Chronic Illness Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Chronic Illness

Chronic illness has the ability to affect you in more ways than just medically. In fact, it can impact you psychologically. The degree of impact is dependent on the person's personality and the circumstances before the diagnosis. Support structure plays an important role on a person's ability to cope, but oftentimes, a person has to go through various stages of dealing with the condition before they are able to adjust to the realities of the chronic illness.

When a person is diagnosed with a chronic illness, he or she will go through a number of stages similar to the stages of grief. Denial, disbelief and shock are just some of the emotions a person experiences when a diagnosis is made, and it's natural for them to resist major changes. Eventually, they will become exhausted, when all they really want to do is to recover. At that point, fear and anxiety will set in and worry in the face of uncertainty of the future.

Sadness, grief and depression are common emotions when they consider the possibility of lost goals, hopes and dreams. Losing independence is a real fear, which becomes inevitable if an illness progresses and that brings about the fear of being a burden to loved ones, which brings on more anger, resentment and even shame.

Counselling can help a person to deal with the emotions relating to chronic illness and to cope with the stress and anxieties of accepting and coping with life changes. It will help to regain personal control over life and yourself.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist who works with in chronically ill individuals you may want to search the directory to find a professional whose approach will suit you best.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness approaches

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a psychological approach that deals with the way in which clients think about themselves, other people and the world. The outside world affects how we think and feel about ourselves and as a result, our behaviour. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can help a person to change the way they think about thoughts and feelings, but it is not like other types of talk therapy.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy focuses on current issues and challenges that affect the client right now. It doesn't consider the past issues that caused distress, but rather looks for solutions that can improve the client's state of mind in the moment. Much of CBT involves looking at thought distortions that can affect mood and are affected by mood, and helps client examine and challenge distorted thinking patters.

CBT can help a range of problems, from OCD, PTSD, bulimia, stress, phobias and other issues that might seem overwhelming to the client, by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable chunks.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Mindfulness approaches help clients to be focused in the here and now. Generally rooted in Eastern meditative techniques,  Mindfulness approaches offer a non-judgmental alternative therapy for dealing with stress and other psychological issues.

By observing worrisome thoughts and learning to accept situations for what they are, people can learn to cope with issues better and make more productive choices.

Mindfulness approaches include a range of models, including dialectical behaviour therapy,  mindfulness-based stress reduction, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. These approaches can be used in a wide range of settings to reduce the symptoms of a broad spectrum of psychological issues.  These therapies can be practiced effectively in individual or group therapy.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Mindfulness approaches, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Note: You may narrow your search by selecting more than one filter below.

Joanne Schwartz

M.S.W., RSW
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
I can help you achieve: Relief from negative thinking, anxiety and depression. Better coping mechanisms to help you overcome addictive or destructive behaviours. Balance in your day-to-day life. I aim to... Read more

Amy Rappaport

M.S.W., RCC
Welcome! I work with people experiencing a variety of life transitions and life struggles.  A stressful life event, life change, or a recent loss can make it feel like your bottom has fallen out from under... Read more

Lephuong Ong

Ph.D., R.Psych
Insight and Therapy:  It takes great courage and insight to make the decision to engage in therapy to examine and address the concerns that have been troubling you. Though it may seem daunting, therapy... Read more

Deborah Braun

M.A., RCC
My experienc Deborah Braun, BLA, MA, RCC welcomes individuals and couples facing challenging issues. Whether it's chronic illness, relationship, career or college satisfaction, anxiety, depression, loss, stress... Read more

Joanna Nicholson

M.A., RCC
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
Since 2017, I have been working in an oncology setting within the health care system. I understand that navigating illness can be incredibly lonely. Feelings of grief and depression are common reactions to health-... Read more

Faye Shedletzky

M.Ed., CCC
    • Online booking
Are you a highly sensitive person or empath struggling with anxiety, overwhelm or grief as you navigate your days?  These are complicated times and you are not alone in this struggle.  It is possible to find... Read more

Adrienne Johnson

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I am passionate about helping clients who are facing challenges in transitions, relationships, or who are exploring questions about their life’s meaning and purpose. I also have experience working with anxiety,... Read more

Elaine Zbitniff

M.A., RCC
Elaine is a registered clinical counsellor and has former experience as a registered nurse in the specialties burns and plastic surgery unit and in a hospice. Her knowledge as a nurse has been informative to... Read more

