Diana Collins

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Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

Lewes BN7 & London W2
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

In today’s fast and frenetic world I notice that anxiety, stress and depression are at the forefront of people's lives.  These are symptoms of underlying pressures which can impact our relationships, our self-esteem, our health and our wellbeing.  Panic attacks are often mentioned as is loneliness and a feeling of stuckness.  The causes of such upsets to our equilibrium are unique to each individual but often have their origin in a loss of some kind, such as bereavement, divorce, redundancy or perhaps a lack of meaning and purpose in life. Sometimes we are not even sure what it is that is troubling us, other than a niggling feeling that something is missing. Whatever your reason for considering therapy I offer a safe space where you can come and talk things over to get some idea of what it is you are looking for.

I work with people of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds. I believe that therapy helps us get in touch with our true soul nature.  This can be a life changing experience and many people comment that “at last, things are beginning to make sense”. This realisation often comes as a great relief.

About you

If any of the above resonates with you, please read on.

You may be considering counselling or therapy for the first time in your life or perhaps you are a 'returner'.  Either way, you may be feeling hesitant about taking the next step and this is understandable.  Therapy is often regarded as a sign of failure in today's society whereas in actual fact it is an indication that you are taking charge of your own destiny and tackling your problems with courage and determination. It is a first step on the path to recovery and this alone can feel liberating.

Problems can arise at any time in life; they may be quite unexpected or they may have been brewing for quite a while. Sometimes unwelcome things happen which can cause everyday occurrences to become unusually challenging. We may feel out of control or overwhelmed. If this is your experience then help is available.  Let me explain how you might benefit from speaking to a therapist.

What can therapy offer?

Therapy offers you a listening experience like no other and gives you an opportunity to explore your current situation in a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space.  By examining the problem from many different viewpoints you can connect with your own inner wisdom and discover what really feels right for you.  Whether you come for a limited number of sessions or whether you embark on a longer journey of inner exploration is entirely up to you.  The aim of therapy is for you to regain balance and a feeling of well-being in your life.  The relationship between client and therapist is key to the healing process and is created through mutual attunement and trust.  Your issues are unique to you as is the narrative of your life.  I will listen to your story with empathy and respect and together we will work to unravel the knots.  This is a creative and transformative process which engages the mind, body and spirit to promote healing.  I find that exploring the dreamworld informs and enriches the experience.

An initial consultation is the best way for you to assess, without obligation, whether you would like to commence working with me. Once decided, then the journey of discovery can begin.  Therapy can be long-term or short-term.  You are in the driving seat and you decide.

Training, qualifications & experience

I am a qualified psychotherapist (UKCP accredited) and I hold a postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy from CCPE (Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy Education) in London.

Before training as a psychotherapist I worked for many years in the NHS with adults with neurological impairments and children with severe language disorders. I decided to train at CCPE as a counsellor and psychotherapist after taking early retirement.

My focus has always been helping people to manage their limitations and to fulfil their potential in life. A search for answers and meaning in my own life has brought me to where I am now and it is a persistent curiosity which sustains my love for this work.

I draw on four main perspectives in my work:

Psychodynamic principles for early life issues

Humanistic ideas for relationship dynamics and connection

Existential thinking which looks to the meaning and purpose in life

Transpersonal soul work which focuses on "who I really am".

I refer to theories of neuroscience inasmuch as they help to explain just how the brain interacts with the body and creates a dialogue between our external and internal worlds.

In parallel to private practice I have had experience working in the voluntary sector for charities.  In particular I have valued my time spent at the Drop In Caravan Counselling Service in London, Piccadilly.  I continue to offer some low-cost sessions because I believe that counselling can change lives and is an opportunity which should be available to everyone.

Member organisations

Registered / Accredited

Registered / Accredited

Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.

UKCP
UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)

The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Its register is accredited by the government's Professional Standards Authority.

As part of its commitment to protect the public, it works to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against its members.

UKCP standards cover the range of different psychotherapies. Registration is obtained by training or accrediting with one of its member organisations, or by holding a European Certificate in Psychotherapy. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

Accredited register membership

UK Council for Psychotherapy
Accredited Register Scheme

The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.

UK Council for Psychotherapy

Other areas of counselling I deal with

  • Loss of a sense of self
  • Loss of meaning and purpose in life
  • Role changes
  • Transitions

Photos & videos

Fees

£60.00 - £80.00

Concessions offered for

  • Low income
  • Keyworkers
  • OAPs

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

I currently have daytime availability on Zoom on Tuesdays, and Thursdays. At present I have availability in Lewes on Mondays in a central location near the station.

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)

Online platforms

Zoom
Diana Collins
Diana Collins