My story

I first discovered counselling in my early thirties when I was feeling overwhelmed with one of life’s more challenging events.  The support I received was a revelation to me.  The warmth, understanding and genuine care helped me to ground myself and find a way forward.  I also learnt that asking for help is not a weakness, it is actually a strength. 

Over time I learnt a great deal about myself and what makes me tick.  I had always wanted to help people but had never known quite how.  Now things started to make sense.  With guidance and care, I learnt how to access my own inner strength, and realised that I could be true to myself and stand on my own two feet.  I was grateful that I had found a way forward and I wanted to pass this on to others.

My professional journey

Inspired by my own experience, I enrolled on an introductory counselling course and embarked on a 5-year journey of training in the Humanistic approach to counselling.  Having qualified as a fully trained counsellor I spent 2 years working for a local community service, where I supported people with, at times, quite severe mental health issues.  I then went on to work in further education colleges in Kent, helping students to cope with the stresses and strains of their courses and everyday life.

Wanting to build upon my experience, I spent the next 5 years working with GP-referred patients for local NHS IAPT services, adding CBT and Solution-Focussed interventions to my approach. At the beginning of 2020 I decided to start my own private practice, and I now support clients - both short and long-term - from my rooms in Whitstable. I also assist public sector professionals through a local Employment Assistance Programme providing short-term counselling.

I am fully accredited by the BACP and DBS checked.

Sunny is an empathic counsellor and I felt he really listened to me and understood me.  With his help I found a way to deal with my problems.  Thank you! Ben