Chronic Illness Counselling in Edinburgh
Living with a visible or invisible long term illness can impact on your thoughts, feelings and behaviour and affect your relationships, wellbeing and ability to function. I’m comfortable having difficult conversations about health and medical conditions, treatments, symptoms and the effect they have on your mental wellbeing. Psychological support can help you manage these challenges and get on with living a good life. Psychological support can also be helpful when you are receiving medical care or surgery. Collaborating with me before and after you have medical treatment or surgery can maximise your coping strategies and recovery.
Living with a visible or invisible long term illness can impact on your thoughts, feelings and behaviour and affect your relationships, wellbeing and ability to function. I’m comfortable having difficult conversations about health and medical conditions, treatments, symptoms and the effect they have on your mental wellbeing. Psychological support can help you manage these challenges and get on with living a good life. Psychological support can also be helpful when you are receiving medical care or surgery. Collaborating with me before and after you have medical treatment or surgery can maximise your coping strategies and recovery.
Therapy is a space to be, a gift of self-care. This is an opportunity to receive, to be heard, to learn healthy and adaptive ways to be in relationship with self and others. My approach is wholistic, integrative, and intuitive; guiding you to identify, feel, and understand your needs and emotions, reset and nurture the nervous system, learn to hold boundaries, and connect to your authentic self. Helping identify and transmute beliefs that no longer serve, from "I'm not good enough" to "I am worthy"; moving from fear to love & acceptance. Helping the mind-brain to communicate and ground into your heart and body.
Therapy is a space to be, a gift of self-care. This is an opportunity to receive, to be heard, to learn healthy and adaptive ways to be in relationship with self and others. My approach is wholistic, integrative, and intuitive; guiding you to identify, feel, and understand your needs and emotions, reset and nurture the nervous system, learn to hold boundaries, and connect to your authentic self. Helping identify and transmute beliefs that no longer serve, from "I'm not good enough" to "I am worthy"; moving from fear to love & acceptance. Helping the mind-brain to communicate and ground into your heart and body.
This includes identities around chronic illness and disability, as well as around gender, sexuality and relationship diversity.
As an Art psychotherapist I recognise that there is many creative ways to explore and reach your therapeutic aims. This means it is entirely up to you whether you would like the therapy sessions to be about working things through verbally, with the art materials or in any combination of the two.
This includes identities around chronic illness and disability, as well as around gender, sexuality and relationship diversity.
As an Art psychotherapist I recognise that there is many creative ways to explore and reach your therapeutic aims. This means it is entirely up to you whether you would like the therapy sessions to be about working things through verbally, with the art materials or in any combination of the two.
Welcome! Talking is a wonderful way to share what’s on your mind. You may not even know what is bothering you, but by talking, it helps to get in touch with your emotions and make sense of your thoughts. Changes are often small but can be significant. Speaking with someone who is really listening and can offer a non-judgemental space to fully express yourself, improve your self awareness, and accept you for being you, can help!
Welcome! Talking is a wonderful way to share what’s on your mind. You may not even know what is bothering you, but by talking, it helps to get in touch with your emotions and make sense of your thoughts. Changes are often small but can be significant. Speaking with someone who is really listening and can offer a non-judgemental space to fully express yourself, improve your self awareness, and accept you for being you, can help!
Excellence, Compassion, Not Giving Up On You
Zoe Chouliara Psychology
Director Prof. Dr Zoë Chouliara Formerly Professor in Mental Health, Consultant Psychologist
We are an Awarded, Specialist, Boutique Psychology/Mental Health Clinic in the heart of City centre Edinburgh. No juniors, no associates.
Prof. Dr Zoë Chouliara has 17 years of clinical experience in working with severe and/complex psychological difficulties and 14 years of supervising and training others.
We are Trauma Specialists, Gender Specialist (BPS National Register) and specialist in plastic surgery.
We handle anything you've got.
Excellence, Compassion, Not Giving Up On You
Zoe Chouliara Psychology
Director Prof. Dr Zoë Chouliara Formerly Professor in Mental Health, Consultant Psychologist
We are an Awarded, Specialist, Boutique Psychology/Mental Health Clinic in the heart of City centre Edinburgh. No juniors, no associates.
Prof. Dr Zoë Chouliara has 17 years of clinical experience in working with severe and/complex psychological difficulties and 14 years of supervising and training others.
We are Trauma Specialists, Gender Specialist (BPS National Register) and specialist in plastic surgery.
We handle anything you've got.
I have a particular interest in working with clients navigating chronic illness.
