Chronic Illness Counselling in Salford, Manchester

Your pain is real. Your grief is valid. You deserve support that understands.

A Space Where You're Believed

Living with chronic illness is hard enough without having to constantly prove that your experience is real. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, fatigue, autoimmune conditions, or any long-term health challenge - you deserve support that takes you seriously.

I'm Amy, and I offer person-centred counselling for people living with chronic illness. I'm an ADHD counsellor based in Salford, Manchester and work online across the UK. I’m an ADHDer, LGBTQIA+ allied and disabled counsellor. When I sit opposite you in our session and say I get it - I mean it. I understand living with pain from the inside, I know how awful it is to have to cancel plans and feel like a bad friend. I know what it’s like to be repeatedly dismissed at medical appointments. Describing the pain and trying to get people to understand that you’re not being difficult on purpose.

This isn't about positively thinking your way to health. It's about having a space to process the emotional reality of life with a body that doesn't cooperate. I have experience of fibromyalgia, lipoedema, hypermobile ehlers danlos syndrome and POTS. I also often work with ADHD and AuDHD women and I’m aware how much these conditions can co-exist and intersect.

I use a person-centred approach, which means our sessions are led by you and what you need. There's no agenda, no homework, no pressure to be anywhere other than where you are right now. I offer a holistic, gender-inclusive space where we explore what is important to you. With additional training in aphantasia, GSRD (Gender, Sex, and Relationship Diversity), and neuro-affirming practices, I ensure my clients receive care that is current, research-led, and deeply human.

The Emotional Weight of Chronic Illness

Chronic illness doesn't just affect your body. It affects everything:

The grief of losing the life or body you expected to have
The frustration of being disbelieved by doctors, friends, or family
The isolation of invisible illness - looking "fine" while struggling
The unpredictability of good days and bad days
Guilt about what you can't do, and who you feel you're letting down
The exhaustion of endless appointments, tests, and treatments

All of these feelings are valid. And you don't have to carry them alone.

What We Might Cover Together

Processing grief: mourning what chronic illness has taken from you
Identity: who are you beyond your diagnosis? Finding meaning and purpose
Boundaries: learning to say no, pace yourself, and protect your energy
Relationships: communicating your needs to people who may not understand
Anger and frustration: a safe space to feel how unfair this is, how it’s not working for you and how systems impact our health
Medical advocacy: planning appointments, building confidence for appointments and self-advocacy

Book a Free Discovery Call

Flexibility Built In

I understand that chronic illness is unpredictable. Sessions are available online, which means you can attend from wherever you're most comfortable - bed included, if that's where you need to be.

We can also discuss a cancellation approach that works for flare days, because the last thing you need is stress about missing appointments when you're already unwell.

Step-by-Step: Your First Session

Free discovery call (30 mins) - We have a chat, you ask any questions, and we see if we're a good fit. No pressure, no commitment

First session - We explore what's brought you here. This is your space - there's no judgement and no expectations.

Ongoing support - Weekly or fortnightly sessions. In order to make sessions as accessible as possible I offer 30 minute, 50 minute and 80 minute slots. We work at your pace on whatever matters most to you.

Clearing the Fog: Helpful Info

How much are sessions?

Sessions are £40 for 30 minutes, £60 for 50 minutes and £90 for 80 minutes. I offer very limited concession and low cost spaces, when enquiring please let me know you are interested in these.

What if I need to cancel because of a flare?

I get it. Let's talk about what works for you — I want to support you, not add to your stress.

How is this different from regular therapy?

I work with you to build strategies and systems that work with your brain rather than ‘shoulds’ and ‘coulds’. I don’t give advice or guidance, I’ll always work collaboratively with you and make suggestions or give ideas through an informed and researched approach.

These are your sessions - you can join from bed, under your blanket. If you want to stim, fidget, draw, doodle, crochet in sessions - have at it. This space is designed to be as authentically you as possible. You can always ask for changes and adaptations.

How many sessions will I need?

That's entirely up to you. I find that clients really start to feel the benefit of therapy after around 6-8 sessions. Some people come for a few months, others for longer. There's no minimum commitment, I don’t take up front block bookings.

Do I need a diagnosis?

No. If you're living with chronic symptoms — diagnosed or not — you're welcome here.

Can I bring comfort items like a tens machine, hot water bottle or stim toys?

Absolutely. Bring whatever helps you feel comfortable.

Is this like CBT for chronic pain?

No. I use a person-centred approach, which means I follow your lead rather than using structured techniques. This is about emotional support, not symptom management.

Ready to Feel Supported?

Book a free discovery call and let's talk about what you need.