Chronic Illness Counselling in Topsham
You are welcome here just as you are, however dark, difficult or unclear things seem to be. I have long been drawn to the image of the phoenix as a metaphor for what can happen in therapy, representing the possibility of a re-birth, of transformation from the ashes of our losses and our hopes and dreams. I believe that this image of therapy offers hope when it feels like there is precious little of it. However, a re-birth might involve a painful coming to terms with our lives; a grieving, and an imaginative approach to what the symptoms of our distress might be pointing to. Maybe there is wisdom and gold in the tears and grief.
You are welcome here just as you are, however dark, difficult or unclear things seem to be. I have long been drawn to the image of the phoenix as a metaphor for what can happen in therapy, representing the possibility of a re-birth, of transformation from the ashes of our losses and our hopes and dreams. I believe that this image of therapy offers hope when it feels like there is precious little of it. However, a re-birth might involve a painful coming to terms with our lives; a grieving, and an imaginative approach to what the symptoms of our distress might be pointing to. Maybe there is wisdom and gold in the tears and grief.
Hi, I specialise in working with bereavement, particularly in cases of complex grief and traumatic loss, as well as infertility and baby loss. I am passionate about and qualified to support individuals dealing with eating disorders and disordered eating. I also possess experience in working with neurodivergent individuals. I can also help you feel empowered and supported as you navigate your journey with issues such as body image, bullying, emotional regulation, family difficulties, friendship issues, lack of confidence, loneliness, low self-esteem, military family issues, OCD, self-harm, suicide, and trauma.
Hi, I specialise in working with bereavement, particularly in cases of complex grief and traumatic loss, as well as infertility and baby loss. I am passionate about and qualified to support individuals dealing with eating disorders and disordered eating. I also possess experience in working with neurodivergent individuals. I can also help you feel empowered and supported as you navigate your journey with issues such as body image, bullying, emotional regulation, family difficulties, friendship issues, lack of confidence, loneliness, low self-esteem, military family issues, OCD, self-harm, suicide, and trauma.
Hi! Welcome to Embark Exeter - Canine Assisted Therapy. You've made a huge leap towards investigating what's troubling you, just by being here and reading this. I see my job as helping you to "unpack" and explore your past and present, and look to the future. I can promise you that I won't judge you, and will treat you with care, sensitivity, compassion and honesty. I have a wealth of lived experiences that have brought me to where I am today, and I am passionate about the empowerment, healing and personal growth that the counselling relationship can bring.
Hi! Welcome to Embark Exeter - Canine Assisted Therapy. You've made a huge leap towards investigating what's troubling you, just by being here and reading this. I see my job as helping you to "unpack" and explore your past and present, and look to the future. I can promise you that I won't judge you, and will treat you with care, sensitivity, compassion and honesty. I have a wealth of lived experiences that have brought me to where I am today, and I am passionate about the empowerment, healing and personal growth that the counselling relationship can bring.
Through my lived experience & training (ADHD, trauma, loss, menopause & attachment issues), I understand how difficult it is to reach out. I use a relational approach - helping to meet your individual & couple needs. I will work alongside you, helping you to navigate your way through life's challenges. Perhaps you just want to talk in a safe environment or need support to make changes? I work holistically with adults, teens & couples in a caring and non-judgmental way, covering a range of issues which can significantly impact on our relationships with ourselves and others. I also offer supervision.
Through my lived experience & training (ADHD, trauma, loss, menopause & attachment issues), I understand how difficult it is to reach out. I use a relational approach - helping to meet your individual & couple needs. I will work alongside you, helping you to navigate your way through life's challenges. Perhaps you just want to talk in a safe environment or need support to make changes? I work holistically with adults, teens & couples in a caring and non-judgmental way, covering a range of issues which can significantly impact on our relationships with ourselves and others. I also offer supervision.
I truly believe that making the first step to access therapy can be the hardest one to take, it can feel overwhelming and vulnerable. Do you struggle with re-playing traumatic life experiences? Battle with low mood? Feel anxious and on edge? Do these problems impact on your life in many ways? Do you want to make positive changes to feel better? If you have answered yes to these, I can help! I am trained and experienced in supporting people who are suffering with low mood, anxiety, phobias and trauma. Together we can work towards achieving positive mental health and recovery from mental pain, which you deserve.
I truly believe that making the first step to access therapy can be the hardest one to take, it can feel overwhelming and vulnerable. Do you struggle with re-playing traumatic life experiences? Battle with low mood? Feel anxious and on edge? Do these problems impact on your life in many ways? Do you want to make positive changes to feel better? If you have answered yes to these, I can help! I am trained and experienced in supporting people who are suffering with low mood, anxiety, phobias and trauma. Together we can work towards achieving positive mental health and recovery from mental pain, which you deserve.
Making the first step on your counselling journey can often be the hardest — so well done for getting here.
