Sam Jahara

I am a psychotherapeutic counsellor offering short- and long-term counselling to clients in Brighton & Hove.  My approach to counselling is called humanistic-integrative which means that I draw on set of complementary methods within the humanistic framework of counselling and psychotherapy.  These include Gestalt, Person-Centred and Existential models.  What this means in practice is that I focus on building a trusting and supportive relationship with clients whereby they feel safe to explore themselves in an environment that is both empowering and deeply accepting.  I walk alongside my clients and work with them to explore their own truth and meaning; I am not an expert in their life but instead facilitate their process whilst honouring their inner wisdom.  My belief is that each of us has within us the power to create a meaningful life, irrespective of our circumstances.

My clinical experience includes psychotherapeutic counselling, group work and the application of the arts in counselling.  I am experienced in working with a wide range of issues, with clients from diverse backgrounds presenting with both short-term challenges, through to deep-rooted issues requiring long-term work.

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

Prior to this I completed a three-year post graduate diploma in creative arts therapy in Berlin, Germany, which I put into practice whilst living in Australia through setting up and running a series of creative arts therapy groups for women and in running community development art projects for children and young people.  In my current practice I use imagery and metaphors by incorporating the arts in counselling, when the client wishes to do so, using the created image as a foundation for self exploration and understanding. 

My experience in the UK includes working as a counsellor for a well established counselling centre in West Sussex; running a busy private practice in Brighton & Hove; and in working as part of a multi-disciplinary mental health recovery team in the NHS, providing vocational and employment support for individuals with severe and enduring mental health needs.

I was raised in South America and grew up living in the USA and Northern Europe.  As an adult I have lived and worked in South America, Europe, Australia and South Asia.  I am multi-lingual, culturally aware and feel comfortable working with clients from any cultural background.

I work in an LGBTQ affirmative way and my practice is open to all lifestyle choices and sexual orientations.

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 full member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP) and abide by their Ethical Framework for Good Practice.