Welcome
A confidential space to explore the thoughts, feelings and challenges in your life.
I am a qualified person-centred counsellor, registered with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. Providing both short- and long-term therapy to individuals from my peaceful garden room in East Grinstead, West Sussex either face to face or Zoom.
Why counselling?
I know that sometimes the load can be heavy, and for some, there is a struggle to make sense of how they got where they are. Counselling can be a space for people to share the load and try to make sense of their lives, with a person that is not a family member or friend. This unique environment frees people to explore thoughts and feeling more objectively. On this journey of self-discovery, people can safely reflect on difficulties and problems that can at times be painful, but the support counselling provides can bring about positive changes.
Why me?
My motivation to become a counsellor, came to me while living and working abroad for nearly ten years. That experience of advocating and supporting my fellow colleagues as they navigated their new lives, led me to want to support people at a deeper level.
As a black counsellor in a counselling world that admits to its lack of diversity, I am proud that I am part of a shifting demographic that provides mental health support for all. I also have the privilege to work with people affected by cancer, as a volunteer counsellor for a leading UK cancer charity.
Being a person-centred counsellor, I believe I am not the expert on your experience, you are. I don’t want to fix you, find solutions, or give you advice. I want to sit with you and hear all of you. The anxious you that feels ridiculous, the angry you that feels shame and guilt, the you that can feel “othered” and doesn’t quite fit into the social norms. All feelings, emotions and experiences are valid, I meet them non judgementally, compassionately and with empathy.
I can’t promise that counselling will make your life as tranquil as a walk in a forest. But I do know that I aim to walk beside you as we explore whatever you bring into the room.
“I went to see Diane after several years of not working and introspection. She helped me gain focus on who I was. She helped me process negative information and generally boosted my sense of self. She also helped guide me to take some concrete steps moving my life in the direction I wanted it to go in. I recommend Diane to people wholeheartedly.”
Ana
“It can be difficult at times to cope with all that life puts us through…Diane’s professional skills taught me to create for the first time, a space just for me, where I could express myself and where it was ok not to be ok. She helped me overcome a stressful period in my life and made me realize how some of my behavioural patterns were affecting my professional and personal life. I can truly say the time spent with her was one of the best investments of my life.”
Georgina
“I got in touch with Diane at a vulnerable time where I was trying to understand the trust issues that had arisen in my relationship with my husband of 10 years. Diane provided a supportive space for me to untangle my thoughts and feelings. Her questions were effective prompts in helping me better understand what was at the root of my insecurities and fears enabling me find a way to move forward that felt right. I am, and always will be, very appreciative of our time together.”
Deborah
What issues can counselling help with?
There are many reasons people come to me for counselling. It is not necessary to come to counselling for a specific issue, sometimes one can just feel a bit off. But here are some of the more common issues that counselling can help with:
Feelings of stress and anxiety
Panic attacks
Life changing illnesses
Grief, loss or bereavement
Problems with addiction
Trauma
Abuse
Depression
Issues with self esteem
Body image and positivity
Anger management
Issues relating to sexuality
Transitional life stages
Becoming a carer for a loved one
Family problems
Anticipatory grief
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
Maya Angelou
“How do you do it?” said night.
“How do you wake and shine?”
“I keep it simple,” said light.
“One day at a time.”
Lemn Sissay
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
Carl Rogers
Fees and availability
I offer an initial 20-minute telephone session at no cost, where we can discuss how I work and what you are looking for. If after our telephone call you would like to book a session, I charge a reduced fee of £35 for that first session. There is no obligation to continue, but if we feel that we can work together I then charge £50 for each further sessions. Sessions last 50 minutes, usually taking place on a weekly basis. Please give 24 hours' notice if you are unable to keep an appointment. Without 24 hours notice, I reserve the right to charge for the session missed. I accept payment in cash or by bank transfer.
My location
I work from my private garden room in East Grinstead and see clients from this area as well as Forest Row, Dormansland, Lingfield, Oxted, Copthorne and other surrounding areas. My practice is also a gentle 10-minute walk away from East Grinstead Station.
In addition to providing face-to-face therapy, I also offer online sessions via zoom, enabling me to work with people outside my immediate area, including those living overseas.
Get in Touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works or are considering counselling. If you would prefer to call, you can phone me on +44 7515 165028.
All enquiries are usually answered within 24 hours (Mon-Fri), enquiries made Sat-Sun may take a little longer to respond to.
All contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.
©2022 Diane Burnett
powered by WebHealer