Samantha McDonagh

I am a BACP Registered Counsellor and Psychotherapist; with over 25 years experience of working in the field of Human relationships; working with people aged from 2 to 102 in various settings including children & adults with learning and or physical disability.

I offer counselling, psychotherapy with the opportunity to work in a container of Mindfulness and Compassion, when helpful.

We can work together short, mid or long term, depending on what is needed and agreed with you.

I have trained in and work with complex Trauma and Loss.

I am experienced in working with:

• Depression & Anxiety
• Emotional/Psychological/Physical & Sexual Abuse
• PTSD
• Loss and Bereavement
• Body & Gender issues
• Substance use/abuse/dependency issues
• Self Harm
• Stress
• Personality Disorders
• Teenagers and Young Adults
• Trauma (in a Compassion Focused way, with the aim of alleviating suffering, by supporting recovery and transformation in mind & body)

I work in private practice in Worthing and have worked at Worthing Counselling Centre, as part of a team of staff counsellors providing counselling and therapy to general public, local organisations, and contracts for local companies (EAP). I was part of the Senior Counselling Team, carrying out assessments and working on all EAP contracts. I also provided CPD for Staff in the Form of Mindfulness Workshops, and MBSR Courses.

I can provide a safe, confidential, non-judgemental, accepting & creative environment in which you can feel heard, seen and understood.

In this kind of setting you may feel more able to explore thoughts, feelings and issues that feel important to you. This can support you to identify the changes you may want to make and how it is possible to move forward.

I believe that talking to a person who is impartial can support you to make autonomous decisions, and is a fundamental part of this process of change and growth.

Some of the reasons people choose to come to counselling/therapy include:

• A sense of being caught in self-defeating patterns of behaviour
• A general sense of dissatisfaction with life that they want to understand
• A desire to increase self-understanding and self-awareness
• A wish to understand and improve their relationships with others
• A need to work on specific issues/experiences (past or present) that may be affecting their quality of life
• Physical, emotional or psychological ill health that is affecting their quality of life (e.g. chronic health condition, loneliness, depression/anxiety)
• A desire to live life more creatively in order to fulfil more of their potential
• An urge for personal growth and self-development

In addition I offer Professional Coaching and am a Mindfulness Practitioner & Certified Mindfulness Teacher, working 1-2-1, with couples or small groups in my private work space and in a Community Setting for larger groups. I also offer introductory courses, Silent Retreat Days and Deepening Practice courses.