Susie Christensen

I am a psychodynamic psychotherapeutic counsellor working in Brighton and Hove and online. I know that starting therapy can be a hard decision or feel overwhelming but I will offer a safe and non-judgemental space in which we can work together to explore whatever it is that you wish to bring.

I have been practising as a psychotherapeutic counsellor since 2017. In this time I have worked with a wide range of clients from all walks of life and backgrounds. Some of the issues I have worked with include depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, bereavement, eating disorders, cultural issues and more. I have also worked with many clients who are questioning or exploring their sexuality and/or gender identity. I work in a Gender, Sex and Relationship diversity and LGBTQ+ affirming way and have done training regarding working with Gender Sex and Relationship diversity in therapy.

I have previously worked seeing clients for a bereavement charity and for a low-cost psychotherapy service in Brighton. In addition to my client work I am a lecturer in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy at The University of Brighton. Prior to this I did a PhD in English Literature and taught this subject at King’s College London. This background in teaching and researching literature lives on in my interest in stories. Therapy can be a place for us to think about and perhaps reconsider the stories we tell about ourselves.

My psychodynamic approach means that I believe our early life experiences shape us and the way we form relationships. Therapy can be a space to work this through and to make sense of aspects of ourselves or our behaviours that may be troubling us or feel confusing. However, therapy is not all about exploring the past; it can also be a space to think about and explore the way you are feeling now and the things happening in your life at the moment. Most importantly therapy is about you. This is your space and you can use it however feels best for you. 

Therapy offers a space in which to be truly heard. Some people come in crisis, others to come and reflect on unwanted patterns of thoughts or behaviours or just to find a space to explore themselves. Therapy focuses on your thoughts and feelings and some people find it helps them to feel more real or whole, or to accept and integrate past experiences and find a story that makes sense to them. Coming to therapy can require commitment but can be an enriching and rewarding experience as well as sometimes a painful one. You are the expert in yourself, my role not to give advice but to provide a safe space to think together about what it means to be you. If any difficulties arise we can work through these together.

I am a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and work within their ethical guidelines. I am at all times boundaried and professional but also warm and human!

Some people will come for a few sessions, others will stay for years. A key part of therapy is the relationship each client forms with their therapist. We will work together to make sense of and explore whatever you want to bring and for however long feels right for you.  

Sessions are online or face-to-face in Hove for 50 minutes weekly and cost £65. Prior to this I offer a free initial consultation so you can decide if I am the right counsellor for you. This initial session will be online for 30 minutes. After this you can decide if you wish to continue with on-going sessions with me. I have a limited number of concessionary spaces available for those on a low income or out of work. Please enquire to discuss if this is applicable to you.

I have a limited number of concessionary spaces available for those on a low income or out of work. Please enquire to discuss this is applicable to you.

Prior to our initial consultation I will ask for a few details from you such as full name, address, date of birth, email/telephone number and GP details. All data is stored privately and confidentially.