correctly. Having the support to help you through is not always easy to find.

The Child Psychiatric Psychological Therapy Consultants
Psychotherapist, ACP
Verified
Cheltenham GL52
We provide medical psychiatric & psychological assessment, diagnosis, treatment, including Autism/ADHD and other developmental disorders. We have over 20 years’ experience working in child & adolescent mental health settings with extensive experience and knowledge. We hold senior clinical andleadership roles. We understand complex, multi-layered communications, and work with a broad range of issues from mild to severe difficulties.. We work with kindness and gentle curiosity.
We provide medical psychiatric & psychological assessment, diagnosis, treatment, including Autism/ADHD and other developmental disorders. We have over 20 years’ experience working in child & adolescent mental health settings with extensive experience and knowledge. We hold senior clinical andleadership roles. We understand complex, multi-layered communications, and work with a broad range of issues from mild to severe difficulties.. We work with kindness and gentle curiosity.

Cheltenham’s Counselling Centre
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified
Cheltenham GL50
Hello my name is Shelley and I am a qualified adult and child Therapeutic Counsellor. I have a vast amount of experience as a pastoral worker working in schools and as a counsellor working for a charity. I am a member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and offer face to face or online sessions . These sessions provide a confidential, supportive environment where clients can feel safe and explore the work through any emotional or life difficulties. I believe by offering online counselling this gives each individual the ability to reach their true potential within the safety of their chosen space.
Hello my name is Shelley and I am a qualified adult and child Therapeutic Counsellor. I have a vast amount of experience as a pastoral worker working in schools and as a counsellor working for a charity. I am a member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and offer face to face or online sessions . These sessions provide a confidential, supportive environment where clients can feel safe and explore the work through any emotional or life difficulties. I believe by offering online counselling this gives each individual the ability to reach their true potential within the safety of their chosen space.
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Anne Coats
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, PNCPS Acc.
Verified
Cheltenham GL52
I am here to help you help yourself. I work with a range of counselling techniques to enable me to help a board range of people. We all have times in our lives where we may struggle and find things difficult. If you feel distressed, counselling can provide vital relief. I am here to provide the compassionate support you need to help you find effective solutions to help with your distress. I am able to provide support with anxiety, depression, bereavement, crisis, anger, stress, trauma and relationship issues and a lot more.
I am here to help you help yourself. I work with a range of counselling techniques to enable me to help a board range of people. We all have times in our lives where we may struggle and find things difficult. If you feel distressed, counselling can provide vital relief. I am here to provide the compassionate support you need to help you find effective solutions to help with your distress. I am able to provide support with anxiety, depression, bereavement, crisis, anger, stress, trauma and relationship issues and a lot more.

Jan Laws
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified
Cheltenham GL52
Hello and welcome. We all have times when we need some emotional support. You may be feeling sad, anxious, low, or confused or finding it hard to organise your thoughts. You may feel that you may be judged if you talk about what you are thinking and feeling. It may seem as though you are all alone with overwhelming worries, unable to focus on anything or anyone else, or that things just don't feel the same for you any more.
Hello and welcome. We all have times when we need some emotional support. You may be feeling sad, anxious, low, or confused or finding it hard to organise your thoughts. You may feel that you may be judged if you talk about what you are thinking and feeling. It may seem as though you are all alone with overwhelming worries, unable to focus on anything or anyone else, or that things just don't feel the same for you any more.

Rachel Power The Walk And Talk Therapist
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified
Cheltenham GL50
I am an experienced counsellor PROVIDING THERAPY IN THE OUTDOORS. Sometimes we want to talk but sitting in a counselling room might not feel like the right space for you. WALKING WHILST TALKING might just give you the space and freedom to begin to understand some uncomfortable feelings and past experiences in the safe hands of myself within nature. Being in nature will help you to learn how to resource yourself whilst processing the past giving you a clearer feel of the future. You may feel anxious or depressed, struggling with relationships. I work from Pittville Park, The Cotswolds and Crickley Hill. I also do home visits.
I am an experienced counsellor PROVIDING THERAPY IN THE OUTDOORS. Sometimes we want to talk but sitting in a counselling room might not feel like the right space for you. WALKING WHILST TALKING might just give you the space and freedom to begin to understand some uncomfortable feelings and past experiences in the safe hands of myself within nature. Being in nature will help you to learn how to resource yourself whilst processing the past giving you a clearer feel of the future. You may feel anxious or depressed, struggling with relationships. I work from Pittville Park, The Cotswolds and Crickley Hill. I also do home visits.

