Richard Askew, PGDip, MBACP

The Dialogue Centre
24 Windlesham Road
Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 3AG
View map		 The Brighton Consulting Rooms
18a Clermont Road
Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 6SG
View map		 Richard Askew
01273 206174 / 07565 353389
www.actualize.org.uk
Click here to Email me

Profile

I'm an Experienced Integrative Counsellor working with Individuals, Couples, and Families.  My approach is collaborative and dynamic, focusing on three areas:  how we feel about ourselves, the nature of our relationships with other people, and our sense of place in the world.  The aim is to help you live life to the full.

We all have the capacity to change and to grow and counselling can give us deeper insight and help us live with greater choice, happiness and freedom.

I offer both short-term and long-term with clients living with depression, anxiety, and a range of emotional difficulties.  Areas I’ve worked with include low self-esteem, anger management, relationship difficulties and communication breakdown, bereavement, drug and alcohol misuse, mental health issues, work-related stress, personal development, disability and health-related issues, and challenging life-stage transitions.

I am open to exploring all sources of emotional pain and distress and I have a professional interest in issues related to gender and identity, isolation and the sense of belonging, the feeling of powerlessness, and issues related to low self-confidence and self-worth.

I celebrate Difference and Diversity and am experienced working with clients across cultures and from different walks of life.

Please call me to find out how we could work together on 01273 206174 or 07565 353389.


ABOUT COUNSELLING
Many of the difficulties we encounter are rooted in difficult relationships that we’ve experienced.  This can lead to an expectation that other people will be unreliable, judgmental, or simply - somehow - better than us; a sense that we don’t belong or that we struggle in everyday life; or a belief that we are unlovable or incapable of achieving anything worthwhile in life.  Sometimes events in life can overwhelm us, leaving our sense of security undermined and leaving us bereft of hope.

Clients consistently say that counselling helps them understand how their emotional difficulties affect their relationships and their personal lives; fresh perspectives that arise in counselling have helped them improve communication with their significant others, gain greater self-confidence, and cultivate an ability to take control and live their lives with greater openness and a sense of fulfilment.

As your counsellor, we'll explore how your current difficulties may have emerged, how your daily life is affected, and what things you would like to change.  As an integrative therapist, I draw upon the Person-Centred Approach, Existential Therapy and Systemic-Narrative approaches.  I therefore tailor my approach to suit you and to facilitate the goals you wish to achieve.

Evidence shows that the relationship between client and counsellor is the vehicle for therapeutic change and I've witnessed clients flourish and grow during the course of our work. As a counsellor, I've been able to establish warm, safe and effective relationships with individuals and couples of all ages and cultural backgrounds, enabling them to make positive changes in their lives.

Please visit my website or call me on 01273 206174 or 07565 353389 to find out more about how I work.

Training, Qualifications & Experience

TRAINING
After four years of training, I gained a Postgraduate Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling from the University of Brighton, a course accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), following my initial training.

I also hold a Certificate in Duo Counselling, a systemic approach to counselling couples and families which:  addresses how couples and families interact, explores how relationship difficulties emerged, and fosters greater understanding and intimacy in relationships.

I have also completed Continuing Professional Development training in a range of areas including Loss and Bereavement, Disability Awareness, Working with Families Affected by Substance Misuse, Domestic Violence Awareness, and Child Protection Awareness.

My current interests lie with Mindfulness Practice and Focusing (an approach to embodied-awareness) and I am currently training in this area.


EXPERIENCE
Alongside my private practice, I have practiced as a therapist with:

The Brighton & Hove Federation of Disabled People working with clients affected by physical disability, mental health problems, learning disabilities, chronic health conditions, and sensory impairment.

Patched a Brighton-based organisation supporting individuals and families affected by substance misuse.

I currently teach on a Counselling Diploma course, facilitate Personal Development Groups, and deliver Disability Awareness training.

Prior to counselling, I spent five years working in the Public and Community & Voluntary Sectors, supporting vulnerable adults and their families to live independently in the community.


PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
I'm a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and belong to the World Association for Person-Centred and Experiential Counselling.

As a member of the BACP, my work is guided by our Ethical Framework for Good Practice.

This means I will show the utmost respect, honour the trust you place in me, maintain your confidentiality, and always act with your best interests in mind.

I'm also fully insured and I have regular clinical supervision and ongoing training to ensure my work is of a high standard.

Areas of counselling I deal with

Therapies Offered

Fees

MY PRACTICE
I hold a Saturday Clinic at the Dialogue Centre close to Seven Dials and a clinic at the Brighton Consulting Rooms close to Preston Park during the week (day times and evenings).  Both locations have excellent transport links and on-street parking.

I can also offer home visits if travelling is difficult and, when it's helpful, I can also offer Skype and Telephone Counselling.


FEES
I charge £20 for initial counselling sessions  Ongoing counselling sessions are charged on a sliding scale and I invite you to pay at a level you feel comfortable with.

Counselling and Psychotherapy for individuals:  £35-45

Relationship / Couples Counselling:  £45-55

Families:  Fees upon request

Skype and Telephone Counselling:  £30

I also have some concessionary spaces for Trainee Counsellors and for people living on a low income - please call for details.

(All prices per 50 minute session)


MAKING CONTACT
Taking the first step towards counselling often takes great courage, and the prospect of talking with a stranger could perhaps feel daunting. When you telephone or email me, you'll have an opportunity to ask questions, and we can have an informal conversation before arranging your first session. The initial session is a chance to begin getting to know each other and explore what you would like from counselling and whether my approach is right for you.

If you're feeling a little daunted and want to know what you can expect when you call, you'll find a brief step-by-step guide by clicking here.


TESTIMONIALS

"I know the counselling's working because I'm able to do so much more than I could before"
Sally (Brighton)

"Thank you for the kindness, patience, understanding, and empathy you have shown me. It has encouraged me and brought hope into my life and I'm finding I can make changes in my life"
Mary T (Hove)

Further Information

I also run occasional personal development courses - please call for details of upcoming events.

  • Online, email or telephone counselling available

Member Organisation(s)

Location Maps

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