Suzanne O'Leary

I am trained as a person-centred counsellor, which is rooted in the idea that within the context of a safe and trusting relationship, a person can begin to heal from painful experiences and re-build a sense of self-worth, safety and trust in themselves and their interactions with others. My approach is to offer you a therapeutic space in which to tell your story and be heard. I will help you to make sense of your experiences, gain a better understanding of yourself and explore the ways you learnt to cope, or even survive. By telling your story in our own words, you can begin to understand yourself better, which can help to reduce a sense of isolation, shame or self-blame and begin to find new patterns of behaviour. I offer relevant theories and framework based on my understanding of polyvagal theory, neuroscience, trauma and behaviour change to help you to gain an understanding of why certain patterns of thoughts and behaviours develop. I offer suggestions such as positive coping skills, techniques and somatic practices and which might support your healing process and ability to cope in the moment. I can work in a short-term, solution-focused capacity, or offer long-term therapy according to your needs. I also offer somatic practice sessions if you would like to explore embodied practices for coping with stress.

I qualified with a Post-Graduate Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling from Brighton University in 2008. Before setting up my private practice, I worked in the charity sector, specialising in supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse. I also have clinical experience within the NHS. I have further training in Transactional Analysis (TA), Attachment, Trauma and Loss and as a Nervous System Coach. I am also a trauma sensitive somatic yoga teacher for Survivors Network in Brighton and I increasingly integrate somatic, embodied, practices, such as EFT, into my client work, which helps to promote lasting change.