Roma Palmer

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
Choosing a counsellor is a very personal decision.  Below please find some information to help you make the choice that is right for you. What is my philosophy of counselling and how can I help you? I believe... Read more

Candace Marshall

M.A., CCC
    • Online booking
UPDATE - COVID-19 and Nexus Counselling Services:  In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, your safety and health is paramount.  Whether you are a new or existing client, to accommodate your concerns and... Read more

Cynthia Gyuk

B.S.W., RSW
Welcome and thank you for taking a moment to read my profile. As a Registered Social Worker with specialized training, I provide a compassionate and safe space to support individuals and families who may be ... Read more

Sarah Mordell

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Online booking
Curious about therapy but feeling a bit overwhelmed about where to start? Let's walk through it together. Finding someone who seems like a good fit for you is an important start. But reflecting on what you'... Read more

Halina Deptuck

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Periods of struggle, challenge, or feeling stuck inevitably occur throughout our lives. Whether you’ve gone through a life transition, are experiencing low mood, heightened anxieties, relationship challenges,... Read more

Judy Zhu

M.Ed., RCC
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, addiction, or feeling stressed out? Are you also experiencing health issues such as digestion problems, poor sleep, pain and fatigue? I am a registered clinical... Read more

Sara Ahmadian

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Are you tired of feeling trapped in a cycle of pain and exhaustion? Do you long for a sense of relief and hope in your life? I'm here to offer you a guiding hand on your journey towards healing and well-being. I... Read more

Adrienne Moya

M.S.W., RCC
    • Online booking
Welcome, I'm Adrienne, owner of Camas Mental Health. Camas offers therapy services with a specialization in supporting reproductive mental health and wellbeing across the lifespan through... Read more

Alita Dommann

M.D., RCC
Alita is an Adlerian Psychotherapist providing Individual and Couples Counselling. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Canadian Certified Counsellor, and Adler University Alumni. After working as a medical... Read more

Tara Azimi

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with over 12 years of experience. I’m also completing a PhD where I collaborate on research projects on diabetes, domestic abuse... Read more

Joseph Tse

Ph.D., R.Psych
I am Registered Psychologist (#2491) in British Columbia. I enjoy working with adults on a variety of psychological concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress management, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).... Read more

Rebecca Rauscher

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
I have over 15 years experience as a helping professional, first as an Occupational Therapist and then as a Registered Clinical Counsellor. Working with people is my passion! I love joining my clients on their... Read more

Susan Higgs

MCP, RCC
Susan is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with a Master of Counselling Psychology (MCP) from Adler University.  Susan brings a diversity of... Read more

Samantha Lee

M.Ed., RCC
Hey there, I’m Sam! I provide therapy from a trauma-informed, client centered perspective that is anti-oppressive. My style of counselling prioritizes warm, transparent communication. I have experience supporting... Read more

Ira Yakubovitz

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Helping people to find their way through mid-life’s challenges and transitions. Life can be a wonderful mix of challenges and opportunities. Lately it may feel like mostly demands and responsibilities have been... Read more

Becca Smith

M.S.W., RSW
Counselling is a deeply personal experience. A therapy relationship is built on a foundation of trust and trust is built over time as we gain knowledge and experience of another person. With 25 years of clinical... Read more

Susan McConnell

M.S.W., RSW
I have been in private practice as a counsellor and psychotherapist for over 20 years. During that time I have had the privilege of being able to connect with people and help them achieve their personal goals, create... Read more

Kate Gustin

Ph.D., R.Psych
As a registered psychologist, I have helped hundreds of people over the past 25 years heal emotional wounds and recover peace of mind. If you're finding that your daily mood and quality of life are being... Read more

Jennifer Scott

M.A., RCC
    • Article(s) on profile
Please note I am now offering virtual counselling by phone or video as well as in-person counselling. Many clients have found virtual counselling just as effective as in-person counselling. I welcome you to give it... Read more

Meagan Maddocks

M.Couns., RCC
Meagan is a registered clinical counsellor who has over 20 years of expertise in working with clients who live with chronic illnesses. Balancing life’s stressors and joys can be a difficult task. When... Read more

Colette Mrazek

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
My counselling career began over 20 years ago and since then, I have worked in a variety of settings with many different populations, such as youth at risk, children who have been orphaned, young parents,... Read more

Anthony Cave

M.A., R.Psych
    • In-Person Sessions
About me My private practice consists of psychotherapy services for youth, adults and elders. An appointment usually lasts an hour and takes place in a confidential office setting. I also provide clinical consulting... Read more