Mark Pharoah

My counselling practice times:

Monday 8am till 4pm

Wednesday 8am till 12pm

Thursday 12pm till 4pm

Friday 8am till 4pm

There are many reasons why you might be seeking counselling. You might be suffering from anxiety, depression, loss, or bereavement or dealing with problems at work, socially or with family. Maybe your issues are due to recent events or stretch far back to past abuse or narcissistic trauma. I provide therapy for those suffering from troubling feelings and thoughts. There maybe social anxiety, low self-esteem, feelings of isolation, exclusion, and loneliness, or a sense of being overwhelmed, confused or numb. I also see clients with the particular challenges associated with neurodivergence including dyslexia, autism and ADHD. I also have a specialised understanding and life experience of performance anxiety and nerves in relation to business, leadership and work.

As an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist I have provided therapy for a range of issues both big and small over the long and short term. I call on a variety of approaches. These include the person-centred, existential, cognitive, psychodynamic, and relational approaches. This integrative counselling enables me to be very adaptable and flexible to the unique problems you might be facing. My website provides further details on these approaches and how they might relate to your situation.

I am mindful that starting therapy can feel scary, intimidating and overwhelming. Consequently, I take great care to go at a pace that is right for you. My counselling approach is person-centred, non-judgmental, empathic, and sensitive. I always endeavour to empower you to feel safe, secure and supported.

I qualified with distinction from Inter-Psyche Training Centre in Dartford which is affiliated to the Kent and Medway NHS Trust Foundation. This is a Level 6 qualification. I am currently working towards BACP accreditation. I have a fully enhanced DBS check. Details of my privacy policy, how I secure and how long I hold data can be found on my website.

I am happy to discuss your goals for therapy, check availability and to answer any questions you might have over the telephone. Subsequent sessions are 50 minutes duration and are usually one week apart.

My practice is in SE9. There is one flight of stairs to the  counselling room. Alternatively, I conduct sessions online via zoom.

The first session is an opportunity to get an overview and have our first face to face meeting. I briefly explain the 'client-counsellor agreement' which is concerned with the administration of the sessions and clarifies the expectations concerning the way we will work together. I also explain issues concerning confidentiality. After we have done this it can be helpful to get an appraisal of what has brought you to counselling and what you might hope to get out of it. It is a 'no pressure' session where we simply begin the journey forward together.