Vicky Williams

I am a clinical psychotherapist with a Post Graduate Diploma in psychodynamic counselling and a Master's degree in psychotherapy.    I offer a safe, calm, supportive environment to explore and work through issues that are troubling you. The goal of therapy is to not only to relieve symptoms but to build your self-esteem and allow you to understand yourself and others better, and lead a happier and more fulfilled life. This may mean developing your ability to problem solve, to have healthier relationships with others, to make better use of your skills and abilities and to accept a wider range of emotions.

About me

I trained as a psychotherapist after initially studying English and following an early career in education and the Public Sector. As a requirement of training, I was in counselling for 5 years and I believe it is important for practitioners themselves to receive intensive counselling before assisting others. I offer counselling and psychotherapy to adults and to young people aged 13 to 18. I have completed safeguarding training for working online with adolescents and enjoy working with this age group. I am registered with three professional bodies – BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) UKCP ((United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy) and UPCA (Universities Psychotherapy and Counselling Association). I am an accredited clinical member of UPCA and a UKCP clinical psychotherapist.

I work with clients experiencing;

anxiety, depression, OCD, low self-esteem, body dysmorphia, trauma, loss, transitions, issues related to disability, neurodiversity and gender identity.  I also work  with clients who are looking to make sense of difficult and or abusive relationship patterns.  These may be in your personal and/or professional life. I am happy to see  clients with a history of addiction/substance abuse if they are supported by addiction specialist services or in recovery.

Something about the way I practise

My initial training was in psychodynamic counselling. This is a form of therapy that focuses on: the exploration of emotions, attempts to avoid distressing thoughts and feelings and the identification of recurring themes and patterns in a person’s life. This may include work on self-concept, relationships and life experiences. As we are shaped by our past and tend to repeat patterns of behaviour and habits, there is a focus on past experience and developmental focus to help understand current psychological difficulties. The aim of this work is to help you live more fully in the present.

As part of an integrated masters, I was exposed to a number of other therapeutic disciplines, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Transactional Analysis and Systemic practice. I use these techniques where appropriate and according to client preference.

I offer in person sessions in East Sussex BN25. I also offer online sessions for adults and  for teenagers (13-18).  These  have the advantage of allowing access from  anywhere in the country. I do have some lower-cost spaces available for clients on lower incomes and I am happy to discuss concessionary rates including for trainees hoping to enter the profession.  I offer short or long-term therapy dependent upon your needs. 

I am aware that deciding to embark upon counselling can be daunting and I am happy to discuss the process via the telephone or on zoom.  I ask all clients to fill in a pre therapy questionnaire.