Vicky Simmonds Counselling
​Counselling in Brighton & Hove
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I'm Vicky, a counsellor based in Brighton & Hove, working with adults in person and online.
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I know from experience how life can feel confusing or overwhelming at times, especially when you’re used to coping alone, or supporting others. You may be struggling with anxious thoughts, feeling low or disconnected, or carrying something that feels too difficult to talk about with family or friends. You might not have clear words for what’s wrong, only a sense that something isn’t quite right.
Often people I work with come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, struggling with low self-esteem, or finding family or relationship issues hard to manage. Whatever brings you here, welcome.
My approach to therapy
I take time to understand your individual experience. My approach is grounded in empathy, care, and respect, and I offer a non-judgemental approach to therapy. I'll be open and honest with you and may offer a different perspective, but won't tell you what you to do. We’ll work together at a pace that feels manageable, focusing on the issues that matter most to you.
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Finding the right counsellor
Choosing the right counsellor is an important step, evidence shows that it's the relationship between counsellor and client that plays a central role in effective therapy. Feeling understood and comfortable can make a real difference to the work we do together.
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Get in touch
If you’re looking for counselling in Brighton & Hove and feel I might be the right counsellor for you, or would like to know more, please get in touch to arrange a free initial consultation.
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This no-obligation conversation gives you the opportunity to talk about what’s bringing you to therapy and to see whether working together feels right.
About Me
My own experiences of loss and grief, and the transitions that come with different stages of life have given me a deep appreciation of how difficult it can be to navigate through change.
These experiences have shaped how I work. As a Person Centred counsellor I don’t see my role as fixing or diagnosing, but rather as providing the kind of relationship where you can talk openly, and feel genuinely heard and understood. I know from both personal and professional experience how transformative that can be.
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Outside of the counselling room, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, and walks on the beach with my dog - I love living by the sea in all seasons. In my spare time I also volunteer as a counsellor at a local low cost counselling service.
How I Can Help
While everyone’s experience is unique, I have experience supporting adults in many areas, including:
Anxiety & Stress
Gain self-awareness and acceptance as you explore your feelings and what's behind the pressure and worries.
Life Transitions
Navigate uncertainty such as career change, parenthood, or moving into a new stage of life.
Grief & Loss
Express your feelings, remember at your own pace, and begin to adjust to life after loss.
Identity & Self-Esteem
Reflect on who you are, strengthen self-acceptance, and feel more confident in your choices.
Feeling stuck or low
Voice what feels difficult and gradually reconnect with who you are and which direction you want to take.
Relationships
Understand patterns in how you connect with others and explore what feels healthy and fulfilling for you.
About the Sessions
We'll agree a time and place for sessions that suits you, usually on the same day and at the same time each week.
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Location
I work from quiet, comfortable rooms Hove but also have some availability for online sessions, which are held on zoom.
Session Times
Monday 9am - 8pm
Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 1pm
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Please contact me for availability.
Fees
Sessions last 50 minutes and are charged at £60.
I offer some sessions at a discounted rate for those who otherwise would not be able to access therapy - please ask for availability.
The Rooms
Get in Touch
Ready to talk? Reaching out is the first step, you don't need to have everything figured out - you just need to start the conversation. If you'd like to explore what's on your mind, call or email to arrange an initial, no cost consultation.
Call or message
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few FAQs - if there's anything more you'd like to know, or something isn't covered here, please get in touch.
What issues do you work with?
I work with adults experiencing a range of difficulties, including anxiety, low self-esteem, grief and loss, and relationship problems. Some people come with a clear reason for seeking counselling, while others have a general sense of feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or not quite themselves. You don’t need to have everything worked out before starting.
What is counselling like?
Counselling offers time to talk openly about what’s going on for you, without pressure to have the right words or answers. In our sessions I'll be honest and open and may sometimes challenge, but I won't assume I know what's best or tell you what to do. We'll work together to make sense and find a way forward, at a pace that feels manageable for you.
How long does counselling last?
Sessions last 50 minutes, and how many sessions people have varies from person to person. Some come for short-term counselling to focus on a specific issue, while others choose to work longer term. We can review this together and adapt as your needs change.
How do I know if you’re the right counsellor for me?
Finding the right counsellor is important as the relationship between counsellor and client is arguably the most important part of therapy. I offer a free initial consultation so you can talk about what’s bringing you to counselling, ask any questions, and get a sense of whether working together feels right. There’s no obligation to continue.
What happens in the initial consultation?
The initial consultation is an informal conversation where we talk about what you’re looking for from counselling and what support might be helpful. It’s also a chance for you to decide whether you feel comfortable working with me.
Is counselling confidential?
How much do sessions cost?
Yes. Counselling is confidential, and your privacy is taken seriously. There are a few legal and ethical exceptions to confidentiality, which I will explain clearly during our first conversation.
Session cost £60 and I have a limited number of spaces allocated at a lower cost to make therapy more affordable. Availability can be discussed during the initial consultation. You’re also welcome to get in touch if you’d like this information before arranging a call.
How do I get started?
If you’re looking for counselling in Brighton & Hove and feel I might be a good fit, you can contact me to arrange a free initial consultation. From there, we can decide together on the next steps.