About Me

Soraya Kirsch BA hons PG Dip MBACP

I am a professional and experienced Integrative Counsellor, who puts the person-centred approach at the heart of my work. I currently work from therapy rooms in the Brighton and Hove area.

How I Work

I am a sensitive and caring therapist, and I greet each client with warmth, compassion and openness. Whether in short-term or in longer-term therapy, you can talk about any issues affecting you, and I will sit with you and listen in a non-judgemental way. Being in my 50’s, I bring my own grounded life experience to this process and I endeavour to establish a sense of trust and connection with all my clients.


The focus on each session will be on you and your choices. In the therapeutic space, you can explore whatever is affecting you, whether it is anxiety, depression, feelings of loss of direction or the end of a close relationship. I can help you to make more sense of what is going on and support you to process difficult issues and feelings. This can help you to identify any changes required in your lifestyle, close personal relationships, career or general direction. Perhaps, for example, you are experiencing panic attacks, low self -esteem or bereavement? If so, I can hold the space for you, to allow you to feel heard, accepted and understood, in a confidential sympathetic space that close friends and family may not be able to offer.

How I Can Help You

When different areas of life are not going well, it can impact greatly on a person’s self-confidence. Clients often tell me that they feel ‘stuck’ ‘anxious’ or ‘low’ and unable to move forward with their lives. Counselling is a powerful tool to help in this process, allowing you to identify old redundant patterns in your life, which may no longer be serving you well. Once you’ve removed these blocks, you can realise your potential and start to feel a sense of flow in your life again. This strengthens your sense of self and improves confidence to ‘be in the world’ with others, hence this can facilitate positive change and growth.

“I trust implicitly in the ability of each client to find their own direction towards growth & a deeper sense of connection within themselves.”

Appointments and Fees

• I charge £60 per hour/session  – In Person, £55 online (Concessions available for Students & Trainee Counsellors).
• I offer a reduced-fee 50 minute Introductory session for £20.00
• I offer short-term & long-term Contracts
• I hold full Professional Indemnity Insurance with Towergate Professional for Therapists
• I abide by the BACP Code of Ethics for Counsellors & Psychotherapists, as a full registered member
• I can usually offer appointments within a short time-frame if you are in crisis, so please get in touch

Experience

I have regular Clinical Supervision to support my caseload of clients, plus a strong background experience of supporting clients through stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues and loss, since 2000 (Previously as a Dramatherapist and in more recent years in my work as a Counsellor).

I have worked as a Counsellor in Addiction Services in the Brighton area, supporting families and Carers who are affected by substance misuse/alcohol. This work was centred around Co-dependency & Boundary-setting; & was informed by Attachment theory & Transactional Analysis.

I have a particular affinity with Women’s Health, having previously practiced at Women & Health, London for a number of years, offering one to one consultations and therapeutic support groups for women.

I am an experienced College Counsellor, having worked at a sixth form college in Horsham for two years and in my current work as a Counselling Mentor for university students in Brighton.

I have specialised training in supporting young people who are impacted upon by exam stress, social issues, anxiety and depression and self-harm and have been trained in using a Trauma-Informed Approach within YMCA/Dialogue Counselling Services.

I am able to see clients on 4 days per week (Monday to Thursday) & can usually offer daytime or evening appointments.

I follow the BACP Code of Ethics and regularly attend CPD events and training.

I have regular Supervision and hold full Professional Indemnity Insurance for my work.

QUALIFICATIONS

CPCAB Diploma In Therapeutic Counselling (Level 4)

NCFE in Counselling Skills (Level 2 & 3)

PG Diploma In Drama & Movement Therapy

BA hons Humanities

Additional Training & C.P.D.

The Adolescent Brain & Working with Young People

Safeguarding Children & Young People

Trauma, Abandonment & Privilege – Working with Ex-Boarders

Anxiety & Depression: Down But Not Out

Mindfulness Approach for Counsellors

Working Therapeutically with Young People

Taking a Trauma- Informed Approach

C.B.T. – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Techniques

Safeguarding Policies & Procedures

Health & Safety in the Workplace

Pavilions / FACT Therapeutic Training for Counsellors

Developmental Transformations UK Level 1 Certificate

CPD GROUPS: I attend monthly meetings of the Person-Centred Community in Brighton

Mental Health Awareness Summit – Individual and Community Recovery – Healing trauma, grief and loss as a result of the Pandemic.

Attachment Trauma – Effective Treatment Strategies for Relational Repair.

Shame & Self-Loathing in the Treatment of Trauma