Rob Furness

Hi – I'm Rob. I’m a humanistic therapist in Hove, working with clients in private practice and volunteering at a local charity. 

I welcome all people and work with a wide range of issues, but my areas of specialism are anxiety, depression, loss and grief, addiction, trauma, existential crisis, low self-esteem, and working with LGBTQ+ clients. 

"If we can share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can’t survive” (Brene Brown) 

Counselling is first and foremost two human beings in a room together exploring what it means to live. I offer space to pause and reflect on how you are, and where you are in your life - not trying to fix you, but meeting you with empathy and acceptance. This simple human contact – often scarce in daily life – can be powerful and transforming. My hope is to cultivate a relationship of trust where you can explore experiences that you have previously kept hidden or tried to deal with alone.  

We’re each complex, with our own histories, relationships, values and beliefs. And so, I wouldn’t jump in to give advice. Instead, I’d help you cultivate a growing self-awareness. You would set the pace and decide what to explore; I would bring the curiosity and gentle challenge to help you learn about your experiences. We might explore the inner narratives, thoughts, feelings and behaviours that underpin your challenges and leave you feeling stuck. Also, your formative experiences in family, relationships, and culture.  

This can bring new self-understanding as you come to recognise your habitual responses, their meaning, and how they came to be. This can bring relief and clarity, and help you make the changes you want in your life.

I hope this gives you a sense of me and how I work. Please do get in touch if you have any questions, or would like to book an initial consultation or first session.

I practice from two locations: 

• My private and peaceful garden office (Denmark Villas), a minute's walk from Hove Station

• Hove Counselling and Psychotherapy (Portland Road)

I work one-to-one with adults. Sessions are 50 minutes.  

I work face to face and online (via Teams).

I offer both long-term and short-term therapy. 

I offer a free 20-minute consultation to explore working together. We can do this by telephone or online (via Teams).

In the first session, we can explore what has brought you to counselling, and I can answer any questions. We can also explore how you would like to work: face to face or online, short-term or long-term, etc.  

It’s important to find the right counsellor for you, so it’s a good chance to get to know me and how I work, so that you can decide whether you want to move ahead.