Chronic Illness Counselling in Wellington

Photo of Kate Stanton, Counsellor, MBACP
Kate Stanton
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
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.
01794 331132 View 01794 331132
Photo of Morag Lepage O’Neil, Counsellor, MBACP
Morag Lepage O’Neil
Counsellor, MBACP
Hi I’m Morag. I’m an Integrative Counsellor offering in person and online sessions to clients. I am trained to use a combination of approaches to best suit individual client needs. I am deeply existential and place great importance on building relationships with my clients as I believe that is essential for successful therapeutic outcomes, whatever difficulties they may be facing and be seeking help with.
Hi I’m Morag. I’m an Integrative Counsellor offering in person and online sessions to clients. I am trained to use a combination of approaches to best suit individual client needs. I am deeply existential and place great importance on building relationships with my clients as I believe that is essential for successful therapeutic outcomes, whatever difficulties they may be facing and be seeking help with.
01823 213903 View 01823 213903
Photo of Eve McIntyre - Eve McIntyre Psychotherapy CBT, EMDR & Supervision, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Eve McIntyre Psychotherapy CBT, EMDR & Supervision
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
1 Endorsed
At your core you carry a sense of not feeling good enough. This is impacting on your emotional wellbeing, holds you back either in your relationships or professionally. You may be carrying feelings of guilt and shame. To cope you mask these feelings and have often leaned into being self-reliant. Whilst this keeps you safe, it can feel lonely and isolating. You may be looking for support with reducing the emotional burden you hold, develop different ways of thinking about yourself, build confidence, reduce isolation and live authentically. I am experienced with Trauma, Depression and Anxiety and would be honoured to support you.
At your core you carry a sense of not feeling good enough. This is impacting on your emotional wellbeing, holds you back either in your relationships or professionally. You may be carrying feelings of guilt and shame. To cope you mask these feelings and have often leaned into being self-reliant. Whilst this keeps you safe, it can feel lonely and isolating. You may be looking for support with reducing the emotional burden you hold, develop different ways of thinking about yourself, build confidence, reduce isolation and live authentically. I am experienced with Trauma, Depression and Anxiety and would be honoured to support you.
01823 213864 View 01823 213864
Photo of Karen Janas - Karen Janas - Spark Consulting Services Ltd, Counsellor, MBACP
Be Heard Counselling – A Space to Feel Heard and Understood Hello, I’m Karen Janas (MBACP, MNCPS Accred), an experienced integrative counsellor and coach based in Wellington, Somerset. I help adults, couples, and young people work through life’s challenges — from anxiety, depression, and low confidence to relationship issues, grief, and the impact of trauma.
Be Heard Counselling – A Space to Feel Heard and Understood Hello, I’m Karen Janas (MBACP, MNCPS Accred), an experienced integrative counsellor and coach based in Wellington, Somerset. I help adults, couples, and young people work through life’s challenges — from anxiety, depression, and low confidence to relationship issues, grief, and the impact of trauma.
07480 536717 View 07480 536717
Photo of Mo Ostler, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Mo Ostler
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Hello; a warm welcome to my profile. Perhaps you are trying to change something in your life; perhaps you are wanting to give up old habits or create new ones. Maybe you are struggling with something, or perhaps you just want to take a look at your life and assess or reassess it. Together we can work out a way forward; by looking at and following your cues, which you may or may not be aware of right now, we can map a path that feels right for you. I truly believe that everyone carries their own answers within them; we just need to find out what they are!
Hello; a warm welcome to my profile. Perhaps you are trying to change something in your life; perhaps you are wanting to give up old habits or create new ones. Maybe you are struggling with something, or perhaps you just want to take a look at your life and assess or reassess it. Together we can work out a way forward; by looking at and following your cues, which you may or may not be aware of right now, we can map a path that feels right for you. I truly believe that everyone carries their own answers within them; we just need to find out what they are!
01952 454721 View 01952 454721
Photo of Kelly Jane Hooper, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Kelly Jane Hooper
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Serves Area
Life can often feel challenging and even overwhelming at times. The therapeutic relationship between therapist and client, once formed is a safe, warm, non judgmental space that will allow the client to explore their worries and make sense of your feelings.
Life can often feel challenging and even overwhelming at times. The therapeutic relationship between therapist and client, once formed is a safe, warm, non judgmental space that will allow the client to explore their worries and make sense of your feelings.
01823 785729 View 01823 785729
Photo of Samantha Beale, Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Samantha Beale
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Serves Area
Over the years, I have helped clients facing a range of difficulties, from anxiety and work-related stress to mental and physical health concerns. I have also worked with survivors of domestic abuse, childhood abuse, rape, and sexual assault. My focus is on helping you reconnect with yourself, build resilience, and rediscover the spark that brings meaning to your life.
Over the years, I have helped clients facing a range of difficulties, from anxiety and work-related stress to mental and physical health concerns. I have also worked with survivors of domestic abuse, childhood abuse, rape, and sexual assault. My focus is on helping you reconnect with yourself, build resilience, and rediscover the spark that brings meaning to your life.
