THERAPY FOR LONG-TERM HEALTH CONDITIONS
IN BERKHAMSTED
Living with a long-term health condition (sometimes referred to as a chronic illness) can affect not only physical health, but also emotional wellbeing, identity, relationships and day-to-day functioning. At The Lotus Psychology Practice, we offer evidence-based health psychology support to help individuals adjust to, cope with, and live well alongside ongoing health conditions.
Understanding Long-Term Health Conditions
Long-term health conditions (or chronic illnesses) refer to any ongoing physical health conditions that may require ongoing management. These may include cardiac conditions, respiratory health conditions, neurological conditions, gastrointestinal conditions, autoimmune conditions, and endocrine disorders, which can lead to chronic symptoms such as chronic pain or fatigue. We understand that living with a long-term health condition can significantly impact your daily life, affecting physical health, emotional wellbeing, relationships, work, and daily functioning.
Many individuals experience:
-
emotional distress related to managing the condition
-
uncertainty about symptoms, diagnosis, or prognosis
-
changes in identity or sense of self
-
disruption to roles, routines, or independence
-
ongoing symptom management (e.g. pain, fatigue)
-
increased anxiety, low mood, or frustration
-
relationship difficulties
-
sleep disturbances
Health psychology research shows how physical symptoms, thoughts, and emotional wellbeing are closely interconnected. Experiences such as pain and fatigue can affect mood and lead to patterns of worry or low mood, which can heighten the body’s sensitivity and exacerbate the experience of symptoms over time.
Working Alongside Medical Professionals
Support for long-term health conditions is most effective when it is integrated with medical care.
We work alongside:
-
GPs and medical consultants
-
physiotherapists and occupational therapists
-
specialist services where appropriate
A comprehensive assessment and evidence-based psychological therapy complements medical treatment by supporting:
-
adjustment to diagnosis
-
coping with ongoing symptoms
-
managing uncertainty and change
-
improving overall quality of life
Where appropriate, we can liaise with other professionals (with consent) to ensure a coordinated and consistent approach.
​​
Long-Term Health Conditions in Children & Young People
Children and young people living with chronic health conditions may experience:
-
disruption to school attendance and routines
-
difficulties maintaining peer relationships
-
anxiety related to symptoms or medical procedures
-
reduced confidence or independence
-
emotional responses such as frustration, sadness, or withdrawal
Family systems often play a central role in managing the condition. Support may involve working with both the young person and parents/caregivers to develop consistent strategies that support both physical health and emotional wellbeing.
​
Within our Child & Adolescent Service, we are able to offer specialist assessment and evidence-based therapy to support children experiencing long-term health conditions.
How Can Therapy Help Long-Term Health Conditions?
Psychological therapy is an important part of evidence-based care for long-term health conditions and is widely integrated within medical settings. Therapy may also focus on acceptance, adjustment, and values-based living, particularly where symptoms are ongoing. Some people may have experienced medical trauma, and require specialist trauma therapy.
​
At The Lotus Psychology Practice, all of our Psychologists are trained across multiple therapeutic modalities, and the approaches are often integrated based on an individuals unique needs. All therapeutic interventions are informed by scientific research and are and in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.​ The most effective approaches when working with people with long-term health conditions include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), and Eye Movement Desensitisation Therapy (EMDR) . We are able to offer longer-term psychotherapy for individuals who may benefit from understanding and processing early life experiences that contribute to current difficulties.
When to Seek Support
It may be helpful to seek psychological support if:
-
a long-term health condition is impacting mood or anxiety
-
there is difficulty adjusting to diagnosis or ongoing symptoms
-
fatigue, pain, or symptoms are affecting daily functioning
-
there is increased avoidance, withdrawal, or overwhelm
-
you feel stuck in managing the condition independently
Support can be beneficial at any stage, whether newly diagnosed or living with a condition over time.
We accept referrals from medical professionals following a diagnosis, or self-referrals. Early support can help reduce the risk of symptoms becoming more persistent or disabling.
Our Approach at The Lotus Psychology Practice
At The Lotus Psychology Practice, our team of HCPC registered Psychologists have specialist experience in supporting children, adolescents and adults living with long-term health conditions. We take a collaborative, formulation-led approach to therapy, working with you to understand how your difficulties have developed and what is maintaining them. This guides a structured, evidence-based and personalised treatment plan.
Prior to your first appointment, you will be asked to complete standardised and validated questionnaire measures, which are used to inform the assessment. A comprehensive psychological assessment is completed across the first two sessions. This helps us to develop a shared understanding of your current difficulties and includes:
-
Your medical and psychological history
-
The impact of your health condition on emotional wellbeing and daily life
-
Current challenges, distress, and coping strategies
-
Strengths, supports, and goals
Following an assessment, you will receive a full report, which includes individualised recommendations and resources, as well as an agreed therapeutic plan and individual goals. This summary can be shared with medical professionals to ensure multi-disciplinary care and rehabilitation.
Based on the assessment, we will agree the most appropriate therapeutic approach, tailored to you. Psychologists are trained across multiple therapeutic modalities, and the approaches are integrated based on an individuals unique needs. All therapies at The Lotus Psychology Practice are informed by scientific research and are and in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.
