Susanna Petitpierre
CounsellorAbout Me
I am a qualified counsellor and a registered member of the BACP (MBACP). I am trained in existential therapy and this is my main way of working. I am informed by philosophy as well as psychological theory. I have training and experience of working with other modalities including psychodynamic and third wave CBT approaches including Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focus Therapy (CFT).
I also have many years of psychologically centred assessment, training and development experience whilst working as a business psychologist in the UK and the United Arab Emirates. My area of expertise is leadership assessment, development and stress management. Additionally, I have spent many years training in yoga and meditation. Mindfulness and a focused exploration of our lived body experience is incorporated into all my work.
Clinical Experience:
Alongside my private practice, I have worked for a few years as an honorary counselling psychologist and psychotherapist in training in two NHS clinical health psychology departments, as part of my doctoral programme:
- NHS Sussex Partnership Trust - clinical health psychology department.
Here I work long and short term with clients struggling with cardiac and diabetes conditions. Additionally, I work in the psychosexual department working with clients struggling with sexual and relationship concerns.
My Approach:
My relationally centred approach to counselling aims to enable clients to experience a genuine and caring relationship, where they can reach a deeper level of understanding about who they are, as well as the experiences and relationships they have had and what they value now and in the future. I am dedicated to exploring these dimensions with my clients in an open minded framework rather than a dogmatic approach.
Each lived experience is different and I offer a safe space to listen and unfold what has happened. Together we can pay attention and understand what your difficulties are disclosing to you about being in relationship to yourself, others and the world. I will support you to explore what matters to you and how to move forward with that in mind.
I typically work with people on an open ended basis. However, I am happy to work short term with clients if agreed.
I work from three locations:
London (SW1W 9TR)
West Sussex (RH175AG)
East Sussex (Various locations in Brighton and Hove)
I am currently writing up my research for my doctoral studies in ‘Existential Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy’. My research interest is in existential sexuality. Presently I am working on the following research project: Women’s meaning and experience of being sexual in consensually non-monogamous relationships.
Locations
Issues often worked with
Types of therapy
Therapy offered
Client groups
Fees
Please get in touch to discuss fees and appointment schedules
Training and qualifications
Education and Training:
- Currently in the final year of Doctorate programme (writing up research) - DCPsych Existential Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy (in training).
Completed Qualifications:
- PGDiploma Counselling and Psychotherapy
- Foundation in Counselling and Coaching
- Masters in Occupational and Organisational Psychology
- Conversion In Psychology
- BSc Honours Degree in Sociology
Other Professional Qualifications:
- Registered member: British association of counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)
- Certificate of Competence in Occupational Testing. Level A,B, B+;HPI, HDS, MVPI.
- Teacher of Dynamic Yoga training method.
Other voluntary experience:
- The Rock Clinic (Charity in Brighton and Hove): September 2015 till January 2018.
I worked with clients struggling with a broad range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, loss, sexual and relationship issues.