01823 213786 View 01823 213786
Photo of Dr Maria Gascon-Ramos, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Maria Gascon-Ramos
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Serves Area
As a Clinical & Educational Psychologist, I work with children and adults with a range of difficulties who want to improve their lives. Clients I see struggle with attachment trauma, anxiety, depression, physical symptoms and self-criticism. They often feel, anxious, drained, live with pain, gastro problems, phobias and/or PTSD,ADHD, or FND symptoms. Relationships are challenging, and trusting others to access help is a struggle. Through our work, we develop greater awareness of how they relate to others in intimate relationships, and the impact this has on their body and mind, which helps them relate to themselves differently too..
As a Clinical & Educational Psychologist, I work with children and adults with a range of difficulties who want to improve their lives. Clients I see struggle with attachment trauma, anxiety, depression, physical symptoms and self-criticism. They often feel, anxious, drained, live with pain, gastro problems, phobias and/or PTSD,ADHD, or FND symptoms. Relationships are challenging, and trusting others to access help is a struggle. Through our work, we develop greater awareness of how they relate to others in intimate relationships, and the impact this has on their body and mind, which helps them relate to themselves differently too..
01823 589443 View 01823 589443

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Dr Joanne Crossley, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Joanne Crossley
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
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.
01202 125745 View 01202 125745
Photo of Alex Nigel Moseley - Alex Moseley Counselling and Psychotherapy, Psychotherapist, MUKCP
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.
01392 542187 View 01392 542187
Photo of Karen Wrack, Counsellor, MBACP
Karen Wrack
Counsellor, MBACP
Exeter EX1
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.
01392 321518 View 01392 321518
Photo of Dr Eva Walton, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Eva Walton
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Exeter EX2
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.
01803 926078 View 01803 926078
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 Niki Gilding - Counselling by the Sea, Counsellor, MBACP
Counselling by the Sea
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
Sometimes life can become too overwhelming because of difficult events or relationships, both old or current. You may be struggling with anxious feelings or have become stuck in unhelpful behaviours as you try to manage your world. This can become a lonely and disempowering place. People come to therapy because they recognise these thoughts or strategies are limiting their lives. My work is humanistic in approach with a person-centred focus; this means that I will listen and value what you share and not be judgemental or directive. I build empathic therapeutic relationships that enable you to feel safe to share your emotions.
Sometimes life can become too overwhelming because of difficult events or relationships, both old or current. You may be struggling with anxious feelings or have become stuck in unhelpful behaviours as you try to manage your world. This can become a lonely and disempowering place. People come to therapy because they recognise these thoughts or strategies are limiting their lives. My work is humanistic in approach with a person-centred focus; this means that I will listen and value what you share and not be judgemental or directive. I build empathic therapeutic relationships that enable you to feel safe to share your emotions.
01947 660419 View 01947 660419
Photo of Kelly Lowe, Counsellor, MBACP
Kelly Lowe
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Exmouth EX8
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.
01395 204444 View 01395 204444
Photo of Heather Elizabeth Witcher, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Heather Elizabeth Witcher
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Online Only
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.
01803 222980 View 01803 222980
Photo of Kate Needs, Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Kate Needs
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Exeter EX1
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
01572 491353 View 01572 491353
Photo of Jennifer Edge, Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Jennifer Edge
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
1 Endorsed
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 Roberta Hutchins, Psychotherapist, MHGI
Roberta Hutchins
Psychotherapist, MHGI
Exeter EX1
Roberta Hutchins has over 15 years’ experience in private practice as an integrated holistic healthcare practitioner in Devon. Roberta’s many years’ experience of working effectively with people with diverse health problems in a variety of ways have provided a strong foundation for her Human Givens Psychotherapy practice. People suffering from anxiety, depression, and many health problems related to stress, have formed the backbone of her practice. It is often the case that resolving life difficulties, getting needs met and focusing on psychological wellbeing are the keys to getting back on track with life and feeling well again.
Roberta Hutchins has over 15 years’ experience in private practice as an integrated holistic healthcare practitioner in Devon. Roberta’s many years’ experience of working effectively with people with diverse health problems in a variety of ways have provided a strong foundation for her Human Givens Psychotherapy practice. People suffering from anxiety, depression, and many health problems related to stress, have formed the backbone of her practice. It is often the case that resolving life difficulties, getting needs met and focusing on psychological wellbeing are the keys to getting back on track with life and feeling well again.
01392 549072 View 01392 549072
Photo of Paula Bowen-Scott, Counsellor, MBACP
Paula Bowen-Scott
Counsellor, MBACP
Exeter EX4
I work mainly with adults from all walks of life, all looking to find a more meaningful and fulfilling way of living. Whatever your issues are, together we will explore why you are feeling this way, and work towards change. We will look at what has led to your current issues and what it is you are looking for in order to create those changes. I have a lot of experience working not only face to face but also online and via phone. There is always a choice of a better way of feeling but we sometimes get stuck and unable to find a way forward alone. I can help you to untangle how you are feeling and clear the way for a new path.
I work mainly with adults from all walks of life, all looking to find a more meaningful and fulfilling way of living. Whatever your issues are, together we will explore why you are feeling this way, and work towards change. We will look at what has led to your current issues and what it is you are looking for in order to create those changes. I have a lot of experience working not only face to face but also online and via phone. There is always a choice of a better way of feeling but we sometimes get stuck and unable to find a way forward alone. I can help you to untangle how you are feeling and clear the way for a new path.
01392 719726 View 01392 719726
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.