Abigail Oatway

I live and work in West Sussex, as a qualified counsellor I offer a safe, confidential, friendly environment for young people and adults.

Working from a shepherds hut, in a peaceful, location, I offer both short term and long term counselling.

I believe the relationship between client and counsellor is of huge importance, and hope that through being non-judgemental and offering acceptance, empathy and warmth, you will be able to explore and understand issues which are important to you. Whatever it is that you are struggling with, being able to share it, be heard and understood without being judged can bring clarity and hope.

People come to counselling for many reasons, allowing yourself some time and space to talk can help you understand the causes of your unhappiness, distress, anxiety or feelings of disconnection. Being able to link feelings to your patterns of behaviour or ways of relating with others, can help you make sense of certain aspects of your life. Counselling can empower you by helping you make sense of what is happening, deal with painful thoughts, and enable you to make the changes you need to move forward.

I am a member of, and registered with, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, working within their Ethical Framework which is based on principals of autonomy, respect, trustworthiness, avoiding harm to clients and promoting client's well-being. I participate in regular personal and professional development opportunities and as required, my work is regularly overseen by a qualified clinical supervisor.

I have experience in supporting people of all ages, who have brought a wide range of issues, including: bereavement, relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, addictions, self-harm, redundancy, illness and caring responsibilities.

At the first session I will ask you in more detail about what has brought you to therapy, about your current circumstances such as relationships, support networks and details of your history.

If you would like to meet again and I feel I am able to support you, we can arrange a subsequent meeting.  I will recommend we meet for a number of sessions and provide you with details of my commitment to confidentiality and data protection, plus a therapeutic contract. A therapeutic contact is not a legal contract but more a commitment for our work together.

​As we approach the end of the initial agreed sessions, I recommend that we review how useful they have been for you and how you are feeling about the process. At this point, we can determine if you feel happy to continue and agree a time to review our progress again.

​I will always show you respect and ensure your best interest is at the heart of our work.

I have an up to date DBS check.