About me
*Online Counselling* (I’m currently updating my website so please contact me via counselling directory)
With such a huge selection of counsellors to choose from, how do you pick one who is right for you? I think finding a good match is important, so I offer a free 30 min introductory session which gives you the chance for us to meet online and see if you think we would work well together, before you commit to booking any sessions.
We are all such unique individuals, with different personalities and very different life experiences; in my counselling sessions I offer a warm and collaborative therapeutic relationship, focusing on the unique needs of each individual client. We will create a safe space together, where you can openly explore your fears or concerns, increase your understanding of yourself, process childhood trauma, loss, relationship difficulties, or whatever is going on in for you right now, which will help you move to a less distressing place. The Person-Centred approach is at the heart of my work, so making sure that you feel safe, understood and not judged for anything you bring to our sessions, is most important to me.
I have 20 years' experience of working as a counsellor and am also a qualified counselling supervisor. I have experience of teaching counselling skills and managing a counselling service.
Over the years I have worked with a wide range of clients, in my practice everyone is welcome! I have considerable experience of working with issues around gender identity, sexuality and relationship diversity - GSRD. I welcome clients who identify as LGBTQ+ or who practice ethical non-monogamy and polyamory to come to see me for individual and relationship counselling.
On a personal note: I lived in Brighton for 25 years and have now moved to North Yorkshire. Although there are many things that I miss about Brighton, I am delighted to have been able continue to work with many of my clients and supervisees - via Zoom.
One of the joys of offering counselling online is that I can now work with a wide variety of people who I would not have had the opportunity to see in person and I look forward to making more new connections with clients and supervisees around the UK.
As well as advertising myself as an online counsellor, I have decided to keep my directory listing linked to Brighton, as it’s where I started my private practice and I hope to also maintain a connection to the diverse community there that I have been part of for many years.
What some clients have said about working with me:
Sonia's friendly attitude and ability to make me feel comfortable when talking about problems was most helpful; encouragement when and where required. I found it personally very helpful in moving forward.
I would absolutely recommend Sonia to others, she has enabled me to fully explore my life and way of being in a completely safe and accepting environment.
Sonia is clearly a very experienced counsellor. She immediately made me feel at ease and I always left the session feeling like I'd moved a bit further out of my confusion and distress.
I initially came for support through a difficult time (relationship breakup), but the sessions helped me to release and resolve much deeper and long-standing issues. I feel like a new person!
I felt safe, heard, respected and understood. It was a fantastic experience having counselling with Sonia and she really helped me explore what I wanted to look at in a kind gentle and friendly way.
I have made so many positive changes and found resources I didn't know I had during my time in counselling with Sonia. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a counsellor to work with.
Training, qualifications & experience
I have 20 years experience of counselling, including 16 years in Private Practice.
Counselling experience includes:
- Addaction (Drug/Alcohol)
- CRI/Equinox (Drug/Alcohol)
- The Womens Centre, Brighton
- Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard Counselling Service
Qualified Counselling Supervisor, experience of 1:1 and group supervision:
- Terrence Higgings Trust
- The Haven Project
- Mankind
- Survivors Network (Rape Crisis)
Other Counselling related experience:
- Tutor in Counselling Skills for Varndean College
- Freelance trainer in Counselling Skills
- Manager of Counselling Service for Age Concern Brighton, Hove & Portslade
Prior to counselling I managed a Diversity Programme for a national company, running workshops on Valuing Diversity, Disability Awareness, Bullying & Harrassment etc.
I also have an art background and have an interest in using creativity in counselling. For some clients using art materials can be a very rich way of expressing themselves, so please let me know if this is something you would be interested in.
Qualifications:
Post Graduate Certificate in Counselling Supervision
Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling
Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling
Advanced Certificate in Couple Therapy using The Arts
Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (Post-Compulsory Education)
7407 City & Guilds Certificate in Further Education Teaching
BA (Hons) Fine Art
In addition to these formal qualifications I am committed to my continual professional development and attend a number of counselling related training/workshop/seminars each year.
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
Photos & videos
Fees
£65.00 per session
Free initial online session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
I offer short-term or long-term counselling. Sessions are usually held on a weekly basis. Sessions are 50 mins rather than a full hour.
Counselling
Individual Counselling £65 per hour
Relationship/Couple Counselling £90 per hour
Student Counsellors £50 per hour
Reduced Cost Counselling £40-£60 per hour (a limited number of low cost sessions are available, so please mention low cost when you contact me)
Supervision
Qualified Counsellors - £65 per hour (50mins)
Counselling Students - £50 per hour (50mins)
When I work
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Monday - Thursday 9am-5pm
