Counselling in Brighton & Hove
Humanistic counselling in Brighton, Hove and online across the UK
There are all sorts of reasons you might be thinking about counselling. Something might have happened that you are finding difficult, or perhaps life has gradually started to feel harder than it used to. You might be struggling with anxiety, feeling low, having difficulties in a relationship, or simply finding yourself thinking more and enjoying things less.
You might also find it difficult to say exactly what is wrong. That is okay too. You do not need to have a clear reason for coming to counselling, or know what you want to get from it. We can start with what is going on for you now and see where that takes us.
My role is to give you the space to talk openly and be heard without judgement. I am not there to tell you what to do or decide where we should go. We can take our time, pay attention to what comes up and begin to understand things together.
I offer counselling in Brighton, next to Preston Park station, and in Hove on Portland Road, as well as online. If you are thinking about talking to someone, you are welcome to get in touch.
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.
About me and how I work
My name is John. 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 British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work within its Ethical Framework. 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.
Counselling in Brighton & Hove
Counselling in Brighton
In-person counselling close to Preston Park station.
Counselling in Hove & Portslade
In-person counselling from Portland Road in Hove.
Online Counselling
Online sessions available across the UK.
Sessions & Fees
50-minute counselling sessions are £65. Sessions are available in person in Brighton and Hove, as well as online. I also offer a free 15-minute introductory call if you would like to ask questions before arranging a session.
View fees & session information
Common questions about counselling
Where do you offer counselling in Brighton & Hove?
I offer in-person counselling from two locations: close to Preston Park station in Brighton and on Portland Road in Hove, near Portslade. I also offer online counselling across the UK.
What can I come to counselling for?
You do not need to have a particular diagnosis or fit into a specific category. I work with people experiencing anxiety, low mood and depression, stress and overthinking, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem and periods of feeling stuck or unsure of what they want.
What happens in a counselling session?
There is no set agenda or particular way you need to use the session. We start with what is going on for you and work from there, talking things through and exploring what feels most important at your own pace.
How much does counselling cost?
Sessions are 50 minutes and cost £65. I offer counselling in person in Brighton and Hove, as well as online. A limited number of concessionary spaces may also be available.
How many counselling sessions will I need?
There is no fixed number of sessions. Some people come for a shorter period while others find longer-term counselling more useful. We can talk about what feels right for you and review this as we work together.
Can I speak to you before booking a counselling session?
Yes. I offer a free 15-minute introductory call if you would like to ask any questions, tell me briefly what has brought you to counselling or simply get a sense of whether you would feel comfortable working with me.
Find out more or arrange a session
News and Articles from the Blog
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: