Counselling in Brighton & Hove
Humanistic counselling in Brighton, Hove and online across the UK
You might be feeling more overwhelmed lately, overthinking more than usual or noticing that things just don’t feel like they used to. Sometimes there’s a clear feeling to point to such as anxiety, stress or low mood. Maybe you’re going through difficulties in your relationship, or you know that something isn’t quite right, but you can’t put it into words.
You don’t need to have it all figured out before getting in touch. I offer a calm, non-judgmental and supportive space to talk things through and help make sense of what’s going on. We’ll move at your pace and focus on what’s most important to you in the moment.
I am based in Brighton next to Preston Park station, and Hove on Portland Road. I also offer online sessions if required. If you’d like to find out more, you are welcome to get in touch to enquire about sessions or to arrange a free 15-minute introductory call.
About me and how I work
My name is John and I have been counselling for close to 5 years. I trained in Humanistic Counselling at the University of Chichester, where I completed my Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE). I am a registered member of the BACP, ensuring that I meet the high standards of proficiency, ethics and professionalism. I am also fully insured and hold an up-to-date DBS check.
I work in an integrative way that is influenced by several humanistic approaches, mainly person-centred, Gestalt and existential therapy. Working in a humanistic way allows me to stay true to my own philosophy, believing that people have the potential to find their way through challenges and grow, given the right space to do so. I do what I can to provide that space.
Alongside private practice, I have worked in community counselling charities and addiction services, supporting a wide range of people and experiences.
Common questions
What happens in a counselling session?
A session is a space to talk about what is going on for you. There is no set agenda. We work at your pace, focusing on what feels most important and making sense of things together over time.
Do I need to know what to say before starting counselling?
No. Many people come unsure of where to begin. Part of the process is finding the words together, without pressure to explain everything straight away.
Can counselling help with anxiety, low mood or relationship difficulties?
Yes. Counselling can help you understand what is going on beneath the surface, how these experiences are affecting you, and how to respond to them in a way that feels more manageable.
How many sessions will I need?
There isn’t a fixed number. Some people come for a short period, while others choose to work more long-term. We can think about this together and review it as we go, depending on what feels helpful for you.
How I can help
People come to counselling for different reasons. These are some of the areas I commonly work with, though you don’t need to fit into a specific category to begin.
Anxiety can feel overwhelming or hard to manage, whether it shows up as constant worry, overthinking or sudden panic. Counselling offers a space to talk things through and begin to understand what may be driving it.
Low mood can affect energy, motivation and how you see yourself and the world around you. Counselling can help you make sense of what is happening and find a way forward that feels more manageable.
Working with relationship difficulties
Relationships can become strained or difficult to navigate, whether with a partner, family or others. Counselling offers space to explore what is happening and how you relate to yourself and those around you.
Working with self-esteem and confidence
Difficulties with self-esteem can affect how you see yourself and the choices you make. Counselling offers space to explore where these patterns come from and how they continue to shape your experience.
Working with stress and feeling overwhelmed
Stress can build over time, leaving you feeling stretched, pressured or unable to switch off. Counselling can help you slow things down and understand what is contributing to that sense of overwhelm.
Feeling stuck or unsure what to do next
At times, it can feel like you have lost direction or are unsure how to move forward. Counselling provides a space to reflect, talk things through and begin to find a clearer sense of what matters to you.
Get in touch
If you’d like to find out more or arrange a free 15-minute call, you’re welcome to get in touch.
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News and Articles from the Blog
Listening to Anxiety, Not Fighting It
Not Knowing Where to Start Is a Great Place to Begin
When You Don’t Know What’s Wrong
Writing and Social Media
Alongside my counselling work, I write and speak about therapy, mental health and the hidden aspects of human experience. My work has been featured in publications including Philosophy Now, Counselling Directory and The Argus, and I also host Thoughtful Observer – a reflective podcast and writing outlet available on Substack and Spotify.
You can explore some of that work below:
Article on Hope in Philosophy Now [here]
Article on Individuation in Counselling Directory [here]
Article on the use of Can’t in Counselling Directory [here]
News story launching MEN TALK TOO [here]
Thoughtful Observer podcast on Spotify [here]
Writing as Thoughtful Observer on Substack [here]
I can also be found on Facebook and Instagram: