About Me / How I Work | Claire Connell Counselling

About Me

I offer a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental space to share your thoughts, feelings, relationships and experiences. I draw on Person-Centred, Gestalt, Existential and creative therapeutic approaches, adapting our work according to your needs and preferred way of working (see FAQs for more details).

Together, we can look at how your past may have shaped you, how those experiences might show up in the present, and what you may want to understand or do differently. I'm a real person first and a therapist second. I believe you have the capacity for growth and change, and my role is to support you in finding your own way forward.

How I Work

Together, we can explore what is happening for you with curiosity and give you the space to explore things at your own pace.

Our work may help you recognise patterns, understand your needs, relationships or boundaries, and connect with your strengths and consider choices or ways forward that feel meaningful to you.

I believe the therapeutic relationship is important, and I aim to offer a relationship that feels collaborative, respectful and personal to you.

Because everyone is different, I adapt my approach to the person rather than expecting you to fit a particular way of working.

Who I Work With

I work with adults, children, tweens, teenagers and young people experiencing a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety, stress, low mood, relationship difficulties, grief and bereavement, divorce and separation, life transitions, self-worth, overwhelm and neurodivergence.

You do not need to fit neatly into a particular category to ask for support. If what you are experiencing is not listed here, you are still welcome to get in touch.

Creative Therapeutic Work

Sometimes words are difficult to find and creative approaches can offer different ways of exploring thoughts and feelings when words alone don't quite capture your experience. Where appropriate, I can offer different ways to explore experiences through drawing, art, metaphor, imagery, writing, objects or sand trays to express and understand what is going on for you.

Where I Work

I offer face-to-face counselling in Brighton & Hove and online sessions for clients who prefer to meet remotely or need greater flexibility.

Qualifications

Professional standards, ongoing learning and reflective practice are important parts of how I work. I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and practise in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework.

Supervision

I undertake regular clinical supervision and ongoing continuing professional development to deepen my knowledge and skills, support reflective practice, and ensure my work continues to develop in line with professional standards.

Insurance

I hold appropriate professional indemnity and public liability insurance for my counselling practice.