As an integrative counsellor, I take into account your unique circumstances and needs, drawing on Person-Centred Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and a foundation of trauma-informed practice. These approaches guide and inform my work, allowing me to tailor sessions to best support your healing, growth, and wellbeing.I provide a safe, welcoming, and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly about what’s going on for you.
Making the first step on your counselling journey can often be the hardest — so well done for getting here.
As an integrative counsellor, I take into account your unique circumstances and needs, drawing on Person-Centred Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and a foundation of trauma-informed practice. These approaches guide and inform my work, allowing me to tailor sessions to best support your healing, growth, and wellbeing.I provide a safe, welcoming, and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly about what’s going on for you.
Clients come to me when they are experiencing issues affecting their self-esteem, self-confidence, sense of identity or relationships. The issues may relate to a long-term health condition or sight loss.
I offer a safe, warm, gentle and compassionate approach to explore difficulties and work collaboratively to help you find meaningful ways to find positive change so you can live the life you want to live.
Clients come to me when they are experiencing issues affecting their self-esteem, self-confidence, sense of identity or relationships. The issues may relate to a long-term health condition or sight loss.
I offer a safe, warm, gentle and compassionate approach to explore difficulties and work collaboratively to help you find meaningful ways to find positive change so you can live the life you want to live.
I work ONLINE and Face-to-Face in Topsham. I have over 40 years experience working effectively in private practice as an integrative holistic healthcare practitioner and previously as a nurse in both the NHS and private healthcare specialising in women’s health. My psychotherapeutic counselling practice draws upon several humanistic, psychodynamic and solution focused approaches incorporating the very best techniques including creative ways of working to best fit your needs. I have a lot of life experience both personally and professionally. I am a good listener. I am not easily shocked.
I work ONLINE and Face-to-Face in Topsham. I have over 40 years experience working effectively in private practice as an integrative holistic healthcare practitioner and previously as a nurse in both the NHS and private healthcare specialising in women’s health. My psychotherapeutic counselling practice draws upon several humanistic, psychodynamic and solution focused approaches incorporating the very best techniques including creative ways of working to best fit your needs. I have a lot of life experience both personally and professionally. I am a good listener. I am not easily shocked.
More Therapists Nearby
Hi, and welcome to my profile. Clients I work with have arrived feeling anxious, depressed, low in confidence, or overwhelmed with emotions that make daily life feel difficult. Others have come with relationship issues, identity questions, or major life changes which have been challenging to navigate alone. Some have experienced a bereavement, including pregnancy loss, or the death of a baby or child. Together we have explored what it is that they are experiencing, helping them to make sense of it, and found a way to move forward with greater peace, clarity, strength and renewed momentum.
Hi, and welcome to my profile. Clients I work with have arrived feeling anxious, depressed, low in confidence, or overwhelmed with emotions that make daily life feel difficult. Others have come with relationship issues, identity questions, or major life changes which have been challenging to navigate alone. Some have experienced a bereavement, including pregnancy loss, or the death of a baby or child. Together we have explored what it is that they are experiencing, helping them to make sense of it, and found a way to move forward with greater peace, clarity, strength and renewed momentum.
I am passionate about supporting people facing the many challenges life brings with it, such as transitioning through life events. This includes parenthood, menopause, retirement, bereavement, diagnosis of chronic or terminal illness, and many others. I have particular interest in working with people experiencing negative consequences of being disabled, whether this is physically, or mentally. I have experience working in weight management and pain management, where people often suffer discrimination due to their condition. If this is you, please get in touch. You don't deserve to suffer because of what happened to you.
I am passionate about supporting people facing the many challenges life brings with it, such as transitioning through life events. This includes parenthood, menopause, retirement, bereavement, diagnosis of chronic or terminal illness, and many others. I have particular interest in working with people experiencing negative consequences of being disabled, whether this is physically, or mentally. I have experience working in weight management and pain management, where people often suffer discrimination due to their condition. If this is you, please get in touch. You don't deserve to suffer because of what happened to you.
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.
Are you worried about your child’s emotional well-being? Are you looking for help and support quickly? I understand how difficult it can be to reach out for support for your child and the importance of being able to access this quickly. I have worked with children and young people experiencing a wide range of emotional and behavioural difficulties such as anxiety, low mood, obsessive-compulsive disorder and difficulties adjusting to and managing physical health conditions. My aim is to help children, young people and their families overcome their challenges and empower them so that they can thrive and flourish.
Are you worried about your child’s emotional well-being? Are you looking for help and support quickly? I understand how difficult it can be to reach out for support for your child and the importance of being able to access this quickly. I have worked with children and young people experiencing a wide range of emotional and behavioural difficulties such as anxiety, low mood, obsessive-compulsive disorder and difficulties adjusting to and managing physical health conditions. My aim is to help children, young people and their families overcome their challenges and empower them so that they can thrive and flourish.
Clients often come to me with anxiety, low self-esteem, or difficulties in their relationships or sexual lives. I also work with people who are neurodivergent, disabled, or caring for others, as well as those who have faced discrimination and its emotional impact.
I support clients in building self-compassion, to support healthier relationships with themselves and others.
