Counselling and Psychotherapy in Brighton and Hove as well as online
Welcome to Ashore Counselling and Therapy
Helping you navigate life's challenges
About Me
Fiona Paterson MBACP Psychotherapeutic Counsellor (She/Her)
Hi, I'm Fiona,
When life becomes overwhelming, it can be hard to know where to turn. Many people seek support therapy to get support for anxiety, low mood, depression, trauma, grief, chronic illness, major life changes or diagnoses. You may feel disconnected from yourself, stuck, or simply aware that something doesn’t feel right. Together we can explore what you're experiencing and help you find more clarity, steadiness, and a way forward.
I offer calm, compassionate support through both short-term counselling and open ended, longer-term therapy. Sessions are available in Brighton & Hove, or online, making therapy accessible wherever you are in the UK.
As well as offering sessions privately, I currently work at the Phoenix Therapy Practice in Brighton and Hove, where I offer low-cost counselling, and with The Brain Tumour Charity, providing free sessions for anyone affected by a brain tumour — including patients, family members and carers.
I work in a way that's down-to-earth and individual — shaped around your needs — drawing on both my professional training and real-life experience with health issues and periods of adversity, allowing me to meet you with empathy and care.
Before training as a therapist, I spent 25 years working in public and private sectors. This gave me a deep insight into how people carry stress, trauma, loss and emotional strain, often silently. It shaped how I work today: calm, grounded, steady and genuinely human. It also sharpened my attention to detail, helping me to notice things others might overlook — a skill I now bring into therapy to support each person.
I’m a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP) with a Post Graduate Diploma (PG Dip Level 7-Distinction) in Humanistic Psychotherapy and Counselling. I also have a background in Psychology (MSc).
I take part in regular supervision and continuing professional development (CPD) to ensure I offer the best support possible.
Qualifications, Certifications, Training and CPD
• BACP Registered Member- MBACP 414867
• PGDip in Humanistic Counselling & Psychotherapy (Level 7) - Distinction (University of Brighton)
• MSc in Forensic Psychology (University of Leicester)
• BSc Hons (Dunelm) in Psychology (University of Durham)
• DBS Enhanced Certificate
• Grief and Bereavement Training- Counselling Tutor
• Working with Clients affected by Brain Tumours- The Brain Tumour Charity
• White Awareness Anti-Racism Group
• Neuro-Diversity Peer Reflective Group
• Suicide Awareness Training- NHS
• Safeguarding Training- various, regular CPD
• Data Protection and Security- various, regular CPD
My Approach
In our therapy or counselling work together, we’ll focus on how your past experiences have shaped who you are today, and how your relationships, family, and social and cultural background affect the way you think, feel, and behave. Understanding these patterns and increasing self-awareness can help you break unhelpful cycles and make choices that feel more true to who you are.
What I Bring
I bring real-life experience, compassion, curiosity, and a down-to-earth, grounded style.
I listen closely — not just to your words, but how they’re said and what’s left unspoken.
I also gently challenge, helping you notice patterns that might be holding you back.
My role is to then to support you to develop your own tools and explore new possibilities.
How Counselling Can Help You
Many people come to therapy feeling broken, stuck, or confused — and these feelings are completely natural and valid. Therapy is a space to be heard, understood, and accepted, as well as a place for growth. Together, we’ll explore your experiences, build resilience, and discover hope along the way, helping you find a path forward and create new meaning in your life.
What to Expect in Your 1st Session
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it’s absolutely normal to feel uncertain.
I offer a free 15-minute introductory chat so you can ask questions and see if it feels like the right fit. The first session is a chance to get to know each other, clarify what to expect, and take that first step, comfortably, at your pace.
Why Work With Me?
I believe each of our journeys is unique. My work centres on genuine connection — listening deeply, validating your experiences, and offering steady support.
I'll be alongside you, creating a space where you can just be yourself. We go at your pace. You never have to share anything you don't want to, and there's no pressure. I won't tell you what to do or keep you in therapy longer than you need.
I have worked with a wide range of clients from diverse backgrounds including LGBTQIA+ and the Neurodivergent community and I am committed to anti-oppressive practice and inclusivity.
Some common areas I work with include:
Anxiety, Stress, or Panic attacks
Grief, loss, or bereavement
Trauma or abuse
Menopausal or health-related transitions
Chronic illness, Health related issues
Impacted by Brain Tumour diagnosis
Caregiver responsibilities
ADHD/Autism/Neurodiversity
Problems with confidence or low self-esteem
Family or workplace challenges
Exploring sexuality, gender identity, transitioning
Burnout
Depression
Retirement transition
Separation and Divorce
Relationship problems
Dreamwork
This list isn’t exhaustive — People come to me for help a wide range of issues and unique experiences. Please feel free to reach out even if you don’t see your particular situation mentioned above. Together, we can explore how my expertise aligns with your specific needs.
I've written a number of blogs about topics that often bring people to therapy, and areas I specialise in including: dealing with uncertainty, receiving a life changing diagnosis, experiencing menopause after cancer etc.
Sessions
Length: Session last 50 minutes, and are held weekly.
Location: I offer sessions in person in Brighton or Hove to people in Sussex and the surrounding areas.
I also offer phone or online therapy UK-wide, providing the same warmth and depth through a space that feels safe, consistent and supportive.
