My name is Alice Kotp. I am a person-centred counsellor and strongly believe that the trust and acceptance developed between myself and my clients has a strong healing capacity in itself and can lead to positive change. I offer a confidential, secure, and calm space in which we can explore any difficulties or life changes you may be experiencing.
As no two people are the same, we will always work at your pace and adapt the therapy to meet your unique, individual needs. The most important thing is that you feel free to explore your feelings, feel heard and validated in your experience and can achieve a better understanding of yourself.
My experience of working in different agencies has enabled me to work with a wide range of people, experiencing many different issues. I’ve worked for the NHS in Cancer Services, offering face to face, phone and online counselling. I have worked for a non profit affordable counselling service offering low cost online counselling and at a high school in East Sussex, providing talking therapy alongside expressive and creative art therapy for children aged 11-17.
Why people access counselling
Whatever is troubling you, talking with somebody who is trained to listen empathically can help you to understand it, find acceptance and make steps towards positive change. Exploring your world through therapy can be beneficial to anyone who is struggling.
There are many reasons why we may access counselling. Sometimes we know the reason, and sometimes we are not sure what is wrong or what needs to change, but we know something is not right. I am here to support you and help you work out what you need moving forward.
Some people access counselling because of a significant life event; however, many people choose to seek therapy when their mood is low, life has become overwhelming, or they are struggling with day-to-day life. Counselling can help with anything that upsets you.
I am qualified to work with young people aged 11-17. I have worked in a high school in East Sussex, offering talking therapy alongside expressive and creative art therapy, such as art and sand-tray play therapy. We talk, play, create and think.
My aim is to understand and help your child make more sense of their lives in a confidential and respectful way. Therapy can look more relaxed and informal as we work through issues in different ways that make sense for your child. A free parental consultation is particularly useful if you are considering counselling for them or if you're just not sure what the next step looks like. I have a full enhanced DBS registered with the update service.
Working with young people
Creative & expressive therapy
As part of counselling with adults or children, I welcome creative process into the therapy room. This creative process is not about making pretty works of art; instead, it is an invitation to explore thoughts and feelings through mediums such as painting, drawing, sand tray exploration and more. Working in this way supports the processing of feelings and understanding alongside or in place of talking therapy.
You are invited to use any creative material provided or bring anything you feel is meaningful or useful to you. Some clients like to bring reflective journals to share, or music that holds particular meaning for them. This is particularly useful when working with younger people or those who may have difficulty expressing themselves verbally or unable to find the words to describe how they are feeling.
How many sessions will I need?
This is a very hard question to answer. Typically, we start with weekly sessions, which can reduce to fortnightly or even monthly once you are feeling in a better place. Sometimes, after working together for a while, you may feel that a “top up session” is required on an as-and-when basis, or if something big changes in your life. I can be very flexible and try to accommodate individual need.
Accessing counselling
Accessing counselling for the first time can be daunting. I am mindful of how overwhelming it can feel, so I offer a free initial consultation, either online or on the telephone, lasting up to 15 minutes to establish whether we are a good fit to work together.
This will be an opportunity to consider how we may work together, discuss what is bringing you to therapy, what areas you would like to work on, and give you time to ask questions. I can offer short- and long-term therapy, depending on your wants and needs.
Online
Microsoft Teams – Online counselling takes place via Teams, which is a secure and private service, ensuring that the sessions remain confidential. I will send you a link before each session.
Face to Face
I have a private, cosy, garden cabin with WC facilities and free onsite parking, located in the Patcham area of Brighton, East Sussex.
Although counselling can be liberating, and I firmly believe that humour has its place in the counselling room, it can also be a challenging and extremely emotional process. Therefore, a big part of the work that we do together will be helping you to feel safe in the counselling sessions. In support of this important principle, I undertake regular supervision and am committed to continuing my personal and professional development, which includes keeping my skills and knowledge up to date by continually undergoing further training.
I am a fully qualified and insured member of the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP). I am also registered with and follow the principles of the ICO, meaning all of your data will be stored and processed following GDPR regulations.
Availability
Please contact me to find out my current availability. I will be as flexible as possible. I offer daytime, evening, and weekend appointments.
Fees
Initial 15-minute consultation FREE
50-minute counselling session £55.00*
*Concessions available for NHS workers, low income, OAPS and students.
Payment Methods
Bank transfer or cash.
*Half of the full fee will be payable for missed appointments when less than 24 hours’ notice is given. I will always try to accommodate last-minute changes where possible.