I have always been profoundly curious about others and aim to foster that curiosity in my clients. I am interested in the ways that our families, culture and environment shape us and in the ways in which people create meaning in their lives. I have found again and again that psychotherapy can help people understand themselves more deeply and bring about changes which lead to more fulfilled and interesting ways of living, as well as to an improved understanding of themselves in relationship with others. I am able to work on both a short and long term basis, with a preference for longer term work.
I have a particular interest in working with clients navigating chronic illness.
I have always been profoundly curious about others and aim to foster that curiosity in my clients. I am interested in the ways that our families, culture and environment shape us and in the ways in which people create meaning in their lives. I have found again and again that psychotherapy can help people understand themselves more deeply and bring about changes which lead to more fulfilled and interesting ways of living, as well as to an improved understanding of themselves in relationship with others. I am able to work on both a short and long term basis, with a preference for longer term work.
I have over 20 years experience working in varied settings responding to a range of issues: anxiety, depression, chronic illness, stress, relationship difficulties, bereavement, minority issues, trauma and abuse and end of life care.
My experience comes from the work that I have undertaken in a range of settings - CRUSE bereavement care, Relationships Scotland, HIV/HCV services, sexual abuse and trauma services, in-care survivors services, learning disability services. This has given me a sound base of knowledge and skills from which to draw from in my work with individual clients.
I have over 20 years experience working in varied settings responding to a range of issues: anxiety, depression, chronic illness, stress, relationship difficulties, bereavement, minority issues, trauma and abuse and end of life care.
My experience comes from the work that I have undertaken in a range of settings - CRUSE bereavement care, Relationships Scotland, HIV/HCV services, sexual abuse and trauma services, in-care survivors services, learning disability services. This has given me a sound base of knowledge and skills from which to draw from in my work with individual clients.
Seeking support through counselling can be a difficult first step on a journey to better mental health, but the process can be truly life-changing. My aim is to create a safe, non judgemental, compassionate space in which to explore your problems, enabling you to gain a better understanding of your difficulties. I believe it is important to look at the roof of your issues to try and gain the necessary insight to help change your mindset or any patterns of behaviour that are troubling you.
Seeking support through counselling can be a difficult first step on a journey to better mental health, but the process can be truly life-changing. My aim is to create a safe, non judgemental, compassionate space in which to explore your problems, enabling you to gain a better understanding of your difficulties. I believe it is important to look at the roof of your issues to try and gain the necessary insight to help change your mindset or any patterns of behaviour that are troubling you.
People usually see me for between 2 and 12 sessions, but with chronic illness and dissociative disorders you may want longer-term or ongoing support.
Hi, I'm Claire, and I'm an experienced therapist and hypnotherapist. I take a practical, kind, and non-judgmental approach in my work. I see adults, couples, elderly people, children, and teens. Although I work with whatever issue you want to address in therapy, I also specialise in the following areas: 1) anxiety and depression 2) ongoing or longer-term support, plus coping skills, for chronic or terminal illness e.g. long covid, IBS, Parkinson's or cancer 3) sex-informed couples counselling (not sex therapy, but we will talk about your sex life), and 4) dissociative disorders (depersonalisation/derealisation or DID spectrum).
People usually see me for between 2 and 12 sessions, but with chronic illness and dissociative disorders you may want longer-term or ongoing support.
Hi, I'm Claire, and I'm an experienced therapist and hypnotherapist. I take a practical, kind, and non-judgmental approach in my work. I see adults, couples, elderly people, children, and teens. Although I work with whatever issue you want to address in therapy, I also specialise in the following areas: 1) anxiety and depression 2) ongoing or longer-term support, plus coping skills, for chronic or terminal illness e.g. long covid, IBS, Parkinson's or cancer 3) sex-informed couples counselling (not sex therapy, but we will talk about your sex life), and 4) dissociative disorders (depersonalisation/derealisation or DID spectrum).
So often our difficulties make us feel stuck, bound in place. We can feel caught in a loop, and not know how to get free. We might even know what to do - but either can't seem to do it or it won't work. And sometimes we don't even know what is making us feel stuck and where to start. Problems with our health, mood, traumatic experiences, changes to our life circumstances like work or living arrangement, relationships, habits- any of these can make us feel stuck.
So often our difficulties make us feel stuck, bound in place. We can feel caught in a loop, and not know how to get free. We might even know what to do - but either can't seem to do it or it won't work. And sometimes we don't even know what is making us feel stuck and where to start. Problems with our health, mood, traumatic experiences, changes to our life circumstances like work or living arrangement, relationships, habits- any of these can make us feel stuck.
