Thalia Gilligan

Online therapy specialising in disability, chronic illness and domestic abuse recovery

I offer trauma-responsive online therapy for adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, chronic stress and the impact of domestic abuse and long-term health conditions.

Many of the people I work with do not initially describe their experiences as trauma. They may come feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, stuck in patterns in relationships, or struggling to make sense of the emotional impact of chronic pain or ongoing health conditions.

I have particular experience working with clients living with disability, chronic pain and autoimmune conditions, and understand the complex emotional and physical impact these can have. Long-term health conditions can affect identity, relationships, confidence and day-to-day functioning, and often interact with stress and trauma in ways that are overlooked.

If you live with chronic illness or disability, therapy can be a space where your physical reality is taken seriously, rather than explained away or minimised.

My approach is grounded in a trauma-responsive and psychoneuroimmunology (PNI)-informed perspective, recognising the interaction between psychological experience, the nervous system and physical health.

Alongside my private practice, I also work at a strategic and consultancy level supporting trauma-responsive and disability-inclusive practice within domestic abuse and therapeutic services.

How I Work

I offer online therapy via secure video sessions.

My approach is integrative and person-centred, with trauma responsiveness at its core. I work collaboratively and at a pace that feels manageable, supporting you to understand how patterns have developed and how change can begin.

This may include:

• Making sense of trauma responses and nervous system patterns
• Exploring the impact of domestic abuse and past relationships
• Working with anxiety, stress, shame and overwhelm
• Supporting you if you are living with disability, chronic pain or autoimmune conditions
• Understanding the emotional impact of long-term health conditions
• Developing healthier boundaries and a greater sense of emotional stability

Areas of Specialism

• Trauma and complex trauma
• Domestic abuse and coercive control
• Disability and long-term health conditions
• Chronic pain and autoimmune conditions
• Anxiety, stress and burnout
• Nervous system regulation

When you get in touch, I will usually respond by email and offer a brief phone call if helpful. This gives us a chance to check availability, answer any initial questions and see whether working together feels like a good fit.

If you decide to go ahead, we will arrange a first online session at a time that works for you.

The first session is a space for you to begin talking about what has brought you to therapy, at a pace that feels manageable. There is no expectation to share everything straight away. We can also explore what you would like from therapy and any questions or concerns you may have.

I may ask some gentle questions to understand your current situation, your history and what support might be most helpful. If you are living with chronic illness, disability or the impact of trauma, this will be held in a way that takes both your emotional and physical experience seriously.

The focus is on creating a space that feels safe, collaborative and respectful of your needs from the outset.