Claire Couch

I offer sessions on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday weekdays and on Saturday mornings.

Thank you for taking the time to view my profile.   I offer a private counselling service not just for when you are experiencing emotional and psychological difficulties at times of crisis or unexpected change, but for when you want to make positive change. A service open to working with many different issues but with specific experience with health related issues, bereavement, anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, and relationship difficulties.  I am very proud to have gained much of my experience working for Macmillan Cancer Support in Eastbourne and Headway East Sussex (Acquired Brain Injury charity) in Newick. Both of these charities have given me valued counselling experience with life changing illness and injury, bereavement and the emotional difficulties of anxiety, depression and relationship problems that often occur as a result of such unexpected change.  I also have experience of counselling those who are feeling suicidal or have recently attempted suicide and those who have experienced trauma and abuse.

My Qualifications include:

BSc (Hons) Combined Sciences

Diploma in Humanistic Integrative Counselling

Certificate in Online & Telephone Counselling

Certificate in Trauma Focused Therapy

Certificate in Autogenic Training

I offer counselling of a Humanistic Integrative modality. This means that I draw on more than one theoretical model of counselling psychology to empower you to discover your own solutions to issues in a supportive, non-judgemental and confidential environment. Everyone is unique and my integrative training enables me to adapt my approach to suit you and your needs. Only you know how you are feeling, and I will listen carefully with an empathic ear to get a real sense of your experience from your perspective. My aim is for you to feel truly heard.  But I won’t just listen. I will offer you my honesty and respect and work with you to develop a better understanding of yourself, that brings awareness, so you can choose new, more helpful ways of coping with life’s ups and downs. In essence, I will help you make positive change. 

I have a particular interest in working creatively using practical activities such as sand tray, picture cards, drawing and metaphor and often use mindfulness, and body awareness techniques. However, I appreciate that this may not be for everyone and will only approach our work together in this way if it’s right for you.

For those who are experiencing high levels of anxiety and trauma I can confidently offer a Trauma Focused Therapy approach. This is a three stage approach to therapy with a strong emphasis on safety and stabilisation before trauma processing begins. 

 I also offer Autogenic Training (AT).  AT is a desensitisation-relaxation technique which significantly reduces stress and tension and improves sleep and mood regulation.  It is particularly beneficial for those who are heading towards or already in burnout. It does require an initial commitment to a minimum of 6 sessions plus home practice to learn the technique, but once learnt is quick and easy to do and is very effective. 

I offer an informal introductory session of around 20-30 mins for which there is no charge. This is a time for us to meet each other, see how we feel and look at how we could work together. There is no pressure, no obligation to proceed. Please also note, that if I feel that I am not the right counsellor for you I will be open and honest and do my best to sign post you to a counsellor or organisation that I feel will best meet your needs.

If you decide to go ahead with counselling, the next step will be to complete the initial  assessment and negotiate and agree between us the details of the counselling contract. This will be tailored to your individual needs. My fee for this and subsequent sessions is £50 per session.

This fee is payable on attendance at each session or 24hrs prior to our session if online or by telephone. Payment can be made by cash or bank transfer. If paying by bank transfer I respectfully request that payment is also made within the 24 hrs prior to our session. Block payments in advance can also be considered. Some concessions are available. Please note that I reserve the right to charge the full fee for any session cancelled with less than 24 hrs notice.

COVID: There is no longer a legal requirement to self isolate. However, I confirm I will still self isolate if necessary and offer online or telephone sessions as an alternative to face to face if possible. I respectfully request that clients also exercise caution and refrain from attending face to face sessions if unwell with Covid. Many thanks for your co-operation with this.