Chronic Illness Counselling in Athy
I use an integrative approach with tools to adapt to individual client needs. My commitment and awareness to my own journey in therapy led me into the area of mental health and helping others. I have over 20 years of experience working in the hospitality sector and have always valued working with people. I have experienced personal challenges, namely grief and my diagnosis of chronic health conditions. I am committed to utilising both my training and life experiences, by applying my knowledge and empathy to help others in their own journey.
I use an integrative approach with tools to adapt to individual client needs. My commitment and awareness to my own journey in therapy led me into the area of mental health and helping others. I have over 20 years of experience working in the hospitality sector and have always valued working with people. I have experienced personal challenges, namely grief and my diagnosis of chronic health conditions. I am committed to utilising both my training and life experiences, by applying my knowledge and empathy to help others in their own journey.
Life can feel overwhelming—stress, anxiety, low mood, health issues, or feeling stuck can drain your energy and joy. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space to talk, heal, and grow. Whether you face burnout, depression, eating challenges, or relationship struggles, or maybe you are in perimenopause, we work together to create real, lasting change. I help adults restore balance, boost confidence, and feel stronger—emotionally and physically—using practical tools, emotional support, and healthy lifestyle strategies.
Life can feel overwhelming—stress, anxiety, low mood, health issues, or feeling stuck can drain your energy and joy. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space to talk, heal, and grow. Whether you face burnout, depression, eating challenges, or relationship struggles, or maybe you are in perimenopause, we work together to create real, lasting change. I help adults restore balance, boost confidence, and feel stronger—emotionally and physically—using practical tools, emotional support, and healthy lifestyle strategies.
I am a qualified counsellor and an accredited member of IACP. I work with clients in a person-centred way, focusing on the lived experience and current challenges that each person brings to the therapy space and integrating a variety of therapeutic approaches.
I am a qualified counsellor and an accredited member of IACP. I work with clients in a person-centred way, focusing on the lived experience and current challenges that each person brings to the therapy space and integrating a variety of therapeutic approaches.
More Therapists Nearby
Hello, I'm Dearbhaill. Exploring therapy is a big step, and I know how daunting it can be. In my private practice, I hope you will feel safe enough to speak freely, knowing you will always be met with compassion, respect, and sensitivity. Whether you’re navigating change, carrying something heavy, or simply curious about your own growth, our work together can give you the time and space to pause, reflect, and move forward at a pace that feels right for you.
Hello, I'm Dearbhaill. Exploring therapy is a big step, and I know how daunting it can be. In my private practice, I hope you will feel safe enough to speak freely, knowing you will always be met with compassion, respect, and sensitivity. Whether you’re navigating change, carrying something heavy, or simply curious about your own growth, our work together can give you the time and space to pause, reflect, and move forward at a pace that feels right for you.
I work with adults who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or caught in patterns that are difficult to shift alone. This can include anxiety, low mood, OCD, trauma, or longer-term emotional difficulties. Some people are managing day to day but feel burnt out, disconnected, or struggling with self-esteem. Many are high-functioning and used to coping independently. I work in a neurodiversity-affirming way and aim to bring clarity to what is happening beneath the surface, so change feels more possible. You don’t need a diagnosis to begin therapy.
I work with adults who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or caught in patterns that are difficult to shift alone. This can include anxiety, low mood, OCD, trauma, or longer-term emotional difficulties. Some people are managing day to day but feel burnt out, disconnected, or struggling with self-esteem. Many are high-functioning and used to coping independently. I work in a neurodiversity-affirming way and aim to bring clarity to what is happening beneath the surface, so change feels more possible. You don’t need a diagnosis to begin therapy.
Barbara is a fully certified psychotherapist with a B.A. (Hons) in Psychology and a Masters in Counselling & Psychotherapy. She is a member of the Association of Professional Counsellors & Psychotherapists in Ireland (APCP), Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI), British Psychological Society (BACP) and the American Psychological Association (APA).
Barbara is a fully certified psychotherapist with a B.A. (Hons) in Psychology and a Masters in Counselling & Psychotherapy. She is a member of the Association of Professional Counsellors & Psychotherapists in Ireland (APCP), Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI), British Psychological Society (BACP) and the American Psychological Association (APA).
Sara supports adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, bereavement, chronic illness, cancer and relationship difficulties.
Dr Sara McNally is a qualified psychotherapist with a diverse academic and clinical background. She holds an MSc in Pluralistic Counselling & Psychotherapy from the Irish Institute of Counselling and Psychotherapy and a Higher Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy from Dublin Business School. In addition to her core psychotherapy training, she completed a PhD in Pharmacology at the School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, bringing a strong scientific foundation and depth of analytical understanding to her therapeutic work. Sara also holds a Degree in Genetics from Trinity College Dublin.
Sara supports adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, bereavement, chronic illness, cancer and relationship difficulties.
