Marla Prudom
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Work Experience
I trained as a counsellor nearly thirty years ago since that time I have developed and honed my counselling and supervisory skills in many different settings, my last post was as a Head of counselling of a charity. Previously my work has included working in a children's hospice, hostels, bereavement services and mental health centres with a special interest in women’s issues and working with people from all walks of life.
I have been private practice as a psychotherapist for many years and my consultation room is in Seaford which I share with another psychotherapist.
Working with Couples
I am familiar with and experienced in supporting couples going through a tough time.
Invariably couples will cite a breakdown in lack of communication as the reason for entering therapy.
The way in which I work with couples is to focus less on the two individuals and more on the relationship that has been developed between the two. I am interested in exploring how the relationship came into being which will also take into account the early attachment history of each person and its impact upon the couple, in other words what "emotional patterns" from the past are brought into the relationship. Together and over time we will look at how, and what each person has to do and be in order to get their needs met and what happens when needs are not met.
Couples come into counselling because they have run into problems arising from all kinds of pressures and tensions leading to a sense of growing apart and the relationship is suffering. This may be expressed in all manner of ways usually through unresolved arguments, constant criticism, explosive anger, or punitive silences, withholding either sexually and/or emotionally. Many couples feel they have reached an impasse and want help.
The process of opening up, being vulnerable and honest towards one another can be hugely painful and threatening and people may fall back into familiar ways of protecting themselves by attacking, justifying, blaming, getting angry and emotional or simply cutting off and not engaging or making light of the existence of problems.
However, it is possible only through a commitment and a willingness to engage with one another and by talking and expressing emotions that have been suppressed that will allow the distress in the couple relationship to be looked at openly and with honesty.
An important part of the work will also entail looking at the strengths and resilience of the couple. Often in the midst of conflict and distress it can be difficult to retain the sense of what drew you together, the unique memories that exists and is shared between a couple.
In the course of counselling it may be that a couple may decide to separate. As painful as it is it is possible to talk through and initiate the mourning process of working towards an ending that honours and respects the history of the couple. Occasionally couples come into therapy specifically seeking support to help them process a break up, they have already decided to end their relationship but want to do it in a way that minimises conflict and can provide a space to make a peaceful ending.
Counselling provides a space where the origins of the difficulties can be talked about, couples can finally hear and take in what each other is saying without attacking or defending. Feelings, and thoughts can be processed and an understanding and resolution can be reached.
Working with individuals
The service I offer is weekly one to one counselling which is largely psychodynamic, (basically how the past influences the present). I aim to establish a relationship of trust and empathy with you, this will take time, we are after all strangers meeting for the first time in unfamiliar surroundings to talk about private matters of the heart. During the process of talking your patterns of relating to self and others will be highlighted. We will explore whether the ways in which you relate, and act particularly when under stress are relevant and helpful to you today. We will delve into where, why and how the origins of certain behaviours came into being. Together we will work through and process some of the fears, anxieties, anger and sad feelings that you have brought into counselling. Through counselling you can reach a better understanding of your motivations, patterns of behaviour allowing you to explore options, and discover a more authentic and integrated way of being you.
Not everyone needs or wants long term counselling. Sometimes an unexpected situation can temporarily unsettle and derail an otherwise well functioning life. Short term counselling can provide a brief respite to think through what's happened and help you regain the stability that was missing.
From time to time I work conjointly, that is I team up with a male therapist and together we work with the couple. This way of working has proved to be popular as it can soften the anxiety around a therapist favouring one person over another and there is also the advantage of having two therapists bringing their skills and experience into supporting a couple in conflict and distress. There is a minor increase to conjoin working of an extra £5 making it £80 per session.
My thoughts on Counselling.
Whilst I believe in the transformative power of counselling it's not for everyone, there is no magic cure, quick fix or guarantees. It is not a decision to be taken lightly. It requires courage, commitment, time, energy, patience, and financial investment. Sometimes however, people reach out to counselling not because there is a great issue or tragedy to be processed it the opposite.
For some people counselling is a space to explore their feelings around a particular situation or important decision they have to make. Counselling allows a more considered approach to resolving a singular problem. However, for those who are not familiar with counselling and would like to discuss it further please call me and we can talk about it. I would rather we spent a little time talking through any reservations and questions you may have before making any decision. It's really important that you feel that you have enough information as is reasonable in order to take the next step if that is what you want. Call or text me on 07780707122, or email your questions and thought to marlacounsellor@gmail.com.
