Enquiries:  07905 941944 or

Location

Brighton Therapy Centre, 23a New Road, Brighton BN1 1UG.

        (15 minutes from Brighton Rail Station with paid parking available )

Background

Howard is a Senior Associate at Brighton Therapy Centre, previously employed as a Principal Adult Psychotherapist for Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and has been practicing one to one and group psychotherapy for the past thirty  years.  He works with individuals and groups  with experience of a wide range of areas including depression, anxiety,  stress, low self esteem and problems with relationships.   He is a training group analyst ( TGA ) for the Institute of Group Analysis enabling him to act as therapist for group analysts and group psychotherapists in training who are required to attend a twice weekly group as part of their training. 

Howard trained at WPF Counselling & Psychotherapy as a Group Analyst.  He is a full member of the Institute of Group Analysis,  member of U.K.C.P. ,  and Psychotherapy Sussex

How does Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy work?

We are all born into a family - single parent, nuclear family, extended family.  From those early years, we learn about who we are, based on how those around us see us and relate to us.  We learn how to cope with early conflicts, jealousies, rivalries, insecurities. These defences are essential to cope with life but as we grow into adulthood, they may no longer fit us or lead to unhealthy relationships.  Old ways of coping can become blocks to healthier relationships and wellbeing.   Psychotherapy creates a safe, non- judgemental, confidential space in which to talk freely about issues that you might otherwise be unable to broach with friends or family.   It creates a space in your week, where you can talk about whatever is most important to you, to speak without censoring.  Whilst there are many short term therapies available, psychotherapy is aimed at those who have been finding many areas of their life to be getting stuck over a matter of years.  These might be entrenched problems that keep arising in intimate relationships, recurrent issues at work or pervading low self esteem or mood swings.  These kinds of difficulties are explored from the perspective of your unique personality but also the particular forces that have shaped you from your early life - your family and social groups.  We remember the past in order not to have to repeat it.  Psychotherapy focusses on the immediate experience here and now of sitting in a room together as well as exploring and noticing how we are all influenced by our past. What you learn as a child about how to be, how to cope, how to manage conflicts, how to love and be loved become a map for how you approach your adult life.  As you work out what kind of map you are following it will give you more choice as to how choose to live your life going foward.   

Howard is LGBTQ friendly and welcomes enquries from all members of the community.  His way of working includes a group perspective - how we are influenced by our society and social group and how prejudices such as racism, homophobia and discrimination based on class or ethnicity can have a profound impact on how we see ourselves and others.  

One to one Psychotherapy or Group ? 

Howard offers one to one sessions once or twice a week.  Some people need the safety and containment of long term individual sessions.  For others, they benefit from individual sessions leading onto a group.  Howard has many years experience of assessing whether individual or group therapy would be the best fit and has become adept at finding the most effective option.  Group psychotherapy is equally effective and enables you to work with an experienced practitioner at a lower cost. Therefore, this option is always considered before deciding which path to take.  The assessment will give you more information about how the two therapies work and help you to make an informed decision as to which is best for you.  EFT and Matrix Reimprinting is available with particular effectiveness for childhood trauma, complex PTSD and somatic symptoms.  

Group Psychotherapy

Groups are especially helpful for those who want to develop  more meaningful and satisfying relationships.   Interacting with others can help locate patterns in the way that you block or undermine yourself.  By providing a safe and confidential setting, the group offers a space in which to practice new ways of relating, thus changing old habits.   

Most people find the idea of a group quite daunting, and may not have even considered this option.  There is evidence that group and individual therapy are equally effective.  The sense of closeness that develops in a group can be immensely strengthening and supportive.  Other group members can also act like mirrors;  you may recognize aspects of yourself in what they share and gain a new perspective on an old problem.

For more information see here. 

For an example of group psychotherapy practiced in the U.S. see here. 

Initial consultation 

You will be invited to explore the reason that has brought you into therapy.

The psychotherapist will listen and reflect with you in order to better understand what is on your mind.   You will be asked about your past and present relationships and how long you have felt this way.  Your psychotherapist will ask you questions to clarify your current feelings for a deeper understanding of what is troubling you. The consultation takes place over one or two meetings, lasting 50 minutes.  The psychotherapist will discuss with you their recommendation as to the best way forward which may be one to one therapy, group therapy or another approach.   

How much does it cost?

Initial consultation of 50 minutes, £76

Subsequent fees are agreed in the first session.

One to one sessions of 50 minutes: £76 - £96.  Some lower fee places are available - please ask.

For more information about individual or group sessions

Please call / text 07905 941944 or . Calls will be returned in confidence.