Location

The Rock Clinic, 270 Eastern Road, Kemp Town, Brighton BN1 5TA 

            ( free parking up to 2 hours at LIDL car park ) 

The Consulting Room, 4 Temple Gardens, Seven Dials, Brighton BN1 3AE

            ( pay and display parking ) 

Enquiries:  07905 941 944or .

Background

Howard is 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 sixteen years.  He works with individuals and groups and has experience of a wide range of areas including depression, anxiety,  stress, low self esteem and problems with relationships. 

Howard trained at WPF Counselling & Psychotherapy as a Group Analyst.  He is a member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists, The Forum for Independent Psychotherapists and U.K.C.P.  He has also undertaken further training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy  and Mentalization Based Therapy.

Ways of working 

Howard works from a group and individual perspective; considering the social and psychological aspects of emotional distress.  If you choose individual therapy, you then have the option to move on to a group as a second stage of your personal development.  This can help to overcome both the social and personal aspects of a problem.   

Counselling

Offers a confidential and supportive space to reflect on your difficulties.  This is usually short term work lasting six weeks up to a year.   It can be arranged weekly or a series of dates can be set up in advance for those unable to make a weekly session at a fixed time. 

One to one psychotherapy

Where there are recurring blocks in the way that you relate to others and these have not been resolved by short term counselling, more in depth psychotherapy can help.  This is longer term work, lasting a minimum of six months, in order to allow the time needed for exploration of your current difficulties and their roots in the past.   

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.   Some people need an extended period to talk through their difficulties individually while others gain great relief from sharing with others and realizing that they are not alone.  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.

As you feel more confident in a group, you may want to ask for feedback.  For most of our adult life, honest feedback is difficult to find.   Other group members can be very helpful in pointing ways that you undermine yourself or positive strengths that you don't recognise. 

Initial consultation 

This takes place over one or two fifty minute sessions. You will be invited to explore the reason that has brought you into therapy. The therapist 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.  There will be time to clarify your current feelings for a deeper understanding of what is troubling you. and the therapist will share their ideas as to the best way forward. This may be one to one therapy, group therapy or another approach.   For some, a group is attractive, as they can work with an experienced therapist at lower cost.

How much does it cost?

The fee is agreed in the initial session.

Group psychotherapy:  £19 - £25  per 90 minute session.

One to one sessions of 50 minutes: £46

We are committed to making psychotherapy accessible and will therefore try to accommodate your current financial situation as far as possible.  Some low fee places are available - please ask.

For more information about individual or group sessions

Please call 07905 941 944. Calls will be returned in confidence.