About Claire, counsellor and psychotherapist at Insight Counselling Brighton
Getting in Touch with a Therapist
It’s not always easy making the first step to see a counsellor or therapist. There can still be a social stigma surrounding mental health, but attitudes are changing. You might decide to contact a therapist for a variety of reasons, perhaps relationship issues, feelings of loneliness, low mood for unexplained reasons, the impact ADHD symptoms have on life, work stress, trauma and the impact on present day and of course, bereavement and loss. It can feel terribly hard coping alone and often taking the first step to making contact with a therapist can feel the hardest.
I am a counsellor and psychotherapist working in private practice in Hove. I work with people from all walks of life in a way that respects culture, values, beliefs, choices, gender and sexual orientation.
My practice is constantly developing and I keep my professional training up to date with pertinent therapy issues, by research and attending training courses.
Before becoming a therapist, I worked in education; teaching young people, training adults and providing consultancy. Therefore I value professional development and seek learning experiences to improve and broaden my competence, knowledge and skills.
My experience is broad and I take on clients who are experiencing difficulties with a wide range of issues; for example social anxiety, ADHD, trauma related issues and relationship worries along with the long list you can see at the bottom of this profile.
Additionally, I also specialise in some particular areas of therapy.
These specialisms tend to come from my professional interests or my own personal life experiences and I have extensively researched and attended further training to gain particular expertise and understanding of the issues that might arise to help when supporting particular clients.
Areas of Specialist Focus
Ethical Non-monogamous Relationships
Are you thinking about becoming non-monogamous, but want to do it consciously and ethically? It is important to understand what the different types of relationships could look like and how this might affect your current or future relationship. Issues around jealousy, time, fairness, trust and connection can arise.
Perhaps you are already in a non-monogamous relationship and wish to discuss aspects of it or need support.
Claire has extensive experience working with individuals within polyamorous and open relationships. Counselling for open relationships can be energising whilst also bringing up some more difficult emotions. No relationships are alike and Claire will hold a very safe place for you to explore what is true for you, without bias or judgment. For further information read the this blog article on ethical non-monogamy.
ADHD
A few years ago I came to realise that I probably had ADHD – something I had coped with fairly well, but it certainly explained a lot about how I dealt with aspects of my life.
Learning and understanding the symptoms of ADHD better made me understand the ‘disorder’ (I am not keen on that word) and how it impacts neurodivergent people, often in complicated and sometimes negative ways.
This led me to research in more depth and I now work with and support clients who are experiencing difficulties due to ADHD and on often with the process to undertake getting a diagnosis, should they wish to follow that route. Whilst there is much talk online of neurodiversity being a ‘superpower’ and indeed neurodivergent people are often creative and out-of-the box thinkers, many people with ADHD find it has held them back in the work-place with executive dysfunction and even burnout and often it can cause personal challenges in behaviour and relationships.
If you feel you would like support with symptoms or the impact of ADHD, do get in touch using the online form on this website or by emailing direct.
Fertility, pregnancy and loss
I have particular experience working with women encountering fertility issues, pregnancy loss and difficulties during pregnancy. I also have personal experience of some fertility processes.
I also have knowledge and experience of donor assisted pregnancies and can offer support through this sometimes complicated and emotionally confusing time. Get in touch for further details.
Perimenopause and Menopause
The menopause can be a particularly challenging time in a women’s life. Although it is now beginning to be discussed on the media, women often feel totally unprepared and this can leave women feeling isolated and confused about their symptoms and the feelings associated with the changes happening to them. If you feel you’d appreciate talking with Claire about the impact the menopause has on your life, get in touch.
LGBTQ
I have wide professional experience in supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in relationships or with other pertinant issues. Also with those who are exploring their sexual identity. I also have my own personal identity and history to add to my experience. My approach is inclusive, affirming and sex positive. Do get in touch if you are facing any concerns that you are finding challenging.
Coping with Grief and Bereavement
There are many ways to feel the loss of someone or something and it can be extremely painful. You may experience a wide range of emotions, some which could surprise you. It can feel like the sadness and pain will never end, you might feel anger you have never felt before. Speaking to a counsellor may help you consider ways to go forward and cope with the loss.
This article on Grief and Bereavement may be helpful.
Redundancy
I know first-hand how redundancy can affect you emotionally. During and following redundancy people can go through serious feelings of loss and a resulting crash in confidence and confusion around identity. It can feel similar to a bereavement. Speaking to someone about this can help you process the feelings and get your life back on track.
More information about how counselling can help you can be found on the Home Page.
Options:
I offer therapy sessions in person in my therapy room in Hove and also online therapy for those who require it.
Online therapy is also a good option for people who live further afield and is a very successful alternative when face to face therapy isn’t possible. See my Online Therapy blog post for further information.
Therapy Room
I see clients in a comfortable, quiet and confidential therapy room in West Hove
We can discuss in the first session or by email/phone call what your requirements and expectations for counselling are.
Do get in touch if you would like to ask questions or make an appointment. Details on the contact page.
Experience:
I have been providing counselling and therapy for over twelve years and working in private practice for ten years, offering long or short term counselling and psychotherapy to adults and young people living in Brighton and Hove and surrounding areas.
Training and Qualifications include:
- PGDip – Psychodynamic Therapeutic Counselling – Brighton University
- BEd (Hons) Primary Education – University of North London (now Metropolitan)
- Foundations of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Certificate in Couple Counselling – Link Centre
I am a registered member of BACP and adhere to their code of Ethics to offer a safe, confidential and non-judgemental counselling environment. As a counsellor I am in regular supervision. This is an essential part of my work. It means that I can uphold the highest standards of care for my clients’ well-being.