Mikaela Berridge

I currently have availability on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday evenings and some availability at weekends. Please ask me about availability when you contact me. From January I will have more availability to see clients.

Thank you for taking the time to view my profile. I offer a private counselling service for when you are experiencing emotional and psychological difficulties at times of crisis or unexpected change, but for when you want to make positive change. My practice is open to working with many different issues, but I have specific experience with health-related issues such as cancer having navigated my journey with cancer. I bring a unique blend of empathy, resilience, and hope to my practice. I am proud to have worked for Macmillan Counselling Services in Eastbourne and I currently work for the Sara Lee Trust supporting people with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

My training with Cruse Bereavement Care in Eastbourne and work with Counselling Plus Community have given me invaluable counselling experience with life-changing illness and injury, trauma, abuse, suicidal feelings, bereavement and the emotional difficulties of anxiety, depression and relationship problems that often occur because of such unexpected change.

My Qualifications include:

BA (Hons) Combined Studies in Religious Studies and Sociology

Diploma in Humanistic Integrative Counselling (Wealden Institute of Psychology)

Certificate in Online & Telephone Counselling

Cruse Bereavement certificate in Bereavement Counselling

I offer counselling of a Humanistic Integrative modality. This means that I draw on more than one theoretical model of counselling psychology to empower you to discover your solutions to issues in a supportive, non-judgmental, and confidential environment. My personal experience with cancer gives me a deep understanding of the emotional landscape that you as a client may face, including fears, uncertainties, and moments of despair. This lived experience not only enhances my empathy but also informs my therapeutic approach. I like to employ a mix of talk therapy, mindfulness practices, and creative techniques to help you as a client to process your emotions while also finding moments of lightness and laughter amidst your struggles.

As a therapist I provide uplifting support, to empower my clients to reclaim a sense of hope and purpose in their lives. I like to encourage clients to lean into their strengths, build supportive networks, and explore new paths of fulfillment. I aim to be a beacon of positivity and resilience for those navigating the complexities of health-related, emotional, or psychological issues and anxieties. 

I offer an informal introductory session on the phone of around 20-30 mins for which there is no charge. This is a time for us to meet each other, see how we feel and look at how we could work together. There is no pressure or obligation to proceed. Please also note, that if I feel that I am not the right counsellor for you I will be open and honest and do my best to signpost you to a counsellor or organisation that I feel will best meet your needs.

If you decide to go ahead with counselling, the next step will be to negotiate and agree between us the details of the counselling contract. This will be tailored to your individual needs. My fee for this and subsequent sessions is £50 per session.

This fee is payable on attendance at each session or 24 hours prior to our session if online or by telephone. Payment can be made by cash or bank transfer. If paying by bank transfer, I respectfully request that payment is also made within the 24 hours prior to our session. Block payments in advance can also be considered. Some concessions are available. Please note that I reserve the right to charge the full fee for any session cancelled with less than 24 hours notice.

COVID: There is no longer a legal requirement to self-isolate. However, I confirm I will still self-isolate if necessary and offer online or telephone sessions as an alternative to face-to-face if possible. I respectfully request that clients also exercise caution and refrain from attending face-to-face sessions if unwell with Covid. Many thanks for your co-operation with this.