Empowering growth and change

Experience Care without Compromise in the Heart of Sussex with professional, qualified therapeutic counsellors / psychotherapists.

Our qualified professional team of therapeutic counsellors

Meet Our Dedicated and Skilled Team in psychotherapy, talk-therapy and counselling. Click on their name to skip to the counsellor’s bio, or scroll down.

a black and white photograph of counsellor Paul Rapley

Jessica Bell

I am an integrative counsellor, trained in a person-centred ethos with an understanding of how our early relationships continue to shape our lives into the present. My approach to counselling is placing our therapeutic alliance at the heart of our work together. I believe the therapeutic relationship has a great potential for healing and empowerment; it is when we feel truly heard and accepted that we can feel differently about ourselves.

I offer a safe, collaborative and non-judgmental space where you are free to bring anything that is on your mind. I know how scary it can feel to take the first step towards counselling, and I am ready to welcome you when you are ready to reach out.

Working one to one with diverse people for many years, in mental health charities and with immigrants and refugees, issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship

breakdown, loneliness, trauma, loss and identity are themes I feel close to.

Roger Eustance

My core belief is that, given the right circumstances, everyone has the ability to heal and move towards their full potential. My formal training as a BACP registered, Person-Centred Experiential counsellor aligns with this lifelong belief, being founded on the principle that this innate drive towards healing, which may have been thwarted by past or current life events, can be revived and supported in the context of a safe, compassionate and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship.

This is fundamentally what I hope to offer: a safe, confidential space where you can feel wholly seen, deeply heard and fully accepted for who you are – fundamental human needs which might be missing from our past or present lives.

As trust builds between us, you are invited to share whatever thoughts, feelings and experiences feel most important to you, with the pace and direction always dictated by you. I view my role as more of a fellow traveller and facilitator for you to explore and uncover the answers that I, and this approach, believe we all have available within ourselves, once this basic need for true acceptance begins to be met.

What can you bring?

Person-centred experiential therapy views people as unique and whole individuals, rather than a collection of symptoms or labels. Over the years, I have supported people through a wide-ranging of difficulties, including bereavement, stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, chronic pain/illness, trauma, abuse and addiction. Alongside my private practice, I also work for a charity providing emotional support to partners and families of those affected by the criminal justice system.

Perhaps you are facing new challenges, feeling stuck with something that has troubled you for some time, or adjusting to a recent change or loss. Whatever you are experiencing you can bring. But, above all, what I will be seeing is you as a person, beyond any history or circumstances which you may feel define or limit you.

Many people have found that sharing and facing such challenges in the company of an ally can help bring clarity, resilience, self-acceptance, and a level of healing that opens up new ways of moving through life’s challenges and living more authentically as who they truly are.

More about me

I have come to this profession through my own life experience, and that of those closest to me, calling me some years ago from a corporate media background to a more meaningful path I could genuinely believe in. People, in all their rich variety, have been the common thread, both in my professional and personal life. Friends, family, my wife and two young adult children (who come and go, and come back again…) are what sustain me outside of my work, alongside meaning to play more guitar and walking our wonderful family dog in the woods and on the Downs.

The next step

Because the relationship with the therapist is so fundamental to this type of therapy, I will not be the right therapist for everyone. In my personal and professional experience, an initial meeting – face-to-face or online – can be the best way to get a sense of who I am and how I work, and whether I feel the right person for you. Whether it be me or someone else, it is a courageous step choosing to trust another and reach towards change, so I recommend that you go with your gut instinct.

Paul Rapley

I live in the vibrant town of Lewes, where I find joy in woodturning during my spare time—a practice that brings me both creativity and calm. I’m also the Counselling Coordinator at Emmaus Brighton and Hove, a small, low-cost counselling practice I’ve been honored to lead since 2015. My family is an important part of my life; I’m married and have two wonderful stepchildren who have grown and flown the nest.

My Therapeutic Approach

As a trained person-centered counsellor, I focus on creating a safe, supportive space where you can explore whatever is on your mind. My experience includes working with individuals who have multiple and complex needs, including trauma, grief and loss, relationship issues, family separation and divorce, family violence, emotional and sexual abuse, behavioral challenges in children and adolescents, and managing life with mental illness.

