Chronic Illness Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

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.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is helpful in helping clients who suffer from a wide range of mental health issues. It is most commonly used for people that are having problems managing their emotions. It typically includes individual and group sessions with focus on skill learning of attention, managing emotions and interpersonal skills.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy helps individuals to cope with stressful situations and distressing emotions to help improve their interpersonal relationships. During times of stress, a person usually acts automatically with no regard for consequences, and this often leads to self-destructive behaviours such as self-harm, manipulation and poor eating and sleeping habits. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy can help a client to make better decisions.

During sessions, the therapist will discuss different viewpoints, because they share the theory that opposites can, and do, co-exist. The therapist will teach the client helpful skills that will help the client to accept or change a situation.

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

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

Marja Kates

Ph.D., R.Psych
I am a Registered Psychologist (#1195) who has studied, trained, and worked with children for over 20 years. Children who have experienced or are experiencing anxiety, stress, grief, trauma, and/or illness need a gentle... 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

Lindi Dale

M.A., CCC
    • Online booking
As a therapist, I strive for you to feel held: to feel cared for and understood, with the assurance that I am fiercely present and always in your corner. Above all, my goal is for you to cultivate a grounding sense of... Read more

Chelsea Stenner

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#15201) and a Canadian Certified Counsellor (#10002791). I have a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. The first thing I want you to know... Read more

Candice Seligman

MCP, CCC
    • Online booking
Are you feeling ready for a deeper layer of healing? I am a somatic soul-based therapist who approaches therapy and healing from an embodied, compassionate, empowering, trauma-informed, and holistic perspective. By... 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

Islai Rathlin

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Islai Rathlin, MA, MSW, RSW (they/them) Islai is a Registered Social Worker who specializes in working with queer, trans, and genderdiverse folk who are struggling to connect with themselves and others. They also... Read more

Emmalee Brunt

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
Emmalee offers in person counselling in Victoria, BC, as well as phone and online video counselling sessions for clients across British Columbia. She works with individual clients and welcomes clients from all gender... Read more

Sarah Corrin

M.A., RCC
Somatic Psychotherapy: Resolution and Transformation of Trauma by listening to the Wisdom of our Bodies - Reclaiming Wellbeing, Vitality and Joy   It takes courage to explore one’s inner world... 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

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

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

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

Ross Laird

Ph.D., RCC
Ross Laird, PhD RCC is a consultant to organizations on themes of personal development, well-being, and whole-person learning. He has worked extensively in the fields of addiction, interpersonal conflict, trauma,... 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

Sky Lee

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
When a loved one is unwell, it can be hard to find your bearings.  With experience stemming from 2008, my area of expertise is providing intensive family and caregiver support services.  If you are... 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

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

Natalie Tiojanco

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Hi, I’m Natalie. I am a trauma-informed narrative therapist offering individual counselling to my community, which includes you! I welcome the privilege of hearing your story and supporting you in your path... Read more

Nicole Neufeld

M.C., RCC
Hi, I'm Nicole (she/they). If you're in a space where you're not feeling like yourself, you're not alone. Maybe you've been experiencing worry, or a sense of 'what's the point?' about... 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

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

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

Laurel Aasen

M.C., RCC
It’s an honour and privilege to get to work alongside people as they make changes to create hopeful and fulfilling futures. I believe that change happens when we have the freedom to explore and expand who we are... Read more

Lizelle Badenhorst

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I have a passion for exploring and finding the power of our minds to help us heal. I immigrated to Canada in my early thirties and have experienced loss in my life. These experiences have shaped who I am as a person and... 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

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

Ryan Yellowlees

M.C., RCC
Do you feel stuck? Are you feeling like your life is going nowhere? It can be an uncomfortable and overwhelming place to be. I offer a supportive, safe space to help you get unstuck and guide your life in a new... 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

Norma Hoeppner

M.S.W., RSW
In private practice since 2007, Norma has been a dynamic clinical therapist across diverse health settings since 1989. Currently she practices with Clear Counselling Inc. in Vancouver, as well as an office through... Read more