My approach
I believe all people are unique and therefore use my training, experience and intuition to work in a creative and flexible way that reflects this. Whether this is your first time coming for therapy or you have had therapy before, I will meet you where you are at and work collaboratively with you. This means that I see therapy as a space in which we explore together with curiosity what may be going on for you. On this journey I will accompany you supportively, with openness and respect for you. I am aware that opening up can take time and be scary and will endeavour to go at a pace that is right for you.
I have worked with people with a wide variety of struggles, from low self-esteem to existential struggles, anxiety to relationship difficulties. I could list many other areas but what I believe is most important is that I would see you as a whole person rather than just as your problems.
I value the unique identity and experiences of each person I work with, and invite you to feel free to bring all of who you are into the room. I welcome you and your sexuality, gender, ethnicity, culture, race, class, disabilities, faith and spirituality.
I value the relationship I have with each client I work with and see it as an honour to walk alongside people in their journey.
Experience and qualifications
I am fully qualified as a Humanistic Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, with a Postgraduate Diploma from Brighton University. Alongside private practice, I work as a Lead Tutor at East Sussex College on the Foundation degree in Person-centred Counselling and as a Lecturer in Counselling at Brighton University, teaching on their ‘Developing a Therapeutic Relationship and Counselling Skills’ module. I facilitate reflective practice and wellbeing workshops for frontline workers. I previously worked for the charity Release facilitating therapeutic groups for new mums. I have also worked as a counsellor for a specialist grief charity.
I am familiar with the Enneagram if you are someone who finds this a helpful map and lens through which to explore your unique experience of being in the world. I also offer creative modes of exploring such as a sand tray work.
I am an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and work within their framework for good practice. I am reliable and dedicated to professionalism in my work, whilst remaining down to earth and human!
Before training as a counsellor I worked with people struggling with mental health or addiction, mainly within the homeless community. In this role I found myself able to connect with people from all walks of life and see people beyond the labels given to them. I learnt the value in opening up to the ‘shadowy’ sides of ourselves that we can shy away from, and the healing that can come from bringing these parts of ourselves into the light of an accepting person. Seeing the way these therapeutic relationships enabled people to grow towards their potential and become more truly themselves led me to training as a therapist.
Testimonials
Here are some testimonials that have been offered to me by clients during my years of practice (they have been anonymised to respect confidentiality):
“I have worked with lots of different therapists over the years, but working with Abby has been so much more helpful and different to what I previously experienced. She got me on a deep level from the start and gently enabled me to reflect on the way I was relating with her, which has been deeply healing for me…She is seriously good at what she does.”
“Abby is genuinely caring. Coming to the end of counselling, I realise I am kinder to myself now…I understand my traumatic responses better…which has helped me to be less harsh and critical of myself. I would recommend Abby to anyone.”
“I was anxious before starting therapy but Abby’s warm and patient approach put me at ease instantly and allowed me to share my feelings and experiences in a safe and non judgemental space. During our time together she helped gently guide my negative thought patterns into a much more positive direction and she helped me to understand the roots of the issues I was facing. I finished our sessions together with more understanding of myself… which has been helping immensely.’
“I came to therapy feeling really low and anxious. Talking with Abby has helped ease these feelings. It took time but has honestly made a massive difference….It has improved my relationship too.”
“Working with Abby has been a game changer for me. From the beginning, she made me feel seen and heard. Her support has helped me with habits I was really stuck in…I have learnt how to regulate my emotions better, and feel lighter and more grounded. This has had a ripple effect on every part of my life.”
Contact
If you would like to explore working together then please do use the contact form to get in touch to arrange an initial meeting. Alternatively feel free to send me an email at abbyperrinscounselling@gmail.com