Liz Down

Counselling with Liz:

I am a warm, empathic, highly experienced counsellor providing sessions in Seaford, both in person and online/phone. I have over 15 years experience as a psychotherapeutic counsellor, supporting clients aged 16+ to work through issues with anxiety, depression, past trauma, relationship difficulties, loss, addictions, low self esteem and more. Prior to counselling, I also have 10 years experience as a support worker in the mental health field, supporting and empowering individuals dealing with complex issues.

Life can be incredibly tough and complex and sometimes we can struggle to cope and to find quality of life. Clients often tell me they feel a huge sense of relief to come and talk, off load burdens and to feel genuinely heard without judgment, in a confidential, safe and supportive space. 

As humans we deeply crave to feel accepted, to feel valued and to feel understood- and this is what therapy with me provides. I can build a trusting, supportive, collaborative relationship to work through issues together and find a way forwards.

Counselling tailored to your needs:

I am both a person-centred and integrative counsellor, tailoring counselling therapy to suit your individual needs. That might mean short-term solution-focused/ goal-oriented work using psycho-education and CBT tools to enhance coping strategies and develop new outlooks. Or more long-term, relational therapy, often using a trauma-informed therapy model.

I can work collaboratively with you, respecting you as an individual and supporting you to make decisions and choices that feel right for you. I may also bring you fresh perspective, gently challenging you to look at an issue or an aspect of yourself in a different way. I will review with you how therapy is supporting you and I will be guided by what you need in how I work with you.

Trauma-informed Counselling:

When there is past trauma, we can often feel highly anxious, find it hard to let go of the past and we can also feel self blame about things that have happened. Through exploration and talking in depth I can help you develop greater self-understanding and self-compassion. We can identify what triggers you to feel low or overwhelmed and anxious. Through this exploration, I can support you to make space for your feelings, recognise your needs better in different situations and to fine tune self-care. In partnership, we can work to find new ways for you to relate to yourself which feel more sustainable and empowering for you.

 Contact Me:

I appreciate that it can feel daunting reaching out to someone new and it takes courage. It can reduce anxiety to speak first by phone or email/messaging prior to a first session and I would love to hear from you. It is a chance to have a chat and ask any questions you might have and gives an idea of what to expect from the first session.

Client Reviews:

"Incredibly intuitive, kind and insightful therapist. Liz can gently prod you in the right direction. She changed my life. I dread to think where I would be if I had not found her".  Female client, 2022

"Liz provided me with a safe space in which to explore the previously impossible things I needed to explore. She had compassion and empathy. She kept up with my lengthy rambles, and sat in silence with me, shared her insights when appropriate and really heard what I needed to say. My time with Liz allowed an authentic shift deep inside myself that has been profoundly healing. I would wish anyone finding themselves struggling with painful and challenging issues a ‘Liz’ to go on that journey with. Truly professional whilst also being humanly real, Liz’s skills and abilities as a counsellor are second to none." Female client: review written 2019

"Liz has helped me immensely with her compassionate and very understanding nature. I feel totally at ease with her and I am able to share my innermost feelings and worries without any risk of being judged.  I actually look forward to our sessions each week as a way of cleansing my mind for the week ahead." Male client: review written 2019

Concessionary Fees: £45-£55

I have a limited number of concessionary spaces, where financial circumstances would make my full fee difficult to pay.

Individual Sessions last 50 mins.

Longer sessions available on arrangement.

I have experience working with adults, young people and couples dealing with:

• Abuse (emotional, physical, sexual)
• Anger management
• Anxiety
• Addictions (including drug & alcohol)
• Bereavement & loss
• Cancer
• Parenting issues
• Depression
• Divorce & separation
• Eating disorders
• Fears
• Health related issues
• Infertility
• Low self-esteem & low self-confidence
• Panic attacks
• Paranoia
• Personal development
• Post-natal depression
• Relationship issues
• Couples counselling
• Self harm
• Separation & divorce
• Stress
• Trauma (PTSD)
• Work related issues
• General counselling.