Claire King
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified
Cheltenham GL50
Counselling for adults, young people 13+ and couples in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire with fully qualified, experienced counsellor. Counselling can help with difficult feelings like anxiety, depression, grief, anger, loneliness and low self-esteem. Counselling can help you cope better with issues such as loss, relationship difficulties, stress, past traumas. Counselling can help you learn about yourself- your wants and needs – and how to meet them. Counselling for couples can help you remember what is right with your relationship, find ways to communicate more effectively and work together on what is difficult
Counselling for adults, young people 13+ and couples in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire with fully qualified, experienced counsellor. Counselling can help with difficult feelings like anxiety, depression, grief, anger, loneliness and low self-esteem. Counselling can help you cope better with issues such as loss, relationship difficulties, stress, past traumas. Counselling can help you learn about yourself- your wants and needs – and how to meet them. Counselling for couples can help you remember what is right with your relationship, find ways to communicate more effectively and work together on what is difficult

Leah Callebaut
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified
Cheltenham GL50
As a Clinical Psychologist I aim to to practically apply psychological theory and research to help people to achieve emotional well being and enhance their quality of life when they are facing challenging life circumstances. Since 2012 I have worked in a variety of NHS psychology services, offering talking therapy and emotional support to individuals, couples and families. Alongside my work with Heal.Feel.Connect. I continue to work part-time for an NHS hospital in Gloucestershire, working with staff to reduce work-related stress and burnout, and promoting a culture of compassion and psychological safety within the organisation.
As a Clinical Psychologist I aim to to practically apply psychological theory and research to help people to achieve emotional well being and enhance their quality of life when they are facing challenging life circumstances. Since 2012 I have worked in a variety of NHS psychology services, offering talking therapy and emotional support to individuals, couples and families. Alongside my work with Heal.Feel.Connect. I continue to work part-time for an NHS hospital in Gloucestershire, working with staff to reduce work-related stress and burnout, and promoting a culture of compassion and psychological safety within the organisation.

HF Therapies
Counsellor, MSc, MNCPS Acc.
Verified
Cheltenham GL50
Many people come to counselling when they are feeling at their most desperate for help. Are you feeling like anxiety, stress or depression is getting in the way of you living your life? Have you had a recent experience or a time in the past that's affecting how things are for you today? Do you feel as though you'd like to make changes but feel stuck in negative and destructive patterns of behaviour? Whatever it is that is troubling you, I can help. I am an experienced and fully qualified and accredited psychotherapeutic counsellor and clinical Hypnotherapist
Many people come to counselling when they are feeling at their most desperate for help. Are you feeling like anxiety, stress or depression is getting in the way of you living your life? Have you had a recent experience or a time in the past that's affecting how things are for you today? Do you feel as though you'd like to make changes but feel stuck in negative and destructive patterns of behaviour? Whatever it is that is troubling you, I can help. I am an experienced and fully qualified and accredited psychotherapeutic counsellor and clinical Hypnotherapist

Julie Ingram
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified
Cheltenham GL50
Hello, and welcome to my page. I have been qualified as a psychotherapist and supervisor for over 18 years, with previous experience in mental health and Social Work Management. I work with adults, children, adolescents and have expertise in working with family issues. I can help with a wide range of matters including: anxiety and depression, self esteem, family difficulties, relationship issues, Childhood abuse, Childhood neglect, Life threatening events, eating disorders, self harm, suicide and trauma. I provide a welcoming, safe space (indoors or out doors) which provides a relationship based approach to working together.
Hello, and welcome to my page. I have been qualified as a psychotherapist and supervisor for over 18 years, with previous experience in mental health and Social Work Management. I work with adults, children, adolescents and have expertise in working with family issues. I can help with a wide range of matters including: anxiety and depression, self esteem, family difficulties, relationship issues, Childhood abuse, Childhood neglect, Life threatening events, eating disorders, self harm, suicide and trauma. I provide a welcoming, safe space (indoors or out doors) which provides a relationship based approach to working together.

Wellbeing Connections
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified
Cheltenham GL52
Counselling can offer you a safe space to explore the issues that may be stopping your lead your best life. I am a MBACP registered Counsellor, qualified to work with both adults and children/adolescents. I am a single parent and former carer and my experience has been both in the voluntary sector, working with adults and carers and with Tic+ children and young peoples counselling. Are you a struggling parent, an exhausted carer or someone that needs a little time out to figure out what is going on and where they are heading?
Counselling can offer you a safe space to explore the issues that may be stopping your lead your best life. I am a MBACP registered Counsellor, qualified to work with both adults and children/adolescents. I am a single parent and former carer and my experience has been both in the voluntary sector, working with adults and carers and with Tic+ children and young peoples counselling. Are you a struggling parent, an exhausted carer or someone that needs a little time out to figure out what is going on and where they are heading?

Cathy Cook - New Life Counselling
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified
Cheltenham GL51
All of us, at some point in our lives, are likely to feel overwhelmed by our feelings and/or circumstances. Relationship breakdowns, single parenting, bereavement, loss, family issues, depression, anxiety, etc. can leave us struggling to function as well as we would like. I am passionate about supporting my clients through difficult situations and empowering them to reach their full potential. I can offer you a confidential, supportive, welcoming and non-judgemental space where we can look together at what is distressing you and find the best way forward.
All of us, at some point in our lives, are likely to feel overwhelmed by our feelings and/or circumstances. Relationship breakdowns, single parenting, bereavement, loss, family issues, depression, anxiety, etc. can leave us struggling to function as well as we would like. I am passionate about supporting my clients through difficult situations and empowering them to reach their full potential. I can offer you a confidential, supportive, welcoming and non-judgemental space where we can look together at what is distressing you and find the best way forward.
See more therapy options for Cheltenham
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.