Denise Longhurst

Hello,

Thank you for visiting my page and a warm welcome to you. You may be here because you or someone you care about is feeling sad, depressed, anxious, confused, bereaved or angry. You may be struggling with overwhelming feelings, stress or having relationship difficulties. Whatever your reason for reaching this page, I want to assure you that you are not alone and help is available to you.

About me: I currently work in a clinic in East Grinstead and online via Zoom - whichever is best for you. I am often told I am warm, empathic, friendly and easy to talk to. I have acquired a range of experience working with people from all walks of life, who have experienced all kinds of difficulties. We are all unique individuals so I integrate different counselling and psychotherapeutic approaches into my work to suit your unique needs. My main training has been in Transactional Analysis (TA) which is a type of psychotherapy where, amongst other things, we look at how childhood experiences and decisions continue to impact us now, and what we can do to change our 'life script'. However, I also use many different therapeutic approaches such as mindfulness, person centered counselling and some CBT techniques.

Client base: I have a private practice where I see adults, young people (14+) and couples. I also work part time in a secondary school in Sussex as a counsellor, where I see students who have a range of diffculties including self-harm, anxiety, low mood, identity confusion, sexuality concerns and depression. This has given me a really good understanding of the challenges that young people face and the difficulties they experience.

As well as working with young people, I am experienced in helping adults with a wide range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, panic disorders, grief, stress, divorce, trauma, life-changing injuries and low self-esteem.

I can provide a safe, confidential space for you to explore what’s going on for you. I will listen wholeheartedly to you, help you to discover your own inner resources and identify patterns in your thinking, feeling and behaviour that may be getting in your way of living a full and happy life.

Here are some additional details:

Group for people with anxiety and depression: I am in the process of setting up a low cost online therapy group for people with anxiety and depression, using TA and mindfulness. Please contact me for details.

Group for young people: I am in the process of settng up a low cost online weekly support group for young people (18 to 25) using TA and mindfulness. Please contact me for details.

Creativity: If you would like to work creatively together I am happy to facilitate this using sandtray, metaphor, images, creative writing and so on. Creativity can be helpful in exploring the subconscious mind and giving you a different perspective on what you are going through.

Mindfulness: I have experience of teaching mindfulness to groups, individuals and organisations across the UK in order to improve wellbeing. Mindfulness can be very effective in reducing anxiety, stress and depression and improving emotional resilience.

Trauma: If you have suffered trauma that is impacting on your daily life please let me know as I can offer a specific 4 stage trauma therapy treatment plan. I hold a Diploma in Trauma Therapy and have experience of working with traumatised people.

Goals: It can be helpful to have an idea of what you'd like to achieve by seeing me. You may not know at the moment what your goal is, and that is absolutely fine. We can review this as we go along.

Length of therapy: I work on a long term or short term basis, depending on your needs, and we can agree this when we meet. There will be no obligation to continue with counselling once started. I just ask that you give one to two sessions notice when you would like to end so we can bring anything to a close safely, and end in a way that is good for both of us.

Free session: I offer a free initial consultation to discuss your personal requirements. In this session we can see if we would like to work together and we can explore what you would like to achieve.

Insurance & Supervision: I am fully insured and complete regular professional training. I am regularly supervised by a UKCP registered Psychotherapist/Supervisor. I am also a member of professional bodies UKATA, EATA and BACP and adhere to their code of ethics and professional practice.

Couples: For a limited time, I am offering a discounted rate for couples who would like couples counselling. I will offer you both a safe space to explore your difficulties and I will help facilitate communication between you. We can look at the difficulties arising in your relationship, and explore different ways of communicating.

Whatever your situation I understand how difficult it can be to reach out for support. I have been there and understand. Asking for support is an achievement in itself, so well done for getting this far and please do contact me if you have any questions.

I look forward to hearing from you and supporting you on your own unique journey

Warm wishes

Dee