About me
I offer warm, down-to-earth therapy, to support you through tough times and help you understand yourself better. You will be heard in a more attentive, attuned way than usual conversations supply, so that you can understand and trust yourself.
You might be going through a difficult life event - bereavement, illness, job loss. You might be worrying all the time, anxious, feeling burnt-out or questioning your relationship. Therapy can be hugely helpful.
You don't have to be in crisis to come, though. We can all experience times when we doubt ourselves, or when old coping strategies start to fail; when we feel low, stuck, or lacking confidence, angry or unmotivated. That's when speaking with someone outside your friendship group and family can be beneficial. Together, we can unravel what's going on for you, understand repeating patterns and help you feel lighter, calmer and more steady.
Sessions are online or in person, in comfortable, quiet rooms in Hove, BN3 or by Preston Park Station, BN1. I also work in Hurstpierpoint, at Hurst Therapy Centre.
Who I work with
- young adults to reduce anxiety and help them move into adulthood confidently
- individuals and their loved-ones adjusting to life with or after serious illness
- couples to improve communication and reduce distance and conflict
- those experiencing the challenges of midlife: relationship issues, loss, retirement, empty nest, menopause, ill health
- anyone feeling stuck, 'out of sorts' or confused by their thoughts, feelings or behaviours
- anyone curious to explore how childhood experiences and relationships might be impacting their adult life and self esteem or contributing to family issues
I have a special interest in working with cancer, chronic illness and terminal illness. I worked with both patients and carers within Macmillan Cancer Support's counselling service, and am familiar with the impact of serious illness on individuals and their loved ones.
Before training as a therapist, I worked as a writer and understand the emotional challenges of any creative work, particularly for the self-employed. These can include isolation, imposter syndrome, anxiety, low self-esteem and depression.
What to expect in your first session
I will invite you to share what brings you to therapy now. I will listen closely to your story and together we can get a sense of the issues that are impacting you most and how you'd like things to change. You will get a feel for how I work and whether you feel comfortable with me. You can ask questions.
What to expect from me
I work in a way that’s down-to-earth and human. I am warm and straightforward and will deeply engage. Change comes not only from being understood but from being challenged, so I might gently encourage you to loosen old perspectives and explore new ways of thinking and relating. I also like to reflect on how we’re doing together and invite you to comment or ask questions.
What does therapy feel like?
It can feel unsettling as we begin to dig deeper into your life experiences, but therapy can also be soothing, affirming and fun. People often report feeling lighter, with a greater sense of self acceptance and awareness. They can relate more freely to others, feel more resourced and are better able to relax.
What can therapy help with?
There are many reasons why people come to therapy. You might feel lost, stuck or 'not right', but are not clear why. You may have a specific issue or worry that you would like to explore but want support to do so. You might simply want to know yourself better.
Therapy provides the space and time to do this. You can hear yourself out loud and feel understood. You can download your frustration, pain and worries. As the work progresses, it can help you to build awareness of habitual patterns and outdated thinking. Through this awareness comes the possibility for change, and for living more fully and openly. Therapy is not about ‘fixing’, but about coming to know and accept all the parts of yourself.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am an Accredited Member of the NCPS. I hold a Level 6 Diploma in Counselling, specifically in Transactional Analysis (TA). TA’s philosophy is that everyone is OK, and that people can change. This sits at the heart of my work.
Member organisations
school 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.
The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Accredited register membership
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.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Parenting teens, midlife challenges.
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£60.00 per session
Additional information
Sessions for individuals last 50 minutes.
Sessions for couples are 1 hour and 15 minutes. The fee is £85.
I offer a free 15-minute introductory chat for individuals (20 minutes for couples), online or on the telephone.
When I work
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Further information
How many sessions will I need?
It’s really up to you. You may feel the benefits after only a handful of sessions, or you may decide to spend longer exploring things. This is something we can think about together as the sessions go on, and I’ll be guided by you. You know yourself best. Short-term work might last for around 12 weeks, while longer work may span six months or more.
