My Approach

Integrative, Psychodynamic, Systemic, Existential

About Me

When painful memories, strong feelings and intrusive thoughts become too overwhelming to manage, it’s not unusual to feel anxious, panic-stricken, low in mood or just aware that something isn't ‘right’. On the other hand, you may feel a specific event, like a bereavement, the end of a relationship or traumatic experience has made life seem more like a struggle and less of a pleasure. Talking to someone about your issues and concerns is not a sign of weakness - it takes courage. I offer a safe, confidential space where you can speak openly about your feelings, without fear of being criticised or judged.

I am an experienced clinical psychotherapist, EMCC Global Senior Accredited coach and partner at 198 Church Road, a counselling & psychotherapy practice in Hove. Having worked for almost two decades as a professional musician, in 2001 I left the music industry to pursue a long-standing interest in mental health. My therapeutic approach is best described as Integrative, with core training in psychodynamic psychotherapy and additional trainings in behavioural (e.g. CBT) and systemic approaches (e.g. family therapy). I also hold a COSRT (College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists) certificate in working with couples.

I would describe my coaching style as broadly existential because I am interested in "...those eternal human questions...we all sense at a deeper level in our day to day lives: how can I be happier? What is the meaning of my life? How can I be authentic? What's the right thing to do? Is this really all there is to life? What is my purpose? Am I living well?" (Yannick Jacob, 2019: An Introduction to Existential Coaching).

In our first session you’ll have an opportunity to talk about your feelings, discuss your needs and get to know me and how I work. First sessions also allow practitioners to better understand their client's situation and to assess their suitability for working together. Whether therapy lasts a short time, or for a longer period, a good working relationship between therapist and client is imperative and you’re under no obligation to return after our first session.

198 Church Road is serviced by the 1, 1a, 6 and 49 bus routes. We’re about a five minute drive from Hove mainline railway station and there are pay & display parking bays nearby. There’s also parking at the local Tesco superstore (subject to conditions).

I work with

• Companies
• Couples
• Families
• Groups
• Individuals
• Private healthcare referrals

Special Interests

Like all UKCP registered psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors I can work with a wide range of issues, but here are some areas in which I have a special interest or additional experience.

Types of Therapies Offered

• UTC Psychotherapist

What I can help with

• Abuse
• Age-related Issues
• AIDS/HIV
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Bereavement
• Cultural Issues
• Depression
• Family
• Health-related Issues
• Identity Problems
• Mental Health Issues
• Obsessions
• Parents
• Post-Traumatic Stress
• Private Practice Issues
• Relationships
• Sex Problems
• Sexual Abuse
• Stress
• Suicide
• Supervision
• Terminal Illness
• Training
• Trauma