Patsy Gough

I am a humanistic counsellor, which means that I believe you are the expert on yourself and my role is to facilitate a non-judgemental, empathic space in which you are able to find your own truths. I work mostly from the 'inside out', meaning we explore what's at the core of you and how this might impact your present life. Getting to know what drives our feelings, thoughts and behaviours can help create meaningful, long-term change. I work integratively and creatively, drawing on modalities that are most suited to you. In my practice, I am gender sexuality and relationship diversity affirmative. This means I'm mindful of my use of language, I avoid making assumptions and I don't patholosise who you are as a person. I regard all identities and consensual lifestyles as part of human diversity. I have a broad understanding of the impact culture and society have on us all, particularly on those of us from marginalised communities. My aim is to provide you with a space in which you feel safe, seen, heard and understood.

I trained at Wealden College for Counselling and Psychotherapy, in Crowborough. My training was very experiential which helped me develop a good level of self-awareness. This is an essential part of becoming a therapist and you can be assured that I have done 'the work' myself ( and continue to do so as it's a life-long process!) I have practiced as a counsellor in several Brighton and Hove- based organisations, such as the BIMM Institute, Pavilions and MindOut. I was also the lead counsellor and co-ordinator at BourneOut, in Eastbourne. I have previously volunteered at Survivors Network, fascilitating peer groups, answering the helpline and offering 1:1 support.