Welcome

Sometimes life brings unexpected challenges that throw us completely off course, leaving us feeling overwhelmed or deeply unhappy. At other times, we may feel frustrated and powerless when unhelpful patterns keep repeating themselves and leaving us feeling stuck. Or we might simply experience a quiet sense that something is missing from our lives.

At times like these, counselling can give you the space to sort through what’s really going on, so you can find a fresh way forward. Reaching out to a counsellor can feel like a massive step, but you don’t have to carry this all on your own. Whether you are dealing with constant worry or anxiety, are feeling stuck or overwhelmed, or are trying to heal from the past, I am here to support you.

I’m an experienced and fully accredited (BACP) counsellor based in Epsom, Surrey, offering face to face as well as online therapy for adults. My counselling room is within easy reach of Epsom town centre and offers a calming, comfortable, private space for clients. Over the years, I’ve worked as a counsellor for the NHS, agencies as well as in my own private practice, and I have enjoyed working with clients ranging in age from 18 to 90. 

My experience includes a wide range of matters, including anxiety, ADHD, OCD, depression, trauma, loss and bereavement, illness, low self-esteem, stress, work and relationship difficulties and lack of direction. This list is not exhaustive. Sometimes clients are just looking for a space to reflect to gain more clarity, whilst others are working through more complex or major emotional difficulties. 

What to expect from counselling

Counselling is often misunderstood. I won’t give you advice, tell you what to do, or pretend to have a magic wand that fixes everything. Instead, I can provide you with a space where you can talk to me in confidence about difficult emotional issues or concerns and where I will help you explore what is going on for you on a deeper level to find ways to navigate them. People seek counselling for many different reasons. For me each client is an individual with their own personal experiences and story. I will strive to meet you where you are, with compassion, respect and open-mindedness, whatever you may bring to sessions.  

How I work

As an integrative-relational counsellor, I have studied various therapeutic approaches including humanistic, psychodynamic, CBT and solution-focused therapy and trauma informed models. This allows me to meaningfully blend ideas and tools from these theories and work with an approach that is flexible and that I can tailor in a way that is best suited to your unique needs.

At the heart of my work lies a therapeutic relationship with clients based on trust and collaboration. For therapy to be truly effective, you need to feel safe with your counsellor to share your thoughts without worrying about judgment. I will welcome you just as you are and encourage you to be yourself. Counselling isn’t a performance, nor is it about pleasing the therapist. Instead, it is a safe space to connect with yourself, explore your thoughts and feelings, and gain insight while being truly heard.

For many clients having a space where their personal experiences are validated without judgment can be therapeutic in itself. Sometimes, that gentle reassurance is all they need. However, if the difficulties you are facing are more complex or long-standing, we can look a little deeper. By gently exploring your past relationships and life experiences, I can help you build a clearer picture of how they might shape the way you experience the world today. We can look at the beliefs you have built up over time and see where they might be holding you back or creating patterns that keep you from fully enjoying life. Over time, you will gain a deeper understanding of yourself, helping you make new choices that feel more genuine and empowering. You can learn to navigate your emotions differently, improve overall mood, function better in daily life, and ultimately lead a fuller and more meaningful life.

Contact and fees

You can contact me by phone or email to arrange an initial appointment. I am happy to arrange a time to talk briefly and answer any practical questions you may have before making an appointment.

Phone: 07305327689

Email: sgoughtherapy@gmail.com

All sessions are charged at £60. Concessions are available for students, trainee counsellors and clients on low income. If this applies to you, I am happy to talk to you about a fee reduction.

Home visits can be arranged but an additional fee is payable for this to account for travel time.

Location

My practice is situated in College Road, Epsom, about 15 minutes’ walk from Epsom town centre. Clients can park in the drive and there is parking in some nearby side roads. 

Local areas

Epsom, Ewell, Stoneleigh, Banstead, Ashtead, Kingston, Wimbledon, Surbiton, Reigate, Sutton, Belmont, Chessington.

Training, qualifications and experience

Accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (CPCAB)
Certificate in Counselling Level 3
Certified EFT Practitioner (EFT International)
Qualified Rewind Practitioner (IARTT)

I have practiced both in agency settings as well as my own practice. Agencies I have worked for include The New Malden Counselling Associates and The Awareness Centre (NHS IAPT).   

I am committed to regular CPD (Continual Professional Development) to enhance and increase my personal and professional learning. This has included subject areas such as ADHD, somatic healing, trauma, C-PTSD, OCD, Tics & Tourette’s, infant loss, inner child work, schema therapy, risk and suicide, DBT, bereavement and loss. 

Areas of counselling I deal with:

Abuse

ADHD

Anger management

anxiety

Anxiety

Bereavement and loss

Borderline personality disorder 

cancer

Chronic illness

C-PTSD
PTSD

depression

Depression

Depression and low mood

Estrangement

High sensitivity

Infant loss

Loneliness

Low confidence

Low self-esteem

Major life transitions

Postnatal depression

Procrastination

Relationship difficulties

Self-harm

Stress

Trauma