Flexible Therapy Options for People Living with Chronic Illness ( Counselling in Athlone & Online)

Living with chronic illness often means that no two days feel the same. There might be days when energy allows for going out, and others when simply getting out of bed feels impossible. This unpredictability can make accessing therapy an extra challenge — and it’s why flexibility matters so much in counselling.

For many people, flexibility means they don’t have to choose between online or in-person sessions. Some weeks it may feel manageable to attend face-to-face, while at other times, logging on from home in pyjamas is the only realistic option. Both are equally valid, and both can provide the support and connection that therapy offers.

Flexibility in therapy also mirrors the flexibility you already practice in your everyday life with chronic illness. You may adapt plans depending on how you’re feeling, shift routines at the last minute, or allow yourself rest when the body insists on it. Therapy that adapts in the same way can feel more supportive and sustainable — recognising that your health, energy and needs may change from week to week.

Therapy should not add extra pressure to an already difficult load. When you’re living with chronic illness, your capacity can change hour to hour. With flexible options, you can still access support even when the body or mind says “not today” to travel, waiting rooms, or leaving the house.

If you live with chronic illness, you deserve therapy that meets you where you are — without shame, without pressure, and without expectation to push through on the hard days.

I offer counselling face-to-face in Athlone and online across Ireland, creating space where you can show up exactly as you are — whether you feel able and would like the interaction of sitting across from me in the therapy room, or whether being at home under a blanket feels like the best option.