Clients often come to me with anxiety, low self-esteem, or difficulties in their relationships or sexual lives. I also work with people who are neurodivergent, disabled, or caring for others, as well as those who have faced discrimination and its emotional impact.
I support clients in building self-compassion, to support healthier relationships with themselves and others.
Life can feel overwhelming, and finding the right space to talk can make all the difference. I offer a calm, supportive and non-judgemental environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. My approach is person-centred, meaning I believe you hold the wisdom and strength to move forward-and I will walk alongside you as you discover it. I work with anxiety, low mood, stress, self-esteem and life changes, drawing on nature, mindfulness and creativity to gently support growth. I offer online nationwide and in person sessions in Devon and Somerset.
Life can feel overwhelming, and finding the right space to talk can make all the difference. I offer a calm, supportive and non-judgemental environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. My approach is person-centred, meaning I believe you hold the wisdom and strength to move forward-and I will walk alongside you as you discover it. I work with anxiety, low mood, stress, self-esteem and life changes, drawing on nature, mindfulness and creativity to gently support growth. I offer online nationwide and in person sessions in Devon and Somerset.
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. I prioritise building trust and a sense of safety that healing can bed into and thrive in.
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. I prioritise building trust and a sense of safety that healing can bed into and thrive in.
With over twenty years experience of walking alongside people riding the waves of suffering, chronic illness, trauma, loss, navigating the chasm between Western medicine and alternative healing, I continue to be passionate about our need to connect, share, feel heard and find our own unique way forward through it all.
I endeavour to create a nurturing space for you to support compassionate and brave self-inquiry. Exploring the possibility of suffering or illness having its roots in trauma - be that personal or societal level trauma. I also hold space for the possibility that your experience of the medical systems has been traumatic in and of itself.
With over twenty years experience of walking alongside people riding the waves of suffering, chronic illness, trauma, loss, navigating the chasm between Western medicine and alternative healing, I continue to be passionate about our need to connect, share, feel heard and find our own unique way forward through it all.
I endeavour to create a nurturing space for you to support compassionate and brave self-inquiry. Exploring the possibility of suffering or illness having its roots in trauma - be that personal or societal level trauma. I also hold space for the possibility that your experience of the medical systems has been traumatic in and of itself.
Lex Hristova Cognitive Behavioural
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.
Is life an uphill battle, but not sure why? Are you anxious, depressed or worried about the future? I understand how hard it is to take that step and ask for help. I can help you identify and understand what’s going on for you. The anxiety eases, the brain fog lifts, you feel calmer and know yourself better.
I work with children, young people and adults with a wide range of life transitions and concerns including:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• ADHD
•. Low self-esteem/self-confidence
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Trauma/past painful experiences
• Relationship issues
• Sleep problems
• Grief and Loss
Is life an uphill battle, but not sure why? Are you anxious, depressed or worried about the future? I understand how hard it is to take that step and ask for help. I can help you identify and understand what’s going on for you. The anxiety eases, the brain fog lifts, you feel calmer and know yourself better.
I work with children, young people and adults with a wide range of life transitions and concerns including:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• ADHD
•. Low self-esteem/self-confidence
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Trauma/past painful experiences
• Relationship issues
• Sleep problems
• Grief and Loss
I see therapy as a safe place to gently explore and make more sense of our lives; where we can gain insight, challenge our beliefs, process our experiences and find better ways of being. I believe we gain insight and develop a sense of ourselves through relationship. I have particular experience and skills in working with relationships, loss and bereavement, issues from childhood, including sexual abuse, neglect and attachment.
I see therapy as a safe place to gently explore and make more sense of our lives; where we can gain insight, challenge our beliefs, process our experiences and find better ways of being. I believe we gain insight and develop a sense of ourselves through relationship. I have particular experience and skills in working with relationships, loss and bereavement, issues from childhood, including sexual abuse, neglect and attachment.
It takes courage to become truly and confidently oneself. I combine modern therapeutic practice with a mindfulness based approach, which uses the deep relationship between body and mind to bring back mental, emotional and physical balance. I use a a mixture of counselling and yoga combined as needed, to address imbalances of mind and body. Yoga therapy will help you to: develop insight into what is happening inside you, psychologically and emotionally. cultivate the presence of mind to be able to feel your way into uncomfortable experiences and disarm them, calm the nervous system and enhance autonomy and well-being.
It takes courage to become truly and confidently oneself. I combine modern therapeutic practice with a mindfulness based approach, which uses the deep relationship between body and mind to bring back mental, emotional and physical balance. I use a a mixture of counselling and yoga combined as needed, to address imbalances of mind and body. Yoga therapy will help you to: develop insight into what is happening inside you, psychologically and emotionally. cultivate the presence of mind to be able to feel your way into uncomfortable experiences and disarm them, calm the nervous system and enhance autonomy and well-being.
Nearby Chronic Illness Counsellors Searches for Topsham
See More Chronic Illness CounsellorsChronic 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.