Stress, Immune Health, Immune Function & Disease Risk,  and the Power of Holistic Therapy: How Claire Russell Therapy Can Help You Thrive

Serving Youghal (East Cork), Newcastle West (Limerick), Dungarvan (Waterford), and Online Across Ireland, the UK, and Globally

Chronic stress is more than just a mental burden—it’s a silent disruptor that can severely compromise your physical health. At Claire Russell Therapy, we specialise in using an individual complete approach.  With holistic, science-backed solutions to address stress and its devastating effects on the immune system,  immune function and overall wellbeing.

Our comprehensive services include:

  • Counselling & Psychotherapy
  • Registered Nutritionist Services
  • Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy
  • Advanced Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT)

We serve adults, teenagers and children in the area of Newcastle West Limerick, Dungarvan Waterford,  Youghal East Cork area, and provide online Counselling, Nutrition Consultations, Clinical Hypnotherapy and RTT in Ireland, the UK, and globally.

The Science: How Stress Disrupts Your Immune System

Chronic stress triggers a cascade of hormonal and physiological changes that weaken the immune system. Prolonged exposure to cortisol and adrenaline suppresses immune responses, disrupts cytokine production, and inflames bodily systems (Chu et al., 2024).

Health issues linked to chronic stress include:

  • Autoimmune diseases (e.g. Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis, IBD)
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Cancer
  • Anxiety, Depression, PTSD
  • Skin problems, skin health
  • Gut and digestive disorders (Diverticulitis, IBS, Crohns, bloating, reflux, gut dysbiosis, flatulence)
  • Sleep disturbances, insomonia

Stress and Autoimmune Diseases: The Evidence

Recent research draws clear connections between stress and the onset or progression of autoimmune diseases:

How Our Services Address These Issues

1. Counselling & Psychotherapy

  • Helps process trauma, grief, addictions, mental health issues and manage emotional stressors linked to immune dysfunction.
  • Builds long-term resilience and improves coping mechanisms.
  • Addresses comorbid psychological conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Ideal for: Clients with addictions, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, trauma histories, autoimmune conditions, or emotional burnout, overwhelm, and mental burnout

2. Registered Nutritionist Services

  • Tailored anti-inflammatory nutrition plans support immune health and gut integrity.
  • Focus on plant-based dietary patterns shown to lower disease risk (Wang et al., 2023).
  • Nutritional strategies that regulate blood sugar and cortisol levels.

Ideal for: Clients with autoimmune disease, inflammation, GUT and digestive problems, hormonal imbalances, weight loss, or stress-induced cravings, low mood, anger, depression and fatigue.

3. Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy

  • Addresses subconscious patterns contributing to chronic stress.
  • Supports regulation of physiological stress responses, promoting healing.
  • Improves sleep, reduces inflammation, and aids in pain management.

Ideal for: Clients with multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disease, inflammatory disease,  GUT & digestion disorders, PTSD, Complex PTSD, stress, mood, weight, chronic fatigue, sleep issues, and pain syndromes.

4. Clinical Hypnotherapy, Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy, RTT (Rapid Transformational Therapy), & Advanced RTT (Advanced Rapid Transformational Therapy)

  • RTT uses a powerful combination of hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, CBT, and NLP.
  • Works to uncover and reprogram root causes of emotional and physical distress.
  • Promotes nervous system regulation and deep healing.

Ideal for: Clients with deeply rooted trauma, fears, phobias, stress, low self belief, low mood, anxiety, autoimmune flare-ups, and chronic illness cycles.

Locations We Serve

Claire Russell Therapy provides expert stress and immune health services in:

  • Youghal, East Cork area – Supporting individuals and families with evidence-based, compassionate care.
  • Newcastle West, Limerick area – Specialist therapy for autoimmune conditions, anxiety, and burnout.
  • Dungarvan, Waterford area – Integrative wellness strategies to reduce inflammation and support recovery.
  • Online Therapy Across Ireland and Worldwide ONLINE Globally – Secure, accessible, and effective ONLINE & telehealth support wherever you are.

Effective Lifestyle Strategies We Recommend

In addition to therapy, we guide clients in adopting immune-boosting and stress-reducing habits:

  • Hydration & Nutrition: Begin your day with water and a balanced breakfast.
  • Daily Movement: Even short walks or light yoga help reduce cortisol (Pascoe et al., 2017).
  • Mindfulness Practices: Meditation and breathwork reduce stress hormones and improve immune markers (Rogerson et al., 2024).
  • Digital Detox: Improve sleep quality and nervous system regulation.

Ready to Heal? Let Us Help You Take Back Control

Whether you’re living with chronic illness, burnout, or unresolved trauma, Claire Russell Therapy offers you expert, compassionate support. With a proven, holistic approach, we help you reconnect with your body’s innate healing power.

Get in touch today:

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