Why psychotherapy?
Frances Albanese - Providing psychotherapy in person and online
Are you looking to change something in your life? I imagine you are here, now, because something isn’t working for you or perhaps you are curious about who you are and how you operate in the world. Maybe you are carrying hurt from your past. Or pain. Or shame. Or fear. Or perhaps you have lost the sense of who you are or where you are in life?
Hello, my name is Frances Albanese. I am an experienced psychotherapist based just outside Lewes, East Sussex and also available online.
Speaking to someone else may be the first step you take in changing what isn’t working for you. I understand that holding painful feelings is hard, and you may be feeling anxious about reaching out for help. My goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental, confidential space where you will be heard and understood. Together we can take time to work through issues in a way that makes sense for you.
I bring over 20 years of therapeutic experience, specializing in issues such as unfulfilling or toxic relationships, depression, anxiety, sensory/somatic issues and trauma. I am currently studying for an MA in autism and related neurodevelopmental issues.
If you are experiencing a problem of any kind and want to speak with me, feel free to get in touch and book a friendly, no-obligation initial consultation.
Client-Led
Having trained in integrative relational psychotherapy, I call upon different theoretical approaches to suit your particular needs, whatever they may be. This could involve looking at problems as you experience them in the moment or taking a deeper dive into your past experiences. It all depends on what works for you.
Looking at Past Experiences
For complex issues such as early childhood trauma, depression or anxiety we can take a look at your early experiences to help understand your current issues. The attachments you had with caregivers in early life may directly influence the way you perceive yourself, your relationships and your environment; they may be acting as a template for other types of relationships in the present, such as friends, family members or colleagues.
Together, and in a way that is comfortable for you, we will look at these attachments and understand the role they play in your life, ultimately reducing the effect they have on you and, in time, allowing you to live more in the present.
Neurodivergent Clients
I work with autistic clients and clients with related neurodevelopmental experiences, both diagnosed and not, as well as partners and family members of autistic people.
My approach is the same as with neurotypical clients – I create a space for you, guided by you. I understand that there are many additional stresses on the autistic person in society, leading to less-than-healthy coping mechanisms, exhaustion and burnout.
Online therapy may hold advantages over face-to-face sessions – reduced stress in travelling, timekeeping, and control over your environment, to name just a few.
I understand that societal norms and modern life can be difficult for members of the neurodivergent community. Please know that this space we create together, and I hold for you, will accept you just as you are. So please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Initial Consultation
Please feel free to contact me by text, email or phone at any time. If you call, leave a message and I will get back to you to arrange a mutually agreeable time for a free, no-obligation 30-minute consultation. This is an informal, friendly chat where you can explain what is troubling you, allowing us to experience a sense of working together and consider the best therapeutic approach. You are welcome to ask any questions, and if it doesn't feel like the right fit for you, don’t worry! You need to find the right therapist. If you are happy to go ahead, we will set up the first two Zoom sessions and decide what you would like to explore during that time.
All sessions last 50 minutes and cost £55. I also have a limited number of sessions for low-income individuals.
My Story
When I started training in psychotherapy back in the 1990s, my main interest was understanding relationships. I was curious about what makes us who we are and the different ways people interact with each other and why this may be the case.
Over time, it occurred to me that relationships, although complex, aren’t a mystery and at the heart of a functioning relationship is the ability to listen and be heard. This is the basis of my work – to create a space where you will be heard and we can observe whatever may emerge. Many people never have the chance to speak their true feelings, which is why I take an extremely compassionate, human approach, giving you space to speak freely and develop the knowledge and tools you need to reach a better place.
Qualifications
• First-Class Honours in Counselling (University of Greenwich)
• MA in Autism (pending) - currently studying (University of Middlesex)
As an accredited member of the BACP, I undertake additional professional development on a continuous basis.
I give you a private, non-judgmental place where you can be heard. If you are going through a difficult time and would like to speak to a psychotherapist in the Lewes area or online, get in touch and we can arrange a time for a free 30-minute consultation.
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how psychotherapy works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to psychotherapy, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on 07773252502 if you would prefer to speak with me. Alternatively, please complete the enquiry form.
All enquiries are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.
©2021 Frances Albanese
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