About:
Often what motivates a person to begin counselling is a stirring dissatisfaction with life, where past patterns no longer make sense or where suffering outweighs contentment by too far a margin. Having the courage to be proactive in combating the problems that we encounter, enhances our chances of achieving a happier and more fulfilled life.
Counselling has the capacity to bring hope into everyday life by strengthening the belief in a better, more positive future.
I believe we have within ourselves all the necessary resources and knowledge to live a full and meaningful life. Counselling provides the necessary conditions to re-establish that potential. My work is firmly grounded in the Humanistic tradition of believing that you are the expert of your own lived experience. My role is to enquire, respectfully challenge and understand that perspective, which in turn can help to unearth your inner knowledge and empower you in your everyday life.
The therapeutic relationship offers an exploratory safe space where you are free to express yourself in a focused, supportive and nurturing environment. It is different from any other relationship you may be involved in, such as family members, friends, work colleagues or partners. To be accepted without precondition or expectation is a rare and remarkable kind of relationship.
Pivotal moments in the therapy room; which equate to life never being quite the same again, happen because we cannot undo what we discover about ourselves and understanding ourselves means we can begin to consider the possibility of emotional growth and healing.
In addition to my private practise I have also worked at the Help Service which is a free counselling service offered exclusively to all NHS staff at Brighton and the surrounding areas. I have also worked at Change, Grow, Live (CGL) providing counselling to service users who are striving to manage/reduce their drug or alcohol addiction.