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Provance

Long Term Health Conditions

Long-term health conditions (LTHCs) such as CFS/ME, MS, PCOS, fibromyalgia, hypertension, arthritis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affect millions of people worldwide. These conditions often demand ongoing management and can have profound physical, psychological, and social impacts on individuals' lives.

Health psychology offers valuable frameworks to better understand the behaviours, emotional responses, and coping mechanisms associated with managing chronic illnesses. Drawing on these models enables the development of personalised treatment plans that:

  • Address both psychological and social factors.

  • Foster self-management skills through education and empowerment.

  • Identify and overcome barriers to healthy behaviors.

  • Promote adherence to treatment plans tailored to individual needs.

 

This holistic approach not only improves health outcomes but also enhances the overall quality of life for those living with long-term conditions.

Following a diagnosis of an LTHC, it is common to experience a range of emotions, including grief over changes to one’s life, uncertainty about the future, and confusion about necessary lifestyle adjustments. Research underscores the significant mental health risks associated with LTHCs; individuals with these conditions are 2–3 times more likely to develop mental health issues compared to the general population (Naylor et al., 2012). This evidence highlights the importance of seeking comprehensive support that addresses both physical and emotional well-being.

 

Tailored individual support designed to meet your unique needs includes:

  • A Safe, Confidential Space: Providing a secure environment where you can openly explore your challenges without judgment.

  • Evidence-Based Approaches: Utilising methods such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and compassion-focused approaches to foster meaningful change and emotional resilience.

  • Health Psychology Integration: Incorporating proven health psychology models to address the interplay between physical health, mental well-being, and behaviour.

  • Expertise with Empathy: Support from a Chartered Health Coaching Psychologist who brings both professional expertise and personal lived experience with a long-term health condition (LTHC), ensuring a deeply empathetic and informed perspective.

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