Who do you work with?

I work with individual adults.  If you would like to see someone as a couple, please go to the useful links page for directories of other therapists.

How much do you charge?

I charge £45 for a 50 minute session.

How often would I come for sessions?

I think psychotherapy usually works best with weekly sessions, but this is something we can discuss, depending on your availability.

Where are you based?

I have a consulting room which is comfortable, quiet and private, and easily accessible from central Brighton and Hove.   It is located near to Hove Town Hall.  There is pay-and-display parking nearby.  

What kinds of problem do you deal with?

People seek psychotherapy for many different reasons.  Some people come at a time of crisis in their lives, other people for long-standing problems.  Here are some of the kinds of issues which prompt people to contact me:

• relationship problems  - not communicating as you would like with a partner; a feeling of distress or loss after a break-up or separation; difficulties with children or parents
• stress at work  - feeling as if things are getting on top of you and you can't cope as you used to
• anxiety and panic attacks - having persistent negative thoughts and not being able to deal with them, a physical feeling of anxiety that sometimes leads into panic and fear
• depression - feeling flat and low, not able to enjoy things or function as you would like to
• bereavement
• issues of sexuality
• a feeling that life isn't all it could be
• a history of childhood abuse - wanting to deal with something from the past which still affects your adult life
• a traumatic event that is still affecting how you function

How is a therapist different to talking with a friend?

Many people find it helpful to talk to a professionally-trained person outside their circle of friends and family.  A psychotherapist has no particular personal involvement, and also has experience of dealing with psychological problems.

What happens at the first session?

The first session is a chance for me to learn something about you and why you are seeking therapy.  It is also a chance for you to experience how I work and decide whether you would feel comfortable working with me.  I am committed to being as open as possible about how I think the process of therapy works, so I would encourage you to ask questions.  I will tell you whether I think my kind of therapy would be useful.  If we decide not to work together, I will discuss with you what other kinds of help are available.

What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

There is no hard line between the two and some counsellors and psychotherapists probably work in similar ways.  On the whole, psychotherapy training is longer and more intense and involves being in personal therapy.  Psychotherapists tend to work longer term with clients on more deep-seated issues.  Counselling tends to be focussed more on one issue and for a briefer time.