I provide a confidential and compassionate environment where you can talk, express, and reflect on feelings or difficulties that may be hard to share with others. Choosing counselling is a courageous step that shows strength and a desire for positive change.

I draw from a range of approaches to find the best way to support you. Some people may simply need a safe space to express emotions, while others might focus on changing behaviors or exploring theories and ideas. Your needs may evolve over time, and there is no “right” or “wrong” way—it’s about what works best for you.

For those who feel drawn to nature, I also offer eco-therapy sessions in a large, private outdoor space with woodlands and a garden, weather permitting. Sessions are 50 minutes long and tailored to your needs.

What to Expect

When you first contact me, we’ll arrange a convenient time for an initial session. During this session, I’ll explain how I work, and we can discuss your reasons for seeking counselling. It’s an opportunity for us to get to know each other, and for you to decide whether you’d like to continue with further sessions.

Some clients prefer to work over several weeks, while others find value in longer-term counselling. The decision is always yours. I currently work in private practice, offering a confidential and supportive environment in therapy rooms in Lewes and Portslade, as well as virtual sessions via Zoom.

A Little More About Me

I believe deeply in the concept of post-traumatic growth and in the human capacity to heal and find balance. My role is to support you in accessing that inner resilience.

My personal journey has shaped the way I work. I grew up in England and moved to Africa at the age of seven. My education included boarding schools, and my early dream was to become a rock star. Life took me on a different path, including a period of addiction. I’ve been in recovery since 1994—a journey that has taught me so much about strength, transformation, and the power of connection.

Over the years, I’ve reinvented myself from musician to technician to counsellor. Living in Kenya for a time, I worked in digital film and video production before returning to the UK 20 years ago. These experiences, combined with my counselling training, have given me a deep appreciation for the diversity of human stories and the courage it takes to share them.

Helena Cole

Are you feeling overwhelmed or anxious? Struggling to make sense of your thoughts and behaviours? I’m here to help you navigate through it. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, trauma, or simply want to grow and understand yourself better, I’m here for you every step of the way.

I offer integrative counselling that’s tailored to your unique needs. Together, we’ll explore your concerns, uncover your strengths, and work toward meaningful change in your life.

Alongside my counselling practice, I also work as a Mental Health Recovery Worker, which has given me a deeper understanding of the many challenges people face. This experience allows me to connect with you on a personal level, offering support and strategies that truly make a difference in your journey. It’s shaped the way I approach counselling, allowing me to support you in both the emotional and practical aspects of recovery with care and understanding.

Tatiana Egeler

As an integrative psychotherapist with a rich background in life experience, I’m passionate about supporting individuals through life’s unique challenges. My approach to therapy is holistic, honouring the mind-body connection and tailoring various therapeutic techniques to meet your specific needs.

Whether you’re healing from trauma, navigating relationship difficulties, managing addiction, exploring gender identity, understanding a neurodivergent diagnosis, living with a physical disability, or striving for a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle, I’m here to support you.

I believe in your capacity to heal and thrive. I provide a compassionate and non-judgmental space where you can explore your experiences and overcome obstacles. Since healing is deeply personal and never one-size-fits-all, I work collaboratively with clients to foster resilience and achieve meaningful, long-term growth.

Outside of my practice, I maintain my own sense of balance through fitness, sailing, and cycling; hobbies that inform my therapeutic approach and help me stay grounded in my work.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward healing and positive change, I would be honoured to guide and support you every step of the way.

Samantha

a black and white photograph of Sam Otero therapeutic counsellor in Sussex and online

I provide person-centred counselling with an experiential ethos. I tend towards a dynamic way of working, and tailor your therapy to your needs. I have the skills and experience to listen carefully and notice what matters most. I trust that you have untapped resources within you and can help you draw out hidden treasure. I am convinced that there is no pain too deep, or problem too big, that we cannot look at together. I provide a caring, nurturing space for you to be fully yourself, even if you don’t know what that looks like, yet.