Chronic Illness Therapists in Plettenberg Bay

Photo of Adriaan Augustyn, Psychologist, MPsych, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
Adriaan Augustyn
Psychologist, MPsych, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist that works from an integrative perspective. I assist adolescents and adults with a wide range of psychological challenges and endeavor to provide a compassionate and meaningful therapeutic experience for those I work with.
I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist that works from an integrative perspective. I assist adolescents and adults with a wide range of psychological challenges and endeavor to provide a compassionate and meaningful therapeutic experience for those I work with.
087 250 0513 x60 View 087 250 0513 x60
Photo of Susan Louise McGarvie, General Counsellor, PhD
Susan Louise McGarvie
General Counsellor, PhD
Serves Area
Whether you're struggling to navigate difficult life circumstances, or feeling like you're ready to take action and make positive life changes, finding someone to support and guide you is a healthy and courageous step.
Whether you're struggling to navigate difficult life circumstances, or feeling like you're ready to take action and make positive life changes, finding someone to support and guide you is a healthy and courageous step.
087 250 2148 x38 View 087 250 2148 x38
Photo of Ashley Wendy Lourens, General Counsellor
Ashley Wendy Lourens
General Counsellor
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
A particular area of interest for me is the effects of the hormonal and reproductive system on women’s mental health. Specifically, PMDD. Additionally, I have extensive experience with clients experiencing grief, depression, relationship difficulties, burnout, anxiety and trauma. I also have experience assisting clients to navigate and develop in the workplace. I prefer for my clients and me to focus on healing holistically. This means simultaneously addressing personal, relational and environmental (past/present) factors rather than focusing on a specific label.
A particular area of interest for me is the effects of the hormonal and reproductive system on women’s mental health. Specifically, PMDD. Additionally, I have extensive experience with clients experiencing grief, depression, relationship difficulties, burnout, anxiety and trauma. I also have experience assisting clients to navigate and develop in the workplace. I prefer for my clients and me to focus on healing holistically. This means simultaneously addressing personal, relational and environmental (past/present) factors rather than focusing on a specific label.
087 250 2219 x46 View 087 250 2219 x46

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Roxanne Goodchild - Roxanne Goodchild Specialist Wellness Counsellor, General Counsellor
Roxanne Goodchild Specialist Wellness Counsellor
General Counsellor
Online Only
You are unique, with your own strengths and weaknesses. With the right perspective and tools, you can overcome great challenges. There is much to be gained by working through our challenges- a fuller, more authentic and abundant life. But admitting that you're facing troubles, that you need assistance or that you do not feel fulfilled is the first step. Reach out if you need a safe space & an empathetic ear to work through difficulties, and to discover the hope that lies beyond what you have experienced. "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in given circumstances"
You are unique, with your own strengths and weaknesses. With the right perspective and tools, you can overcome great challenges. There is much to be gained by working through our challenges- a fuller, more authentic and abundant life. But admitting that you're facing troubles, that you need assistance or that you do not feel fulfilled is the first step. Reach out if you need a safe space & an empathetic ear to work through difficulties, and to discover the hope that lies beyond what you have experienced. "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in given circumstances"
087 250 2748 x43 View 087 250 2748 x43
Photo of Devon Golden, General Counsellor, MSc
Devon Golden
General Counsellor, MSc
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Life, from time to time, can become a struggle for all of us, and often we feel the desire to reach out for some understanding or companionship. However, we still live in an age where seeking support or help is often regarded as a sign of weakness. I believe the complete opposite. To seek out help and support in your darkest hours in order to better understand yourself and overcome your difficulties is a sign of true bravery and courage. By reaching out, you take the first courageous step toward healing, growth, and reclaiming your inner strength.
Life, from time to time, can become a struggle for all of us, and often we feel the desire to reach out for some understanding or companionship. However, we still live in an age where seeking support or help is often regarded as a sign of weakness. I believe the complete opposite. To seek out help and support in your darkest hours in order to better understand yourself and overcome your difficulties is a sign of true bravery and courage. By reaching out, you take the first courageous step toward healing, growth, and reclaiming your inner strength.
087 250 2962 x78 View 087 250 2962 x78

Online Therapists

Photo of Gertruida Susanna Dowse, Social Worker, BSocSci Hons
Gertruida Susanna Dowse
Social Worker, BSocSci Hons
Feeling anxious and unsure what the next step is? Finding it difficult to relate to your partner? Finding it difficult to cope at work or finding it difficult to relate with employer/employee? Don’t know how to cope with addiction in the family or yourself? Are you in a overly toxic relationship? Do you want to start a new beginning/ business, but just can't!, struggling to stay motivated? Are you caught in a depressive situation? Do you want to change to a healthier relationship with yourself and others? Are you constantly in conflict with yourself or others? Do you experience obsessive fear?
Feeling anxious and unsure what the next step is? Finding it difficult to relate to your partner? Finding it difficult to cope at work or finding it difficult to relate with employer/employee? Don’t know how to cope with addiction in the family or yourself? Are you in a overly toxic relationship? Do you want to start a new beginning/ business, but just can't!, struggling to stay motivated? Are you caught in a depressive situation? Do you want to change to a healthier relationship with yourself and others? Are you constantly in conflict with yourself or others? Do you experience obsessive fear?
087 250 0442 x43 View 087 250 0442 x43

Nearby Searches for Plettenberg Bay

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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.