Online counselling is ideal if you are:
- Managing illness or fatigue
- Balancing work, parenting or caring roles
- Wanting flexible therapy without travel
- Living outside Sussex but connected to my approach
Availability: Please contact me to find out my current availability. I usually reply within 24 hours.
Fees
Cost: £65 per session - reduced rates are offered for counselling students/trainees, as well as online or telephone appointments.
Payment: In advance via BACS
Cancellations: I may require 7 days’ notice for in person cancellations, otherwise I ask for 48 hours' notice.
I try to be as flexible as possible and realise life can sometimes get in the way.
Free initial consultation: There is a free initial 15 minute call to give us a chance to meet, get a sense of me, and see if working together feels right for you.
Contact me to book Your Free Intro Call — I’ll be happy to answer any questions
Get in touch
Ready to Begin?
If you’re looking for counselling in Brighton, Hove, or online or over the phone across the UK, I'd be glad to hear from you. Please leave a message below and book your free intro call — I’ll be happy to answer any questions.
You can also WhatsApp, text, or call me on 07792 209037.
Some frequently asked questions
In our first session, we’ll explore what’s brought you to therapy and what you’d like to get from it. You don’t need to have all the answers—therapy is about discovering them together. We’ll agree on how our sessions will work so you know what to expect, and we can check in regularly to make sure it’s feeling helpful. I usually schedule a review every six weeks, giving us a chance to reflect on your progress and adjust things if needed, so you always feel supported and understood. Click here to find out more
Counselling can be really helpful when you’re facing a specific issue or challenge and want to work through it in a focused, short-term way. Over a number of sessions, we explore what’s happening, gain clarity, and often find practical ways forward.
Therapy usually takes a deeper, more exploratory approach. It’s about understanding patterns, underlying life issues, or long-standing difficulties that affect your wellbeing. This can take longer and the number of sessions is often more flexible, depending on your needs.
Which approach is best really depends on you and what you’re facing. Some people find short-term counselling is enough, while others benefit from ongoing therapy. Sometimes the line between the two is flexible, and we can work together to find what feels right for you.
That really depends on you—your needs, your goals, and what feels helpful. Some people find short-term counselling is enough, while others benefit from longer-term therapy. We’ll talk about this in our first session and check in regularly as we go along. You’re always free to pause or stop therapy whenever it feels like the right time for you.
Everything you share in our sessions is private. That’s one of the main things that makes therapy different from talking to a friend or family member. Over time, as you get used to the weekly sessions and the safe space they offer, you’ll often find that being able to speak openly and in confidence is incredibly freeing.
I follow the ethical guidelines of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), which means I am committed to confidentiality, professionalism, and working in your best interests. There are a few rare situations where I might need to break confidentiality—usually if there’s a risk of serious harm to you or someone else. Even then, I would aim to discuss this with you first. These situations are very uncommon, and for most people, what you share stays between us.
Yes, I do. Online sessions are fully secure and offer the same safe, supportive space as meeting in person. I also offer sessions by phone if that feels easier for you. My aim is to create a comfortable, welcoming environment wherever we meet—so whether it’s from home, by phone, or at the practice, you should feel able to relax and be yourself.
It’s completely normal to feel unsure and starting therapy is a big step. We can take things at a pace that feels right for you, exploring what you need without any pressure. Starting therapy doesn’t commit you to a long-term process—you’re just seeing if this space feels supportive, safe, and useful for you. For an informal chat to discuss this further please feel free to get in touch
I usually aim to offer an initial session within 1–2 weeks. After that, we’ll agree a regular weekly time that works for you and fits with my availability. How quickly your ongoing sessions can begin will depend on whether I have a regular slot free at that time. If your preferred time isn’t immediately available, I can add you to my waiting list and let you know as soon as a space opens up.
My fee is £65 per session, and payment is made in advance via BACS. I ask for a week’s notice if you need to change or cancel an appointment, but I realise life can sometimes get in the way, so try to be as flexible as possible. If appointments are cancelled without sufficient notice, the session will be charged in full.
Urgent Support
If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
If you need urgent mental health support, use the services below (please note some are local to Brighton and Hove, or Sussex)
Mental Health Rapid Response Service (Brighton & Hove) 0300 304 0078
- Mon–Fri: 8am–10pm
- Weekends & Bank Holidays: 10am–10pm
- For when you’re struggling to stay safe but don’t need emergency medical care.
NHS 111 Sussex Mental Healthline (24/7)
Call 111 and select the mental health option for round-the-clock crisis support.
Samaritans (24/7) 116 123
For anyone in distress, suicidal, or needing emotional support.
samaritans.org
Shout Text Support (24/7)
Text SUSSEX or SHOUT to 85258 for free
confidential support from trained volunteers.
Staying Well Service (Brighton)
Out-of-hours mental health crisis support for adults (18+).
- Weekdays: 5pm–10:30pm
- Weekends: 3pm–10:30pm
The Wellbeing Hub, 18 Preston Park Avenue, BN1 6HL
- 0800 023 6475
- stayingwell.brighton@southdown.org
- southdown.org/services/staying-well/
A&E – Royal Sussex County Hospital
For psychiatric or medical emergencies.
Eastern Road, Brighton, BN2 5BE
Other Helplines
- SANEline: 0300 304 7000 (4pm–10pm)
- Papyrus HOPELINEUK (under 35s): 0800 068 4141
Counselling Enquiries
I usually reply within 24 hours to any enquiries.