Claire Scott

In-person counselling in Hove and also Online therapy

For potential clients, looking through this directory must feel a bit overwhelming - there are so many of us on here and it can be hard to distinguish one from another.

Don't give up - keep looking. Eventually, something will resonate in the pictures or text on a profile. You may not really know why. Take a look at websites too. It is useful to talk to more than one person to get a feel for them and have something to compare. 

I'm Claire and I offer supportive, empathic, friendly and confidential counselling and psychotherapy in Hove, East Sussex and I have over 12 years of experience working as a counsellor and psychotherapist with adults and also with teenagers and young people.

I’m passionate about my work as a therapist as well as the long term benefits of talk therapy and I am committed to making a difference to my clients' lives.

My approach isn't rigid - it focuses on you and your specific needs and is therefore flexible and adaptable according to what you bring to the therapy. 

The relationship between the client and therapist is the key to progress and making the changes you wish to make. I know first hand how daunting it can feel when you're first looking for the 'right' therapist for you. We can have a short chat on the phone to allow you to ask any questions you may have prior to making an appointment if that helps ease the process. 

Why you might feel you need help

Sometimes we just might not feel right and be unsure why this is. Mood could be low,  with little or no joy in day to day life. This can affect self-confidence and self-esteem and might then cause problems with work or feeling anxious when in social situations.
For some people, this low mood may have been experienced for a long time, perhaps even years. In others it can come on suddenly - seemingly without a cause. Sometimes this can be as a result of focussing on others’ needs (e.g. children, partner, parents) and can cause you to neglect your own life as a result.

You might feel lonely  - it can be difficult to be alone, but also hard to be around people when feeling sad and perhaps feeling like there is nothing to offer socially. This can sometimes impact self-esteem and cause negative thoughts about who you are and what you have to offer.

Conversely, you might also be aware of what your feeling is and why you are feeling it. For example, experiencing feeling guilt because anger issues are causing pain and problems with relationships. Perhaps you need help with understanding why you have difficulties communicating your feelings without getting angry. 

You might also feel fear that your relationship will end and what that might mean for you. These kinds of feelings can feel too much on your own and it is very helpful to talk it through with another person.

If you are feeling anything like the above, I encourage you to seek support. Talking therapy can help you gain a better understanding of how you are feeling, why it might be happening and what you can do to help yourself.

I often hear people say something like "I pushed down the feelings and forced on a happy face" or "I just got on with it". This might have worked satisfactorily until the person had some sort of breaking point or personal crisis that brought them to therapy. Whilst it is sometimes good to have that moment of realisation in life; avoiding seeking support can make you feel worse in the long term.

Continuing on despite feeling very low and possibly depressed can cause further problems. As well as negatively impacting our mental health, our physical health can be affected. For example, insomnia, fatigue, headaches, body aches and sexual dysfunctions can be a result of long term depression or low mood. 

Counselling and psychotherapy works in a way to help you to find the way to understand your past experiences and your current situation. The goals of psychodynamic therapy are improved self-awareness and an understanding of the influence of the past on present behaviour and experiences. This is a relational approach and allows you to observe patterns of behaviour  (your own or of other people in your life), that could be affecting your relationships and well-being. 

Specialisms

Whilst my experience is broad and I take on clients who are experiencing a wide range of issues; for example social anxiety, trauma related issues and relationship worries (to name only three), I do also specialise in a few focussed areas as well.

These specialisms tend to come from my own personal experience or professional interest and I have extensively researched and attended further training to gain particular expertise and understanding of the issues that might arise to help when supporting particular clients.

LGBTQ

I have wide professional experience in supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in relationships or with other personal issues. Also with those who are exploring their sexual and gender identity. I also have my own personal identity and history to add to my experience. My approach is inclusive, affirming and sex positive. Do get in touch if you are facing any concerns that you are finding challenging.

Menopause

The menopause can be a particularly challenging time in a women’s life. Although it is now beginning to be discussed on the media, women often feel totally unprepared and this can leave women feeling isolated and confused about their symptoms and the feelings associated with the changes happening to them. Sometimes it can feel like it is adding to our daily stress and load and family members may not understand what you are going through. You're not alone - if you feel you’d appreciate talking about the impact the menopause has on your life, get in touch.

Ethical Non-monogamous Relationships

Are you in a non-monogamous relationship and wish to discuss aspects of it?
Perhaps you are considering moving to being non-monogamous and want to do it consciously and ethically.
It is important to understand what the different types of relationships could look like and how this might affect your current or future relationship. Issues around jealousy, time, fairness, trust and connection can arise.
I work with individuals within polyamorous and open relationships, sometimes difficulties can occur in these relationships just as in monogamous relationships. No two relationships are alike and I will hold a very safe place for you to explore what feels right for you, without bias or judgment. 

Fertility Issues

Trying to conceive isn't easy for all women. If this progresses to pursuing fertility treatment, it can feel like the process takes over your life and it can take a long time. It can feel like a desperately lonely time as often people don't share what they are undertaking with friends or family. 
Sometimes difficult decisions have to be made which can make the situation more stressful.
If you feel you would like to talk to someone who has both personal and professional experience of certain aspects of the fertility process, please get in touch via my website or through this profile.

www.insightcounsellingbrighton.co.uk (link at the top of this profile).

I see clients in a comfortable, quiet, and confidential therapy room in Hove.

I hold a number of concessionary places for clients, but these are limited and there will likely be a waiting list.

My therapy room is comfortable and private and situated in West Hove. There are really easy transport links and there is parking is available on the street. 

Online Therapy

I also offer online therapy using Zoom for those who cannot attend in person or for those who choose not to. 

Benefits of online therapy:

You can access therapy sessions from your own home at a time that suits you.
Therapy can be at a time, place and pace that suits you and your lifestyle. It is convenient for people with busy lives or for those looking after children or caring for family members and as effective as face to face therapy.

Secure encrypted software offers confidentiality and peace of mind.

Take a look at my website - www.insightcounsellingbrighton.co.uk for further information about how I work.

I look forward to welcoming you.