Stephanie Fortescue

As a counsellor and therapist I aim to be as neutral as possible without sharing much information about myself. This makes it more likely that important relationships (past or present) will be mirrored in the relationship between us, thus giving crucial insight into helping you to work through your difficulties. We will often assess emotions, thoughts, early-life experiences, and beliefs to gain more understanding into your present-day problems. We will also highlight patterns which may be recurring, this could help you to see the ways in which you may be avoiding difficult situations, or to see defense mechanisms you may have developed as a way of coping. In doing so, you will be able to take steps towards changing and challenging those patterns, thoughts, and behaviours either as an individual or as a couple. I work relationally to offer young people as safe space to explore issues that may be troubling them. Counselling can be particularly beneficial for young people and teenagers as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and early adulthood. There are several ways in which counselling can be helpful for this age group: emotional support, identity exploration, peer relationships and social skills, academic and career guidance, stress and anxiety management, depression and mood disorders, risky behaviours, self harm, and more.

I’m a BACP registered fully-qualified counsellor and psychotherapist. I completed my post-graduate psychotherapeutic training at Brighton University, during which time I worked within the LGBTQ+ communities. Prior to this I worked providing rape survivor support, as well as in general psychotherapy clinics within the East Sussex area. I also have a BA (Hons) degree in Sociology and part Psychology, and an earlier career background in teaching.