Coronavirus/COVID-19 Support: This is a stressful and worrying time as we quickly try to adapt to the implications of this pandemic. We are faced with fears for our own well being, the health of loved ones, our financial stability and the unknown future we face. You may feel you need some support to help you get through a period of increased isolation. I can offer telephone or video call sessions and a range of flexible options so that you can receive support in this time without having to travel (see Flexible Support page). Do not hesitate to contact me to see how counselling can help and how it can be tailored to suit you during this challenging time. There is hope and there is support available.
If you’re struggling with something, I will work sensitively and honestly with you to support you in what you’re going through. I am an experienced Person Centred Counsellor and Focusing Teacher based in Burgess Hill and Brighton. I have worked with people experiencing anxiety, depression, sexual abuse, relationship issues, work related stress, ill health, bereavement, family issues and many other life and mental health issues.
An accepting and empowering approach
I am an accepting, open minded and honest person. Coming to counselling can feel a bit scary and I will work to help you feel safe and to be someone you can trust. My approach is Person Centred, so we will look at whatever is important to you. When people feel they’re accepted and understood this can increase confidence and self acceptance, heal old wounds. A non judgemental relationship can also help you to get a clearer sense of what’s troubling you and the right way to move forward with it. People often find that through exploration of their experience they can come to trust their judgement. I work with clients with warmth, patience and compassion: I believe that we’re all unique and complex beings with innate potential for growth.
When things feel stuck
Sometimes no matter how much we think or talk about an issue it doesn’t seem to change. Or we may have a sense that there is something about the whole issue that we have not yet grasped. At these times it can help to pay attention to what is going on inside us in a particular way. I can help you with a process called Focusing which involves slowing down, listening in to your own experience to see what needs attention and to learn from your own inner wisdom. This approach is based on the idea that when we can be with our feelings just as they are, they are then able to change, allowing us to move through difficult feelings rather than being stuck in them or avoiding them. Being with these feelings can show us that when we get to know the problem, the solution is also within our reach. Focusing can also help you relate to yourself more compassionately and supportively and can give you tools to remember and use yourself after therapy.
Mental health issues and Diversity
I have a longstanding interest in mental health and wellbeing. I was a counsellor at Mind for a number of years, including working as a crisis counsellor and co-facilitating an OCD support group. I have worked with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, hearing voices, borderline personality disorder, psychosis and trauma. Mental health issues are still something people can be made to feel ashamed of and I commit to seeing you as a whole person, not defined by your troubles. If you have mental health issues it may be that difficult life experiences have contributed and I can support you as you explore them. I have worked with many survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse and have had extensive training around these issues. I am also committed to non-discriminatory practice and welcoming diversity: I believe that people from ‘minority’ groups are too often marginalised and wherever possible I will work to ensure I do not contribute to this.
I am responsible and professional, I work with integrity and I abide by the BACP Ethical Framework. I am BACP Accredited and Registered. I welcome your feedback about how you find working with me and I am open to being challenged. I understand that clients trust me with issues very personal to them and what you tell me is confidential.
You can also find me in the Counselling Directory and the National Directory of Counsellors and Psychotherapists
If you’re struggling with something, I will work sensitively and honestly with you to support you in what you’re going through. I am an experienced Person Centred Counsellor and Focusing Teacher based in Burgess Hill and Brighton. I have worked with people experiencing anxiety, depression, sexual abuse, relationship issues, work related stress, ill health, bereavement, family issues and many other life and mental health issues.
An accepting and empowering approach
I am an accepting, open minded and honest person. Coming to counselling can feel a bit scary and I will work to help you feel safe and to be someone you can trust. My approach is Person Centred, so we will look at whatever is important to you. When people feel they’re accepted and understood this can increase confidence and self acceptance, heal old wounds. A non judgemental relationship can also help you to get a clearer sense of what’s troubling you and the right way to move forward with it. People often find that through exploration of their experience they can come to trust their judgement. I work with clients with warmth, patience and compassion: I believe that we’re all unique and complex beings with innate potential for growth.
When things feel stuck
Sometimes no matter how much we think or talk about an issue it doesn’t seem to change. Or we may have a sense that there is something about the whole issue that we have not yet grasped. At these times it can help to pay attention to what is going on inside us in a particular way. I can help you with a process called Focusing which involves slowing down, listening in to your own experience to see what needs attention and to learn from your own inner wisdom. This approach is based on the idea that when we can be with our feelings just as they are, they are then able to change, allowing us to move through difficult feelings rather than being stuck in them or avoiding them. Being with these feelings can show us that when we get to know the problem, the solution is also within our reach. Focusing can also help you relate to yourself more compassionately and supportively and can give you tools to remember and use yourself after therapy.
Mental health issues and Diversity
I have a longstanding interest in mental health and wellbeing. I was a counsellor at Mind for a number of years, including working as a crisis counsellor and co-facilitating an OCD support group. I have worked with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, hearing voices, borderline personality disorder, psychosis and trauma. Mental health issues are still something people can be made to feel ashamed of and I commit to seeing you as a whole person, not defined by your troubles. If you have mental health issues it may be that difficult life experiences have contributed and I can support you as you explore them. I have worked with many survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse and have had extensive training around these issues. I am also committed to non-discriminatory practice and welcoming diversity: I believe that people from ‘minority’ groups are too often marginalised and wherever possible I will work to ensure I do not contribute to this.
I am responsible and professional, I work with integrity and I abide by the BACP Ethical Framework. I am BACP Accredited and Registered. I welcome your feedback about how you find working with me and I am open to being challenged. I understand that clients trust me with issues very personal to them and what you tell me is confidential.
You can also find me in the Counselling Directory and the National Directory of Counsellors and Psychotherapists
