Sue Doughty

If you're here, it is likely that you are looking for someone that you can trust to  help you work through issues that are troubling you and who is able to understand.   I know that talking helps, and that working with someone who  will meet us with warmth, kindness and acceptance of who we are and what we bring, can make all the difference. 

I am an experienced BACP Accredited Counsellor and UKCP registered psychotherapist.  I know that at times life can be tough ; a loss, relationship breakdown, bereavement  or life change can feel overwhelming or  perhaps there is a call to find some peace or resolution from issues in the past.  I can offer you a safe and confidential space to talk about what is troubling you. I will listen without judgment and help you to bring a deeper understanding to what is concerning you.

My approach is an integrative one that draws on a range of approaches which include mindfulness based approaches, psychodynamic and transpersonal.   My initial training was in psychosynthesis a holistic approach which recognises  a  connection  between body, feelings, mind and spirit. Founded  on the principle that we all have the potential to live a rich and fulfilling life, I continue to draw on psychosynthesis in much of my work  seeing   problems not just as difficulties to be overcome, but as part of a process which may contain a message or call from a deeper part of ourselves that is longing for change. 

I began my counsellor and psychotherapy training after many years of working in education. I have an MA in Psychosynthesis Psychology (University of Middlesex),  PG Diploma in Counselling from the Institute of Psychosynthesis in London and an Advanced Diploma in Psychosynthesis Psychotherapy from the Psychosynthesis Trust. 

I work from a quiet room in Waterbeach which has frequent rail services from Ely and Cambridge and lies close to the A10 and A14. There is excellent parking outside. I welcome any questions that you may have. 

I understand that taking the first step can feel difficult and can often take courage. You may feel uncertain  of  what to expect or have questions that you might like to ask so once you make contact with me,   I will offer a free 15 minute consultation by phone or video call. This is an opportunity  to answer any questions you have and to  get a sense of me before we meet for our  initial session. 

If we decide after the initial session to take the work forward, we will make a time to see each other on a  weekly basis. Sessions last  an hour and usually  take place at the same time each week. We may decide to work short term (usually for around 8-10 sessions) or in a more open ended way. Whichever feels right,   at the heart of the work is the relationship that we build together  and so the   commitment to this  is a two way process . 

 In our sessions we  will explore what you bring through dialogue together and perhaps work somatically (noticing bodily sensations) or with dreams or images.  We will work to notice patterns of behaviour or ways of thinking that may have served in the past but may be limiting  in the present, seeking to understand them and through awareness, having more choice then of how to respond in the here and now.      I will always be on your side, through at times may challenge or offer other perspectives in service of this.  

I currently work both online and in person face to face.  I follow the current Covid guidance  regarding safe working practices. 

Our initial session provides us with   an hour  in which we can meet each other for the first time.  It is an opportunity for you to find out how I work and whether you  feel that I am the right person for you,  and for me to get a sense of what you need  and know how I might be able to help you.  There is a charge for this session  however there is no obligation to continue after this point

In this first session I  will give you space  to let me know what brings you to counselling at this time in your life and for us to begin to explore this a little. I will want to find out more about you through asking you about your family, relationships,  work and so on, to know what  you hope to gain from therapy and as well as finding out about the difficulties that you may be experiencing also find out what makes resources you have in your life and brings you joy and comfort.  There will also be  opportunity for you to ask me any questions that you may have and for me to tell you more about the way I work and what this might mean for us if we move forwards together. 

At the end of our time together we will think about what might happen next, and if we decide to take the work  forward make a regular time and day to meet.