about me
jess humphries
person centred counsellor
BACP registered
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I live and Practice in Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, where I have lived for the last 17 years and I feel very fortunate to say I love what I do, as it is so rewarding. My first introduction to counselling was as a young person, struggling to find my identity and again, as an adult when I became ill, which left me feeling lost, losing my confidence and identity and had no idea what was going on for me. Counselling helped me to identify my needs and gave me a voice to try to get those needs met.
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The work can be challenging, but I love to see how people grow. I believe the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important aspects to counselling, so to be able to hold a person, at really challenging times, then be alongside them as they start to grow, is an absolute privilege.
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Having grown up in the inner city part of Birmingham and spent a few years in London, it always makes me smile that I'm never more at home than I am in the countryside, with my little girl, my Border Terrier (that's her in the photo). I'm a bit of a bird twitcher (I do own a pair of binoculars, which also makes me smile). I also love film, almost all genres (not so keen on comedy), but especially love the classics.
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my approach is warm and compassionate....
I work in a way that remembers clearly the courage it takes to make that first step, so I will offer you a space where you won't be judged, but will be met with acceptance and empathy.
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The type of counselling I work with is based on the Person Centred approach, this means that I believe we all have the capacity for healing and growth, despite the difficulties and obstacles that might get in the way. Together, we'll try to identify those obstacles and find a way to remove them out of your way.
a bit about my experience......
as human beings we experience a range of thoughts, feelings and emotions, which at times can be difficult to access for many different reasons. So i thought it might be helpful for you to know of some of my experience, both personally and professionally. I see lots of different people for lots of different reasons and below are a few:
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Depression and Anxiety
Childhood Sexual Abuse
Bereavement and Loss
DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder)
Sexual Violence
Panic Attacks
LGBTQ
Self Harm
Young People
Low Self Esteem
Addiction-alcohol, drugs, food
Eating Disorders
Illness
Relationship Breakdown
Trauma
As well as having my own Practice in Brighton and Hove, I also work for a charity in Brighton that aims to reduce Sexual Violence and it's impact on Survivors' lives. I have undertaken a lot of specialist training in this subject, which enables me to work from a 'trauma informed' approach. I understand the importance of trust in the therapeutic relationship and providing an environment that is safe and holding, which will allow the trust to grow.
Some of the symptoms I regularly work with are flashbacks, panic attacks, shame, fear, insomnia, dissociative states, physical conditions, PTSD symptoms...to mention a few. This type of work takes time, so it's really important to follow the client, working at their pace, where there are no rights and wrongs.
LGBTQ
Being a member of the LGBTQ community, I understand how painful it can feel to face discrimination because of your sexual orientation and/or sexual identity; how isolating it can be when you look at your family and friends, but dont see yourself reflected back at you; how disappointing it feels to not see yourself represented in the media. This is why it's so important to find a counsellor that you feel comfortable with, to bring whatever issues you want to talk about. I offer a free introduction session for you to see if we're a good fit. Get in touch to book a free session in either Brighton or Hove.
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