sam

My approach to counselling is called humanistic-integrative, meaning that I draw on different methods within the humanistic framework, such as Gestalt, Existential and Person-Centred Therapy.  In practicing humanistically, I support and facilitate your process whilst honouring your inner wisdom.  I walk alongside you and work with you to explore and gently challenge your choices, beliefs and values so that you can identify your own truth.

I have a background of 15 years experience in the field of therapy, group work and applied psychology and have been formally trained in both humanistic-integrative counselling and creative arts therapy.  I am experienced in working with a wide range of clients dealing with short-term challenges through to deep-rooted issues requiring longer term therapy.

My academic training includes a higher education diploma in counselling from The Australian College of Applied Psychology in Brisbane, Australia, and more recently a Bachelors of Arts in Humanistic Counselling from The University of Chichester.

Prior to this I completed a three-year post graduate qualification in creative arts therapy in Berlin, Germany which I put into practice whilst living in Australia in setting up and running a series of creative arts therapy groups for women, and in working for ‘Hands on Arts’, a children’s arts centre, where I coordinated art workshops for children and teenagers.  In the UK I have worked as a counsellor for the ‘As You Are Centre’, a well established counselling centre in West Sussex and I am currently running a private practice in Brighton & Hove in East Sussex.

As well as my academic background, I have been specifically trained in the field of human relationships and sexuality and have experience of working with individuals in exploring issues of gender and sexual identity.

I was raised in Brazil and grew up living in the USA, England and The Netherlands and I am fluent in English, German and Portuguese.   I welcome and feel comfortable working with clients from any cultural background and have a particular interest in working with those struggling with cultural identity and feelings of being uprooted or not belonging.

Click here to know more about creative arts therapy

Click here for examples of my therapeutic artwork

Creative arts therapy differs from ‘art therapy’ in that its main aim is to integrate the use of the arts in counselling.  It is therefore not regulated by the Health Professions Council (HPC).

I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and abide by their Ethical Framework for Good Practice.