Dr Sara McNally is a qualified psychotherapist with a diverse academic and clinical background. She holds an MSc in Pluralistic Counselling & Psychotherapy from the Irish Institute of Counselling and Psychotherapy and a Higher Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy from Dublin Business School. In addition to her core psychotherapy training, she completed a PhD in Pharmacology at the School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, bringing a strong scientific foundation and depth of analytical understanding to her therapeutic work. Sara also holds a Degree in Genetics from Trinity College Dublin.
Additionally I work with body mind neurofeedback, stress symptoms (tummy, back, neck aches, chronic illness).
“I offer a warm and confidential space for you to bring whatever concerns and challenges you may have. The initial free consultation session allows you to share what you are coming for and also for us to see if it feels right to begin to work together. I work in a Relational and Mindful way and my priority is to create a sense of ease and safety within which we can explore the challenges you are experiencing.
Additionally I work with body mind neurofeedback, stress symptoms (tummy, back, neck aches, chronic illness).
“I offer a warm and confidential space for you to bring whatever concerns and challenges you may have. The initial free consultation session allows you to share what you are coming for and also for us to see if it feels right to begin to work together. I work in a Relational and Mindful way and my priority is to create a sense of ease and safety within which we can explore the challenges you are experiencing.
Trauma Informed and Neuro Affirming Practice! I am a fully accredited adult, adolescent and child psychotherapist. As an integrative therapist, I move between different theoretical approaches including Person Centred Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Gestalt Therapy depending on each client’s individual therapeutic needs. My main therapeutic approach is Humanistic where I apply a Person-Cantered focus with clients by establishing an empathic and non-judgmental relationship in a relaxed, confidential setting with each client.
Trauma Informed and Neuro Affirming Practice! I am a fully accredited adult, adolescent and child psychotherapist. As an integrative therapist, I move between different theoretical approaches including Person Centred Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Gestalt Therapy depending on each client’s individual therapeutic needs. My main therapeutic approach is Humanistic where I apply a Person-Cantered focus with clients by establishing an empathic and non-judgmental relationship in a relaxed, confidential setting with each client.
I understand that reaching out for help requires significant courage. With this in mind, I offer a safe and confidential environment where we can collaboratively explore integrative and creative methods to transform thought patterns, foster personal growth, and develop lasting solutions to recurring challenges. My background includes working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, panic attacks, anger, trauma, abuse, grief, loss, and relationship difficulties, and I firmly believe that healing occurs in gradual, incremental steps.
I understand that reaching out for help requires significant courage. With this in mind, I offer a safe and confidential environment where we can collaboratively explore integrative and creative methods to transform thought patterns, foster personal growth, and develop lasting solutions to recurring challenges. My background includes working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, panic attacks, anger, trauma, abuse, grief, loss, and relationship difficulties, and I firmly believe that healing occurs in gradual, incremental steps.
I am Integrative and humanistic psychotherapist accredited by IACP. Integrative means, I draw on several different techniques and theories, which are tailored to the client’s needs. I have experience working with clients on a variety of presenting issues including anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, stress, identity and sexuality. I also work at the National Forensic Mental Health Service (NFMHS) where I support individuals to navigate their employment and mental health needs. I have a keen interest in attachment and am very much trauma informed in my work. I look forward to hearing from you.
I am Integrative and humanistic psychotherapist accredited by IACP. Integrative means, I draw on several different techniques and theories, which are tailored to the client’s needs. I have experience working with clients on a variety of presenting issues including anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, stress, identity and sexuality. I also work at the National Forensic Mental Health Service (NFMHS) where I support individuals to navigate their employment and mental health needs. I have a keen interest in attachment and am very much trauma informed in my work. I look forward to hearing from you.
Is everything getting you down? Anxiety and panic attacks taking over your life? Relationship issues becoming unbearable? Have you experienced a loss and finding it difficult to cope? Are you having health problems? I have worked with many sensitive issues in the past and can help you through this difficult time with therapy. I can guide you through and assist you to process your challenges. Establishing a better quality of life in a safe environment.
Is everything getting you down? Anxiety and panic attacks taking over your life? Relationship issues becoming unbearable? Have you experienced a loss and finding it difficult to cope? Are you having health problems? I have worked with many sensitive issues in the past and can help you through this difficult time with therapy. I can guide you through and assist you to process your challenges. Establishing a better quality of life in a safe environment.
At Bridge Psychotherapy, you are at the core of the practice. Each individual that walks through the doors is unique with your own story to tell. My therapeutic approach integrates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic to meet you where you are now and to help you build self acceptance and personal growth. I have a special interest in working with clients experiencing intrusive thoughts, OCD, poor self worth and perfectionism, however I also work with a wide range of emotional and stress-related issues including stress, anxiety, depression, anger, panic attacks, trauma, grief & loss.
At Bridge Psychotherapy, you are at the core of the practice. Each individual that walks through the doors is unique with your own story to tell. My therapeutic approach integrates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic to meet you where you are now and to help you build self acceptance and personal growth. I have a special interest in working with clients experiencing intrusive thoughts, OCD, poor self worth and perfectionism, however I also work with a wide range of emotional and stress-related issues including stress, anxiety, depression, anger, panic attacks, trauma, grief & loss.
