About me
You don’t have to carry the weight alone.
Hi, I'm Phil, and I'm an experienced psychotherapist based in Essex.
Feeling low, anxious, or isolated can make you feel like a "black sheep". But in my experience—both professional and personal—these struggles aren't failures; they are part of being human. Whether you are dealing with a specific crisis or simply feeling "stuck," my role is to stand alongside you as we untangle what is happening.
I am an MBACP-registered psychotherapist with a First Class Honours degree in Counselling and over seven years of clinical practice. I have extensive experience working within addiction services and the probation system, which has taught me that everyone—regardless of their history—deserves a space where they can be heard, fully and truly.
How I Can Help
I provide a safe, affirmative space where you can explore your experiences without having to explain or justify your identity. My approach is integrative, meaning I draw from various therapeutic models to suit you, rather than trying to make you fit a one-size-fits-all process.
My areas of specialism include:
- Bereavement & Loss: Whether your grief is fresh or has been carried for years, we can work together to navigate the complexities of your loss.
- Addiction & Dependency: I offer a compassionate, evidence-based approach to substance use and behavioral patterns, focusing on understanding the underlying "why" rather than just managing the behavior.
- LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy: My practice is fully inclusive of all gender identities and sexual orientations. I am also kink-aware and experienced in supporting non-monogamous relationships.
- Life Transitions & Identity: If you feel like an outsider or are navigating questions of self-worth and identity, I am here to help you find your footing.
My Approach
I believe that the relationship between therapist and client is the most important tool for healing. I am not a "blank slate" therapist; I am a person, and I bring my genuine, queer, neurodivergent self to every session. My goal is to help you feel seen, understood, and empowered to make the changes you want to see in your life.
Your First Step
Our first session is a relaxed assessment. It’s a chance for us to meet, discuss what you’re going through, and see if we’re a good fit. No pressure—just a conversation about your goals.
Ready to talk? Please feel free to send me a message through this directory, or through the contact details provided below. I aim to respond to all inquiries within 24 hours to arrange an initial chat. You don’t have to do this alone.
📞 07774 539 483
✉️Philipkemp5760@outlook.com
Training, qualifications & experience
Qualifications & Training (non-exhaustive)
• BA (Hons) Counselling – University of East Anglia (First Class Honours)
• Seven years of clinical experience
• Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Suicide First Aid (ASIST) Training
• Therapeutic group facilitator training (Forward Trust)
Experience & Background
My clinical background began in the statutory and charity sectors, providing specialized support at The Outhouse (an LGBTQ+ charity based in Colchester) and the probation service.
Alongside my current role as an addictions psychotherapist and group facilitator at Forward Trust, and previous work with HBBS Counselling, Wellbeing in the Arts, and Survivors in Transition, I am the owner of Black Sheep Counselling & Psychotherapy, allowing me to create a diverse caseload that meets the unique and evolving needs of my clients.
Professional Standards
As a Registered Member of the BACP, I abide by their ethical framework and attend regular clinical supervision. Through refreshing my skills with CPD and training, I ensure that I’m giving you the best support possible.
I offer a flexible service via face-to-face sessions, Microsoft Teams, or WhatsApp video call.
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
Therapies offered
Fees
£75.00 per session
Additional information
I also offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation, to discuss any queries and to establish whether counselling is right for you.
When I work
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Further information
The location of my practice is in Pilgrims Hatch, Brentwood, with non-permit parking widely available.
