Hello and welcome

Hello,

Thanks for visiting my website. I’m Dee and I offer counselling and psychotherapy to individuals, couples and teenagers. I have a successful private practice in East Grinstead, as well as working as a counsellor in a secondary school. 

Prior to setting up my private practice in 2018 I worked voluntarily for three local charities as a counsellor: Headway Tunbridge Wells, Redhill Counselling Centre and Carers Support West Sussex. 

I am experienced in helping adults and teenagers with difficulties such as anxiety, depression, trauma, low self esteem, identity difficulties, illness and relationship problems. I will listen to you empathically, respectfully and non-judgmentally. I will work with you to help you access your inner resources and support you in identifying patterns in your thoughts, feelings and behaviour to make positive changes. My philosophy is that by increasing our awareness of what we think and feel, we can increase the choices we have and redecide our future. When we improve contact with ourselves, with others and with the world we start to recover and heal. I also believe that by listening to your intuition and making small changes you can be the person you want to be, not the person other people want you to be. 

I use a psychotherapeutic approach called Transactional Analysis (TA), which is a theory of personality and a way of looking at how our childhood decisions can impact on how we see the world and live the rest of our lives. Please visit the TA page if you would like more information on this. 

I draw on a range of techniques to suit individual clients. I use TA as a framework. I can also offer creative techniques such as sand tray, metaphor, art and creative writing which can help clients access repressed feelings. I also sometimes use CBT techniques to help challenge negative thought patterns, although this is not my main approach. 

What is counselling and psychotherapy? Counselling and psychotherapy are both very effective ‘talking therapies’. Expressing what is on your mind, and telling someone how you are truly feeling in your heart, can be hugely beneficial and healing. Sharing and naming how you feel can help to reduce the intensity of your feelings. I will listen to you whole-heartedly, help you access the wisdom you already have and support you in coming to terms with your difficult life events. I can also help you explore familiar patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviours and you will be able to make positive changes in your life.

Who has counselling and psychotherapy? People from all walks of life seek counselling or psychotherapy and for all sorts of reasons. You may be feeling low, depressed, anxious, stressed or experiencing difficulty within your relationships. You may have experienced a significant trauma, bereavement or loss, or have lost your sense of self. Everyone is unique and different. Whatever your own personal reason, I can offer you a safe and confidential space to explore what’s going on for you. I can also offer a specific trauma recovery plan to help you recover from specific traumatic events. 

Not sure whether to get in touch?
I understand how daunted you may be feeling about reaching for support. I have been there and understand. You may be wondering whether counselling is right for you, or whether we will be a good fit. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if this is the case. We can meet with no obligation to continue. We can agree to work on a short or long-term basis, depending on your own individual needs, and this is normally  weekly. Your sessions would usually be at the same time each week. 

Want to get in touch?
Please email me at deniselonghursttherapy@gmail.com or use the ‘Contact Me’ page to arrange a session.

Or you can text / call me on 07387 810006. Please leave a message and I will get back to you.

I work at Silver Grey Clinic on the A22 and I also work online via Zoom. You are very welcome to come and meet me by making an appointment at the clinic or arranging an online session.

I look forward to hearing from you and supporting you on your unique personal journey.

Warm wishes

Dee

Denise Longhurst MBACP

MA, BA (Hons), UKATA Dip. TA Practice (psychotherapy)