Frances Purslow

I am an empathic, fully qualified and experienced therapist working in Worthing and Brighton & Hove.

I have experience of supporting young people and adults across a variety of issues ranging from anxiety, depression, bereavement and loss, relationship issues, loneliness, low self-esteem, addiction and child abuse.  I am happy to offer short or long term counselling, face-to-face, online and over the telephone.

Taking the first step to see a therapist is one of the most courageous and inspirational steps a person can take, even though it may feel very scary.  I remember how nervous I felt on my first visit to a therapist and how relieved I was afterwards to have spoken of my concerns in a confidential space.  We all experience difficulty at times in life when we need to be heard, valued and respected.  I view therapy as a dynamic and reflective experience where you can explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe, non-judgmental environment and if wanted, make any changes you may wish to make in your life.

HOW CAN COUNSELLING HELP?

Counselling offers an opportunity to take time to make meaning of our lives.  Whereas friends and family may want to help us by offering solutions, counselling offers us the time and support to find our own solutions.  It can be exploratory or highly focused, entirely depending on what you, the client wants.  For some, a few sessions is all they need and for others they wish to continue to work at a greater depth and towards greater changes.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN AN INITIAL SESSION

The first session is when you tell me what brings you to counselling and I take some details about you.  I talk and ask questions more in this session than in following sessions as it is important I build a picture of you and how I can help.  We will also discuss confidentiality and practical arrangements.  At the end we will decide together whether I can be of help to you.  There is absolutely no obligation to book further sessions.

SUBSEQUENT SESSIONS

In our first few sessions we will determine in more detail what you want to achieve in your therapy.  We will look at how you communicate with yourself and with others and how this impacts on our relationship and on yourself and what you want to achieve in life.  We will review your aims of therapy at regular intervals to ensure you are getting what you want from your sessions.

WHAT IS TA COUNSELLING?

TA is a contractual method of therapy which has at its core the open and honest relationship between client and therapist.  It is a model that allows a client to gain insight into why they interact with others in the way they do and how they are perceived.  It also allows them insight into how they communicate with themselves and how they can adapt to make changes they want.

I am always open to questions so please call or email me with any questions you have or simply to book an initial session.

Initial Session Free of Charge

Subsequent Sessions:  £60 per 50 minute session

As well as my private practice, I have worked as a volunteer counsellor in the NHS Partnership with CRI drug and alcohol counselling service, Counselling Plus charity and as a school counsellor.

In addition I have worked in schools for many years and prior to this in the corporate world supporting international business relations in the City of London.