Marla Prudom

Work Experience

I trained as a counsellor nearly thirty years ago since that time I have developed and honed my counselling and supervisory skills in many different settings, my last post was as a Head of counselling of a charity. Previously my work has included working in a children's hospice, hostels, bereavement services and mental health centres with a special interest in women’s issues and working with people from migrant, ethnic and diverse communities. 
I have been private practice for many years and my consultation room is in Seaford.  

Working with Couples

I am familiar with and experienced in couples work. I have a particular interest in supporting people from migrant and diverse backgrounds.
Invariably couples will cite a breakdown in lack of communication as the reason for entering therapy.
The way in which I work with couples is to focus less on the two individuals and more on the relationship that has been developed between the two. I am interested in exploring how the relationship came into being which will also take into account the early attachment history of each person and its impact upon the couple, in other words what "emotional patterns" from the past are brought into the relationship. Together and over time we will look at how, and what each person has to do and be in order to get their needs met and what happens when needs are not met.

Couples come into counselling because they have run into problems arising from all kinds of pressures and tensions leading to a sense of growing apart and the relationship is suffering. This may be expressed in all manner of ways usually through unresolved arguments, explosive anger, or punitive silences, withholding either sexually and/or emotionally, distress, anxiety and stress. The process of opening up, being vulnerable and honest towards one another can be hugely painful and  threatening and people may fall back into familiar ways of protecting themselves by attacking, justifying, blaming, getting angry and emotional or simply cutting off and not engaging or making light of the existence of problems.

However, it is possible through a commitment and a willingness to engage with one another and through the process of talking and expressing emotions that have been suppressed allows the pain in the couple relationship to be looked at openly and with honesty. A important part of the work will also entail looking at the strengths and resilience of the couple.  Often in the midst of conflict and distress it can be difficult to retain the sense of what drew you together, the unique memories that exists and is shared between a couple.

In the course of counselling it may be that a couple may decide to separate. As painful as it is it is possible to talk through and initiate the mourning process of working towards an ending that honours and respects the history of the couple. Occasionally couples come into therapy specifically seeking support to help them process a  break up, they have already decided to end their relationship but want to do it in a way that minimises conflict and can provide a space to make a peaceful ending.

Counselling provides a space where the origins of the difficulties can be talked about and processed and an understanding and resolution can be reached.

Working with individuals

The service I offer is weekly one to one counselling which is largely psychodynamic, (basically how the past influences the present). I aim to establish a relationship of trust and empathy with you, this will take time, we are after all strangers meeting for the first time in unfamiliar surroundings to talk about private matters of the heart. During the process of talking your patterns of relating to self and others will be highlighted. We will explore whether the ways in which you relate, and act particularly when under stress are relevant and helpful to you today. We will delve into where, why and how the origins of certain behaviours came into being. Together we will work through and process some of the fears, anxieties, anger and sad feelings that you have brought into counselling.  Through counselling you can reach a better understanding of your motivations, patterns of behaviour allowing you to explore options,  and discover a more authentic and integrated way of being you.

Not everyone needs or wants long term counselling. Sometimes an unexpected situation can temporarily unsettle and derail an otherwise well functioning life. Short term counselling can provide a brief respite to think through what's happened and help you regain the stability that was missing.

My thoughts on Counselling.

Whilst I believe in the transformative power of counselling it's not for everyone, there is no magic cure, quick fix or guarantees. It is not a decision to be taken lightly. It requires courage, commitment, time, energy, patience, and financial investment. However, for those who are not familiar with counselling and would like to discuss it further please call me and we can talk about it. I would rather we spent a little time talking through any reservations and questions you may have before making any decision. It's really important that you feel that you have enough information as is reasonable in order to take the next step if that is what you want. Call or text me on 07780707122, or email your questions and thought to marlacounsellor@gmail.com.

For those who venture forth the results can be hugely rewarding, immeasurable and life affirming.

On a personal note I have undergone my own therapy over a long period. As an experience it was initially tough, bewildering and very anxiety making, principally because I fought the therapy and therapist.  My head told me that I could benefit and gain from the process if only I would engage with it whilst my heart fought against being so vulnerable and exposed. Fortunately my therapist encouraged me to talk about my fears and anxieties and I turned a corner. Over the course of time I learned so much about myself, the knowledge was hard won. Today I am comfortable in my skin and my relationships are much more honest. I don't have all the answers to solving the dilemmas and adversity which come my way but I have learned to ask myself certain questions to help me think through and process emotions and that in turn helps me achieve a clearer perspective and balance in life. I don't always get it right but I am open to change which is what therapy is about.

I have worked for several years as a Bereavement counsellor and I have a particular interest in the area of loss of all kinds and in grief work, including issues of infertility and identity.

I have also worked extensively with issues of sexual abuse and rape.

The first session and what to expect


I offer face to face therapy in my consultation room at Seaford and also on line via FaceTime or some other digital platform.

If you are interested in making an appointment please contact me on my mobile number 07780707122 for a consultation.  I apologise in advance if you can't get hold of me and I would urge you to try again. Usually when I see that I've missed a call I will do my best to return it as soon as possible. Alternatively you might like to text or email me at marlacounsellor@gmail.com. We can then arrange an appointment for a time that is mutually convenient and I will endeavour to accommodate your schedule. I work Monday to Thursday with day time and some evening slots available.

Prior to making an appointment I'm happy to answer any questions you may have or if you seek clarification on any of the points raised. It's important that you feel you have enough information before making a decision. Call or text me with your questions on 07780707122 and I will do my best to reply as soon as possible.

Should you decide to proceed at the first meeting we will discuss what brings you into counselling and I can explain how I work. There will also be some practical and ethical matters that I will need to bring to your attention, such as the parameters of what I can and can't offer, issues of confidentiality and my responsibility to you as a therapist

Fees

Consultation fee

The initial consultation for a couple is £80 and lasts one hour and fifteen minutes. On going the fee is £75 for an hour.

Individual  consultation is £60 for an hour. On going is £60 for fifty minutes

A one off fee is payable at the end of a consultation and if you wish you can pay by on-line banking. For on-going work I send an invoice at the end of each month which can be paid on line.

Cancellation

If you cancel at short notice (less than 24hours) I will always try and reschedule an appointment for the same week however, if it is not possible I will still charge my fee. When we make an appointment to meet I hold that space for you and you only and it is a demonstration of my commitment to the work I do with you.

If you decide you would like to proceed with counselling I would ask you to commit yourself initially to at least six consecutive sessions. This gives us time to get to know one another and the consistency of sessions allows for a more coherent presentation of the difficulties and issues you would like to work on.

If for one reason or another you decide not to go ahead with counselling and that is fine I would hope we would be able to talk about your reservations.  If you wish I can also signpost you to another person or service more suitable to your requirements

Counselling usually takes place at the same time, same place each week. However, I can be flexible and will try and accommodate you if you work shifts or if your work takes you out of the area or country. Whilst it is possible to work around your shifts it is also essential that you are able to attend counselling regularly .
I am available Monday to a Thursday only, day time and evenings. Please note that evenings are usually the most popular time and there is limited availability.

I have a pleasant and private consultation room which I share with another.
There is street parking. I can offer both day time and some evening appointments Monday to Thursday.