I am passionate about forming strong therapeutic relationships to enable us to work in collaboration towards your personal goals. I have worked in psychology services since 2008 and as a Clinical Psychologist in highly specialist teams within the NHS since 2015. I became an EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner in 2024. I have specialist experience in working with people living with physical health conditions, as well as working with people who are dealing with challenging life stressors. I am experienced in drawing upon a number of evidenced based approaches and tailoring therapy to my clients needs, goals and values.
I am passionate about forming strong therapeutic relationships to enable us to work in collaboration towards your personal goals. I have worked in psychology services since 2008 and as a Clinical Psychologist in highly specialist teams within the NHS since 2015. I became an EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner in 2024. I have specialist experience in working with people living with physical health conditions, as well as working with people who are dealing with challenging life stressors. I am experienced in drawing upon a number of evidenced based approaches and tailoring therapy to my clients needs, goals and values.
I speak to people who may look like they’re coping, but inside feel overwhelmed, anxious, or confused by their own thoughts and emotions. You might be a teenager trying to make sense of pressure, expectations, or who you are becoming, or an adult who has learned to function while feeling stuck or self-critical or you just moved acrossed the globe. You may overthink, feel ashamed for struggling, or believe you should manage better on your own. I speak to those who want understanding rather than quick fixes, and who are open to learning how to relate to themselves with more clarity, flexibility, and kindness.
I speak to people who may look like they’re coping, but inside feel overwhelmed, anxious, or confused by their own thoughts and emotions. You might be a teenager trying to make sense of pressure, expectations, or who you are becoming, or an adult who has learned to function while feeling stuck or self-critical or you just moved acrossed the globe. You may overthink, feel ashamed for struggling, or believe you should manage better on your own. I speak to those who want understanding rather than quick fixes, and who are open to learning how to relate to themselves with more clarity, flexibility, and kindness.
I can help by supporting clients to manage, adapt and cope with chronic illness and the changes that go with chronic illness.
I am a Principal Health Psychologist who supports people with:
Acquired brain injury, ADHD assessment, diagnosis, coaching and support, Autoimmune diseases such as Arthritis, Lupus, Behcets, Coeliac, Multiple Sclerosis,
Burnout & stress, Brain fog, Migraine & menopause, Cancer, Cardiac conditions with a specialism in cardiomyopathy, Epilepsy, Gastro issues like IBD, Crohns, Colitis, Mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, OCD, Trauma or PTSD, Metabolic issues like diabetes, MASLD (fatty liver), ME, CFS, Long Covid & Fatigue, Scoliosis
I can help by supporting clients to manage, adapt and cope with chronic illness and the changes that go with chronic illness.
I am a Principal Health Psychologist who supports people with:
Acquired brain injury, ADHD assessment, diagnosis, coaching and support, Autoimmune diseases such as Arthritis, Lupus, Behcets, Coeliac, Multiple Sclerosis,
Burnout & stress, Brain fog, Migraine & menopause, Cancer, Cardiac conditions with a specialism in cardiomyopathy, Epilepsy, Gastro issues like IBD, Crohns, Colitis, Mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, OCD, Trauma or PTSD, Metabolic issues like diabetes, MASLD (fatty liver), ME, CFS, Long Covid & Fatigue, Scoliosis
Anxiety, stress and low mood can leave us feeling overwhelmed and difficult to know how to manage this both in our personal and professional lives. Talking to a therapist can be quite daunting. However, I truly believe talking through a problem can really help. I can help you to identify and understand issues you are struggling with and together we can come up with a plan on how to help you overcome these.
I have vast experience in mental health and some of my most recent work has been working through work related dress, neurodiversity, social anxiety and gender dysphoria.
Anxiety, stress and low mood can leave us feeling overwhelmed and difficult to know how to manage this both in our personal and professional lives. Talking to a therapist can be quite daunting. However, I truly believe talking through a problem can really help. I can help you to identify and understand issues you are struggling with and together we can come up with a plan on how to help you overcome these.
I have vast experience in mental health and some of my most recent work has been working through work related dress, neurodiversity, social anxiety and gender dysphoria.
I specialise in helping people who are dealing with traumatic life events, and those who feel lost amidst major life transitions. Whether you are navigating a health challenge, coming to terms with a loss, or looking for support around managing stress - I am here to support you.
My approach is first and foremost centred around your needs, your history, and you as a person. I want to help you find yourself and the path forward when you fusing evidence based interventions with practical and human guidance.
