Counselling and Psychotherapy in Brighton and Hove as well as online
Welcome to Ashore Counselling and Therapy
Support for anxiety, health challenges, and major life transitions
About Me
Fiona Paterson MBACP qualified Psychotherapist and Counsellor (She/Her)
Hi, I'm Fiona,
You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to cope with everything you’re facing right now. Perhaps you're dealing with anxiety, low mood, or the impact of a health diagnosis—your own or
someone close to you. You may be trying to hold things together on the outside, while inside it feels much harder.
I offer a calm, supportive space in Brighton & Hove (or online/over the phone across the UK) where you can talk openly, make sense of what’s going on, and begin to feel more like yourself again.
How I can help
Therapy with me can support you to:
- feel calmer and less overwhelmed
- understand and manage anxious thoughts
- process difficult experiences or diagnoses
- regain a sense of control and stability
- feel more confident navigating what lies ahead
A space to feel heard and understood
I have particular experience supporting people living with chronic illness, brain tumours, cancer, and other life-changing health conditions. I understand how deeply these experiences can affect not just your body, but your identity, relationships, and sense of future. You don’t have to go through it alone.
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.
Qualifications, Certifications, Training and CPD
• BACP Registered Member- MBACP 414867
• PGDip in Humanistic Counselling & Psychotherapy (Level 7, Masters level equivalent) - 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
How Therapy Works
Starting therapy or counselling can feel like a big step, and it’s absolutely normal to feel uncertain.
I offer a free 15 minute consultation.
A gentle, pressure free call where you can get a sense of me, ask questions and decide whether therapy with me feels right.
First Therapy Session
We begin by exploring what brings you to counselling or therapy. Whether it's anxiety, trauma, a recent diagnosis, relationship stress, or something more difficult to name.
Some come to therapy feeling broken, stuck, or confused — and these feelings are completely natural and valid.
Weekly Sessions
We meet in person in Brighton & Hove, online or over the phone.
Sessions last 50 minutes and are led by what you need: clarity, calm, support, understanding or space to unravel what's going on.
Regular Check-Ins
We pause regularly to reflect on how therapy is feeling, and what's shifting, ensuring your needs remain at the centre.
We move at your pace.
Professional background and practice
As well as offering therapy sessions privately, I currently provide counselling and psychotherapy at the Phoenix Therapy Practice in Brighton & Hove, where I offer low-cost sessions and with The Brain Tumour Charity, providing free counselling sessions for anyone affected by a brain tumour — including patients, family members and carers.
- I’m a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)
- I achieved a distinction in a Post Graduate Diploma (PG Dip) in Humanistic Psychotherapy & Counselling.
- I also have a background in Psychology (MSc, BSc Hons).
- I take part in regular supervision and continuing professional development (CPD) to ensure I offer the best support possible.
Some common areas I work with include:
Anxiety, Stress, or Panic attacks
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
This list isn’t exhaustive — People come to me for help a wide range of issues and unique experiences.
Latest from the Blog...
Sessions
Session length: 50 minutes
Location: I offer psychotherapy and counselling in person in Brighton & Hove to people in Sussex and the surrounding areas.
Online or phone therapy is available UK-wide, providing the same warmth and depth through a space that feels safe, consistent and supportive.
Availability: Please contact me to find out my availability.
Fees
Cost: £65 per session - reduced rates are offered for counselling students and concessions.
Payment: In advance via BACS
Cancellations: 7 days’ notice - in person/ 48 hours'-online/phone
I try to be as flexible as possible and realise life can sometimes get in the way.
Book Your Free Intro Call: A 15 minute call to give us a chance to meet, get a sense of me, and see if working together feels right for you. I’ll be happy to answer any questions
Book your free 15-minute call
Ready to Begin?
Contact Fiona for counselling and psychotherapy in Brighton, Hove, or online across the UK.
Book your free intro call and consultation — 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.