Sue Thomas

Welcome. I am currently offering face to face counselling /therapy sessions on Tuesday/Wednesday afternoons/evenings, as well as via telephone and online at other times over the week. Please get in touch if you would like to talk with a professional - to share or explore any struggles. Warm wishes, Sue  (March 2024)

Why counselling?

Counselling has become a much more acceptable form of help in recent years and it is alright to admit that something is wrong. It can take courage to make that first step. You may feel uncomfortable being honest with yourself, let alone a stranger. However, it can be a huge relief speaking out, exploring and processing feelings with someone who is not going to judge you. Friends and family can often feel too close for us to talk with complete honesty. We may be worried about placing a burden on them, perhaps, or that they may retaliate in some way, or we fear they may abandon us. The counselling space allows a freedom to grow and to be yourself.

At various points in our life we all face times of difficulty. When major events happen in life - for example a bereavement, relationship breakdown, a health crisis - having some space and time for yourself to work this through can be very helpful.

You may seek counselling when you feel troubled or stuck in some way and feel a need for resolution. You might be recognising a compulsion to repeat unhelpful patterns of behaviour and not know what is causing this. You may simply know that you do not feel right, that life could be lived more fully and that relationships could be more satisfying. You might feel stuck in certain feelings, such as anxiety, anger, jealousy, or sadness. Perhaps you may be aware that your relationship to food, alcohol or drugs may be linked to your emotions. Counselling can help untangle situations, allowing for greater clarity and awareness.

Counselling and Psychotherapy offers a private and confidential space with someone impartial. Using my training and experience, I will help you to reflect upon any difficulties and bring awareness to what is happening.

"In finding a better understanding of ourselves, we find a greater sense of control in our lives, which in turn, increases self confidence and well-being. From this standpoint, we can make healthier choices and lead a happier life".

I very much look forward to working with you.

About me :

I am fully qualified and experienced and have worked as a counsellor and psychotherapist privately since 2010. I also worked for six years as a volunteer counsellor for a charitable agency.

My work comes from the basic philosophy of the psychodynamic approach. I may also use CBT techniques as another means for us to make connections and look at what is happening for you. Mostly, of course, I bring myself. I am friendly and open, and offer a warm and non-judgemental environment for us to explore your concerns. I want my clients to feel safe, valued and accepted. I approach any problems that they bring to the counselling room, in an empathic, concerned and genuine way. These factors help you to express yourself and allow therapeutic growth.

I have worked with many types of issues, some of these are: relationship problems, anxiety and depression, low self-esteem, stress overload, problems at work or college, fear and trauma, loss and bereavement, body image and eating problems, physical illness, feelings of shame and guilt and identity issues, but also generally feeling that something is wrong and not feeling fulfilled or happy.

I have particular specialisms in loss and bereavement, mind/ body issues, and depression, anxiety and stress.

I am a registered member of the BACP ( British Association of Counselling and Psycho-therapy) and abide by their Code of Ethics. You may be assured of confidentiality.

I practice at the New Cross Natural Therapy Centre at 394 New Cross Road, SE14 6TY (Opposite New Cross Station). The centre has been here 35 years and is a little haven of calm in the surrounding bustle. I have been practicing here for 20 years and I also offer bodywork therapies - massage therapy, aromatherapy and reflexology.

I am currently able to offer face to face sessions at the New Cross Therapy Centre.

The centre website is: www.newcrossnaturaltherapy.com

I hold full professional indemnity insurance.

I receive regular supervision as required by the BACP and as part of offering a professional and ethical practice.

Body/ mind connections

The standard fee is £50

I operate a sliding scale and offer some low cost sessions ranging from £50 to £45. We would need to negotiate this.

Lower price sessions are subject to availability and usually take place weekday afternoons but please enquire.

It is customary practice to charge the whole fee with less than 24 hours notice of cancellation. Thank you for your understanding.

Counselling is usually considered to be shorter term and more focused on a specific difficulty.

Psychotherapy is usually considered to be longer term and focused on unravelling and clarifying underlying patterns in our lives that repeatedly crop up despite our attempts to change.

I work both long and short term depending on your needs.

AVAILABILITY

When you contact me about availability, it is helpful to know whether you need an evening/ weekend appointment and the earliest time you could arrive. Also, whether you are able to attend any afternoon times, including Saturdays.