Why Choose Counselling?
My name is Ry Cowan-Owca and I’m a qualified, fully insured Humanistic Counsellor registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. I’m a Mental Health Trainer for the charity MIND and have recent experience lecturing on the Person-Centred Counselling Foundation Degree and BSc courses at East Sussex College Group Lewes Campus. I'm also a certified Online Therapist and regularly hosting Mental Health Webinars for the charity MIND. I live and work in West Sussex in the United Kingdom. As a counsellor, I’m trained to listen with empathy and try to see things from your perspective. I can help you work through any unhelpful thoughts you might be having without judgement. As a cisgender, neurotypical and middle class white female I aim to work inclusively, openly advocating for diversity and operating a sliding scale of fees to ensure all clients can access counselling regardless of financial or physical limitations.
Counselling is an opportunity to talk about any struggles or feelings in a supportive and safe environment. Often people seek counselling because they are suffering and need to talk over their difficulties in private. Sometimes it is simply easier to talk through personal issues with a third party who is not part of your family or friendship circles.
Sometimes people who come for counselling are feeling isolated and unable to reach out to people in their lives. Others will come for counselling because, although they have supportive friends or family members, they may not be ready to share difficult feelings with them. It can be really hard to come to terms with anxious or low feelings but counselling can help you to see things more clearly so you can choose a more helpful path forward. I won’t judge you or offer you advice. It may be hard to begin talking about painful parts of your life but I will offer support as long as you need it and until you begin to feel better.
Counselling is for anyone who wishes to talk through any difficulty, big or small. I can help you with:
Reasons why some people choose online or telephone counselling:
Counselling is an opportunity to talk about any struggles or feelings in a supportive and safe environment. Often people seek counselling because they are suffering and need to talk over their difficulties in private. Sometimes it is simply easier to talk through personal issues with a third party who is not part of your family or friendship circles.
Sometimes people who come for counselling are feeling isolated and unable to reach out to people in their lives. Others will come for counselling because, although they have supportive friends or family members, they may not be ready to share difficult feelings with them. It can be really hard to come to terms with anxious or low feelings but counselling can help you to see things more clearly so you can choose a more helpful path forward. I won’t judge you or offer you advice. It may be hard to begin talking about painful parts of your life but I will offer support as long as you need it and until you begin to feel better.
Counselling is for anyone who wishes to talk through any difficulty, big or small. I can help you with:
- feelings such as anger, shame or sadness
- bereavement or relationship breakdown
- problems with peers and authority
- issues keeping you from reaching your goals
- problems with family or friends
- low feelings of depression or sadness
- understanding yourself and your struggles
- boosting your confidence
- understanding other people’s points of view
- issues such as sexual or gender identity
Reasons why some people choose online or telephone counselling:
- It is faster – you don’t have to spend time commuting to your appointments
- It is convenient – you can send an email whenever it suits you, without having to wait for your appointment
- It is a good way to keep track of your progress – having an email trail allows you to reflect on yourself whenever it suits you
- It is private – you don’t have to worry about bumping into anyone on your way into or out of a counselling office
- It can be easier to open up – writing in your own space and in your own comfort zone can help you to speak more freely
- It can be a good taster – if you have never had any counselling, this can be a good way to try it out before seeking face-to-face counselling (if you find it suits you, of course)
- It can also be a good Plan B – for times when your face-to-face counsellor is on holiday, you are on a lengthy waiting list for other services or during these difficult times of unprecedented isolation.
