Welcome to Start Something Counselling and Psychotherapy, led by Charlotte Parish (MSc, BSc (Hons)). I am based in Hove at the Connexus Institute, and currently offer therapy primarily online, and via telephone consultation.

People choose psychotherapy and counselling for lots of reasons. The umbrella term ‘talking therapies’ encompasses psychotherapy and counselling; meaning through the process of talking, awareness and understanding can lead to change. I work primarily through the modality of Transactional Analysis (TA), though I do integrate other theory and modalities into my practice.

I have experience working with many presentations and diagnoses, including but not restricted to; substance and alcohol dependence, addiction, bereavement, suicidal ideation, trauma, personality disorders, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, eating disorders, chronic pain, self belief.

You’ve taken the first step in seeking therapy, whatever your reason for doing so call me for a free telephone consultation.

FAQs

How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?

The biggest indicator of successful therapy is the therapeutic relationship, so you being able to speak freely is important in you gaining from your therapy. However, you may not feel instantly comfortable. Starting therapy can feel risky, and being aware of this is important. Ask me questions, and I will do my best to answer, this is a collaboration.

What exactly is the ‘therapeutic relationship’?

The relationship formed between therapist and client is unique. This is the therapeutic relationship, or therapeutic alliance, and has consistently been shown to be the biggest predictor of successful therapy; A relationship where you are able to be yourself, and where you are not judged. If you are able to feel held within a therapeutic relationship, you are more likely to gain therapeutically. I am not here as a therapist to tell you what to do, or how to do it, however I am ready and willing to start building a relationship with you so we can work together.

I saw a therapist before and I didn’t get along with them, how do I know you won’t be the same?

The only way to know whether you will be able to form a therapeutic relationship with me is to contact me, and to see whether you think we can work together. I welcome enquiries.

What does a therapist do?

A psychotherapist has undergone at least four years academic training, alongside their own personal psychotherapy. They have hours of clinical experience in placement settings. My role, as a therapist is to sit along side you and to be curious with you, to promote an understanding of Self.

What happens during a session?

A therapy session is your time. I will ask you what you would like to bring to the session - what you would like to talk through. This may change each week depending on what is happening in your life, or you may wish to continue talking through a specific area. I will listen to what you bring to each session, and I will be curious with you, picking up areas of interest, reflecting them back to you, wondering with you, and gaining deeper understanding.

Does therapy work?

Yes. Studies consistently show that talking therapy is effective. The efficacy of talking therapy is in the therapeutic alliance, or relationship, built between client and therapist. That is why it is important for you to meet with me, and for us to build a relationship. Therapy will, at times, bring discomfort, and it is important that you discuss your discomfort with me, as this will strengthen our therapeutic alliance, and enhance your therapy.

How long will I need to come to therapy?

I work both long term and short term. Your therapy sessions are your time. I ask that you commit to the same day and time each week, however, the duration of therapy is not fixed. Having said this, therapeutically, the longer you are in therapy, the more notice it is better for you to give, to enable a therapeutic ending.

Do I have to come every week?

Attending weekly, at the same time, ensures continuity and familiarity. Without this routine, progress is halted in recapping and reprocessing. The time between weekly sessions allows you time to process what has happened for you within the session.

Who needs therapy?

Anyone can seek therapy. Racial and cultural background should not be a barrier to therapy, nor should sexual or gender identification.

Some people seek therapy due to extreme emotional distress, to enable their navigation through mental ill health diagnoses and some people seek therapy to further enhance their understanding of themselves. The therapeutic relationship is a navigational relationship within which the therapist and client work together.

What if I feel worse?

The process of therapy is often not a linear process. There may be times when you feel as though therapy is helping, and times when as you start to develop new understanding and growth this leads to periods of discomfort. Throughout your therapy you will have reviews, however you do not need to wait for these to tell me how you are feeling, often these expressions of discomfort are times when change is really meaningful, and it is important that you are able to tell me how you are feeling so I can support you in the most appropriate way.

I’m not sure I need therapy, what if I’m wasting your time?

You are not wasting my time. Asking for therapy does not automatically mean you are not coping, or mentally unwell, it may mean you are seeking to gain a deeper understanding of yourself, and your interactions, in order to make positive changes.