For those who venture forth the results can be hugely rewarding, immeasurable and life affirming.
On a personal note I have undergone my own therapy over a long period. As an experience it was initially tough, bewildering and very anxiety making, principally because I fought the therapy and therapist. My head told me that I could benefit and gain from the process if only I would engage with it whilst my heart fought against being so vulnerable and exposed. Fortunately my therapist encouraged me to talk about my fears and anxieties and I turned a corner. Over the course of time I learned so much about myself, the knowledge was hard won. Today I am comfortable in my skin and my relationships are much more honest. I don't have all the answers to solving the dilemmas and adversity which come my way but I have learned to ask myself certain questions to help me think through and process emotions and that in turn helps me achieve a clearer perspective and balance in life. I don't always get it right but I am open to change which is what therapy is about.
Training, qualifications & experience
Diploma Attachment, Psychoanalysis and the Couple Relationship. Tavistock Centre for Couple Relations. London.
Certificate Graduate Certificate in Systemic Practice. (Families and Couples). Institute of Family Therapy. Birkbeck University. London
Certificate Certificate in Supervision Skills. Institute of Group Analysis. North London
Certificate Pre/post Adoption counselling. Post Adoption Centre. London
Certificate Introduction to Group Analysis. Brighton University
Diploma Counselling and Supervision. Sussex School of Counselling
Certificate Theory of Psychodynamic Counselling. Lincoln Institute. London
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred).
Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision.
Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training.
All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
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
I have worked for several years as a Bereavement counsellor and I have a particular interest in the area of loss of all kinds and in grief work, including issues of infertility and identity.
I have also worked extensively with issues of sexual abuse and rape.
Therapies offered
Fees
£60.00 - £80.00
Additional information
The first session and what to expect
I offer face to face therapy in my consultation room at Seaford and also on line via FaceTime or some other digital platform.
If you are interested in making an appointment please contact me on my mobile number 07780707122 for a consultation. I apologise in advance if you can't get hold of me and I would urge you to try again. Usually when I see that I've missed a call I will do my best to return it as soon as possible. Alternatively you might like to text or email me at marlacounsellor@gmail.com. We can then arrange an appointment for a time that is mutually convenient and I will endeavour to accommodate your schedule. I work Monday to Thursday with day time and some evening slots available.
Prior to making an appointment I'm happy to answer any questions you may have or if you seek clarification on any of the points raised. It's important that you feel you have enough information before making a decision. Call or text me with your questions on 07780707122 and I will do my best to reply as soon as possible.
Should you decide to arrange a consultation we will discuss what brings you into counselling and I can explain how I work. There will also be some practical and ethical matters that I will need to bring to your attention, such as the parameters of what I can and can't offer, issues of confidentiality and my responsibility to you as a therapist
Fees
Consultation fee
The initial consultation for a couple is £80 and lasts one hour and fifteen minutes. On going the fee is £80 for an hour.
An individual consultation is £60 for an hour. On going is £60 for an hour
A one off fee is payable at the end of a consultation and if you wish you can pay by on-line banking. For continuous work I send an invoice at the end of each month which can be paid on line.
Cancellation
If you cancel at short notice (less than 24hours) I will always try and reschedule an appointment for the same week however, if it is not possible I will still charge my fee. When we make an appointment to meet I hold that space for you and you only and it is a demonstration of my commitment to the work I do with you.
When I work
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I have reopened my diary to offer my therapy service for Individual, Couples work and Supervision of counsellors who are already qualified.
Further information
If after a consultation you decide you would like to proceed with counselling I would ask you to commit yourself initially to at least six consecutive sessions. This gives us time to get to know one another and the consistency of sessions allows for a more coherent presentation of the difficulties and issues you would like to work on.
If for one reason or another you decide not to go ahead with counselling and that is fine I would hope we would be able to talk about your reservations. If you wish I can also signpost you to another person or service more suitable to your requirements.
Counselling usually takes place at the same time, same place each week. However, I can be flexible and will try and accommodate you if you work shifts or if your work takes you out of the area or country. Whilst it is possible to work around your shifts it is also essential that you are able to attend counselling regularly .
I am available Monday to a Thursday only, day time and evenings. Please note that evenings are usually the most popular time and there is limited availability.
I have a pleasant and private consultation room which I share with another psychotherapist.
There is street parking. I can offer both day time and some evening appointments Monday to Thursday.