I offer in-person appointments in Naas for adults & adolescents (teens 13-18).
There are times in life when the pain feels too much to carry alone. You might be living with the effects of trauma or abuse, feeling disconnected or under threat in your relationships, struggling with anxiety, depression or grief. Perhaps you’re exhausted, burnt out or overwhelmed. You may be facing big existential questions like: Who am I? Why my life so painful? You might even just feel something is off without knowing what. Whatever the colour of your pain, it can shape how you experience yourself and the world right now.
I offer in-person appointments in Naas for adults & adolescents (teens 13-18).
There are times in life when the pain feels too much to carry alone. You might be living with the effects of trauma or abuse, feeling disconnected or under threat in your relationships, struggling with anxiety, depression or grief. Perhaps you’re exhausted, burnt out or overwhelmed. You may be facing big existential questions like: Who am I? Why my life so painful? You might even just feel something is off without knowing what. Whatever the colour of your pain, it can shape how you experience yourself and the world right now.
“Overactive” busy minds have difficulty slowing down. I see it everyday. Having genes for a mental illness does not guarantee having one. Exposure to traumas is also needed to cause a disturbance in transmitters and hormones in the body. I help a person when they are looking for help in reducing psychiatric medications or before taking them. My experience involves helping a person process their traumas to heal them emotionally. In Walsh protocol , food supplements are prescribed instead of psychotropic medications that participate in hormonal and neurotransmitter metabolism. I can speak English, Hindi/ Urdu and Punjabi.
“Overactive” busy minds have difficulty slowing down. I see it everyday. Having genes for a mental illness does not guarantee having one. Exposure to traumas is also needed to cause a disturbance in transmitters and hormones in the body. I help a person when they are looking for help in reducing psychiatric medications or before taking them. My experience involves helping a person process their traumas to heal them emotionally. In Walsh protocol , food supplements are prescribed instead of psychotropic medications that participate in hormonal and neurotransmitter metabolism. I can speak English, Hindi/ Urdu and Punjabi.
Now operating a waiting list for July and August online therapy!
I work with adolescents and adults experiencing emotional dysregulation and overwhelm. I offer guidance and skills for you to cope better. If you are seeking support, understanding and compassion as you educate and learn about yourself, I am here to help.
I also work with adhd, personality disorders, infertility and attachment issues. I help people who have been made feel they're too difficult to help understand and help themselves.
Now operating a waiting list for July and August online therapy!
I work with adolescents and adults experiencing emotional dysregulation and overwhelm. I offer guidance and skills for you to cope better. If you are seeking support, understanding and compassion as you educate and learn about yourself, I am here to help.
I also work with adhd, personality disorders, infertility and attachment issues. I help people who have been made feel they're too difficult to help understand and help themselves.
Clients come to me to discuss issues arising from aspects of their lives that they are struggling with, including relationships, family and work.
Clients come to me to discuss issues arising from aspects of their lives that they are struggling with, including relationships, family and work.
A space for you to share your life experiences.
You can disclose what you feel comfortable talking about at your own pace in a confidential, safe, private space. Many people come to therapy to help with current struggles or past experiences, but many also attend just to maintain a good mindset. Each person’s life experience is different and as we know sometimes it can be challenging, therefore talking can help to clear our minds, uncover our struggles, and understand our emotions. Therapy can be challenging, but it can also be very rewarding. Everyone deserves to be heard and supported. Looking forward to meeting you :)
A space for you to share your life experiences.
You can disclose what you feel comfortable talking about at your own pace in a confidential, safe, private space. Many people come to therapy to help with current struggles or past experiences, but many also attend just to maintain a good mindset. Each person’s life experience is different and as we know sometimes it can be challenging, therefore talking can help to clear our minds, uncover our struggles, and understand our emotions. Therapy can be challenging, but it can also be very rewarding. Everyone deserves to be heard and supported. Looking forward to meeting you :)
I work with a diverse range of clients and psychological concerns, including (but not limited to) depression, anxiety, trauma-related issues, work-related stress, neurodivergence, and challenges related to self and identity.
In addition to my therapeutic practice, I am also a lecturer in psychology and an active researcher, which allows me to integrate the cutting edge psychological science into my clinical work.
I work with a diverse range of clients and psychological concerns, including (but not limited to) depression, anxiety, trauma-related issues, work-related stress, neurodivergence, and challenges related to self and identity.
In addition to my therapeutic practice, I am also a lecturer in psychology and an active researcher, which allows me to integrate the cutting edge psychological science into my clinical work.
I have been working in different clinical settings and with clients from multiple age groups. My experience is with adults, adolescents and children and a wide range of difficulties and diagnoses, from depression to grief, anxiety, self-harming and suicide ideation.
I have been working in different clinical settings and with clients from multiple age groups. My experience is with adults, adolescents and children and a wide range of difficulties and diagnoses, from depression to grief, anxiety, self-harming and suicide ideation.
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.