Philippa Aspey

About me

Philippa Aspey

Integrative Counselling/Psychotherapy

I am a fully accredited Integrative Counsellor/Psychotherapist with 20 years' experience within the public, voluntary and private sectors, including Hove Priory. (Now called Elysium Healthcare)

Being an Integrative Counsellor/Psychotherapist means that I utilise aspects of several different psychological approaches to suit the varying needs of each individual client.

Person -Centred
Psychodynamic
Cognitive-Behavioural
Solution- focused
Creative Arts
Transpersonal

Long-term work tends to focus on unconscious processes linked to low self - worth that may be causing barriers and sabotaging progress of any nature. This may also involve exploration of early relationships and/or past traumas that may be affecting the present situation.

I currently practice short-term individual counselling (Maximum 24 sessions) which often focuses on identifying values and associated goals, problem-solving, self-care and stress/anxiety management. However, it can also be a space to express any thoughts, fears or feelings that you feel you need support with.

I am also interested in Dream-work and Spiritual development that can lead to a much deeper understanding of yourself, and I'm open to exploring and working with this, whatever this may mean to each individual.

I am a warm, empathic person who can offer you a safe, confidential space in which to explore your issues, at your own pace.

In addition to the above I offer one day well-being workshops. Details of these can be found on my website www.navigatingtheself.co.uk

I am also a partner and founding member of Brightsky Community, (www.brightsky.community) a collective that supports well-being practitioners in their work, and offers a range of continuing professional development.

Training, qualifications & experience

B.A Hons English Literature with Drama
Foundation Certificate in Counselling
B.A Hons, Post-Graduate Diploma Counselling
Cert. Analytic Group Psychotherapy
Mindfulness Meditation Course
MBACP Accredited
UKRCP Registered

I am also a registered Therapist with Bupa and Simply Health

I initially trained in the arts, gaining a B.A hons degree in English and Drama; subjects that remain important to me today as I believe that creativity in any form can aid the healing process.

I then became more interested in psychology and human relations, and completed a post-graduate diploma in Counselling, which focused primarily on the humanistic theories. (Person Centred, Gestalt and Transactional-Analysis).

Following this I did a year's certificate in Analytic group psychotherapy, which gave me more knowledge and insight into the Pychodynamic way of working, and highlighted how profoundly our early relationships and experiences can affect our present situation.

I worked for several years counselling in a project for offenders with poly drug-use, where I did a short course in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I then increased my knowledge and experience of this particular theoretical orientation whilst working at The Priory in Hove.

During my employment at the Priory I have also run extensive groups, including the following:-

Cognitive Behavioural Theory and Practice
Explorative process work/general support
Managing depression/anxiety/stress
Building confidence and self-esteem
Assertiveness Training
Food and mood
Relaxation

I have worked at Sea-Side View Child Development Centre at Brighton general hospital, counselling parents of children with learning disabilities and/or behavioural difficulties. In addition to this I have facilitated self-care groups for parents whose children are affected by ASC (Autistic Spectrum Condition) in association with MASCOT (ASC Charity)

I also have experience in dream-work and am interested in how dreams can inform and direct us in our personal development.

In addition to the above I have completed a course in Mindfulness Meditation which I believe can enhance the therapeutic process, and am currently in the process of setting up some psycho-spiritual workshops that are aimed to facilitate personal and spiritual growth. (www.safespaceworkshops.co.uk)

I adhere to the BACP guidelines, undertaking regular supervision and continued professional development courses/seminars.