I specialise in helping people who are dealing with traumatic life events, and those who feel lost amidst major life transitions. Whether you are navigating a health challenge, coming to terms with a loss, or looking for support around managing stress - I am here to support you.
My approach is first and foremost centred around your needs, your history, and you as a person. I want to help you find yourself and the path forward when you fusing evidence based interventions with practical and human guidance.
My name is Dr Craig Mackay and I am a HCPC registered clinical psychologist. I have been passionate about psychology since I was younger as I have always been interested in individual differences and helping people to make sense of their difficulties. I am motivated by helping others to develop strategies to enable them to improve their quality of life. I do not see my clients as 'problems to be solved', rather difficult events can happen to us which affect our wellbeing. I provide a safe, compassionate and non judgemental space in order to help individual's who want to make meaningful changes in their lives.
My name is Dr Craig Mackay and I am a HCPC registered clinical psychologist. I have been passionate about psychology since I was younger as I have always been interested in individual differences and helping people to make sense of their difficulties. I am motivated by helping others to develop strategies to enable them to improve their quality of life. I do not see my clients as 'problems to be solved', rather difficult events can happen to us which affect our wellbeing. I provide a safe, compassionate and non judgemental space in order to help individual's who want to make meaningful changes in their lives.
Perhaps health issues such as chronic illness, disability or menopause have affected how you are feeling.
Although each person’s situation is unique, some of the many issues I work with include: bereavement and other losses; exploring gender, sex and relationship diversity, and offering an affirming approach to LGBTQ+ clients; chronic illness and disability; relationship issues; the impact of the pandemic and COVID-19.
Perhaps health issues such as chronic illness, disability or menopause have affected how you are feeling.
Although each person’s situation is unique, some of the many issues I work with include: bereavement and other losses; exploring gender, sex and relationship diversity, and offering an affirming approach to LGBTQ+ clients; chronic illness and disability; relationship issues; the impact of the pandemic and COVID-19.
I’m a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist with experience working in the charity sector supporting clients with complex needs, as well as facilitating group therapy. Life can present moments where we feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or disconnected—whether due to anxiety, relationship challenges, or simply not feeling aligned with the life we desire. Whatever you're facing, I am here to meet you where you are, offering support and guidance as we work together to help you reach your goals.
I’m a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist with experience working in the charity sector supporting clients with complex needs, as well as facilitating group therapy. Life can present moments where we feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or disconnected—whether due to anxiety, relationship challenges, or simply not feeling aligned with the life we desire. Whatever you're facing, I am here to meet you where you are, offering support and guidance as we work together to help you reach your goals.
Hello. My approach aims to empower you to overcome life's challenges, build resilience, and lead a more fulfilling life. Through a compassionate and collaborative process, I use evidence based therapy to help you gain insight into your problems so we can work through them together. I strive to create a warm, supportive and non-judgmental environment for you.
I have full accreditation in both CBT and EMDR therapy. I have 16 years experience working with adults in NHS and private settings, and experience supervising other therapists. I live in South Queensferry, Edinburgh with my husband and two children.
Hello. My approach aims to empower you to overcome life's challenges, build resilience, and lead a more fulfilling life. Through a compassionate and collaborative process, I use evidence based therapy to help you gain insight into your problems so we can work through them together. I strive to create a warm, supportive and non-judgmental environment for you.
I have full accreditation in both CBT and EMDR therapy. I have 16 years experience working with adults in NHS and private settings, and experience supervising other therapists. I live in South Queensferry, Edinburgh with my husband and two children.
Part of being human is finding ourselves in relationships—with partners, friends, family, but also with our workplaces, communities, roles, responsibilities, and the broader culture we inhabit. These relationships can be nourishing and supportive, but they can also leave us feeling lost, unseen, or overwhelmed. In our work together, we will aim to co-create a safe and reflective space where you can begin to explore both your inner and outer worlds.
Part of being human is finding ourselves in relationships—with partners, friends, family, but also with our workplaces, communities, roles, responsibilities, and the broader culture we inhabit. These relationships can be nourishing and supportive, but they can also leave us feeling lost, unseen, or overwhelmed. In our work together, we will aim to co-create a safe and reflective space where you can begin to explore both your inner and outer worlds.
See more therapy options for Edinburgh
Nearby Chronic Illness Counsellors Searches for Edinburgh
- Alloa
- Bathgate
- Dalkeith
- Dunfermline
- Glenrothes
- Gorebridge
- Haddington
- Kirkcaldy
- Leven
- Livingston
- Musselburgh
- North Berwick
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.