Feel Supported and Understood with Counselling in Littlehampton

Create a pathway back to a more authentic way of being

Are you facing anxiety, loss, or relationship struggles? As an experienced counsellor in Littlehampton, I offer a confidential, caring space where you can talk openly and start your journey towards healing. Let's take the first step together.

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Caroline Neilson, BACP registered counsellor in Littlehampton.

Psychotherapeutic
counsellor (MBACP)

I am Caroline Neilson, a dedicated integrative counsellor and psychotherapist serving Littlehampton, West Sussex and the surrounding areas including Worthing, Arundel, and Bognor Regis. With over 13 years of experience in private practice, I have developed a deep understanding of the human experience and the challenges we all face on our journey through life.

Choosing a counsellor is a big step. The initial consultation is a chance to explore whether this is the right fit, ask questions, and experience a space that feels safe and comfortable. The therapeutic relationship matters; clients are supported to explore difficult experiences with care and authenticity.

My path to becoming a psychotherapeutic counsellor in Littlehampton has been shaped by diverse experiences that inform my compassionate and authentic approach to therapy. Before establishing my counselling practice, I worked as a teacher in primary education and following that I supported refugee children in an educational setting, which gave me invaluable insight into trauma, resilience, and the importance of the relationship in building trust.

What drives me is the belief that everyone has the capacity for growth, healing, and transformation. My role is not to solve your problems, but to guide you in discovering your own inner wisdom and resilience, helping you develop the tools needed to navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and authenticity.

A calm counselling room in Littlehampton, offering a confidential and caring space to discuss anxiety, loss, or relationship struggles and start your healing journey.

Credentials and Qualifications

As a BACP registered counsellor (Registration number 065899), I maintain the highest professional and ethical standards in my Littlehampton counselling practice. My qualifications include

Core Qualifications

Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Therapy.

BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) Registered Member.

Professional Indemnity Insurance and adherence to BACP Ethical Framework.

Professional Experience

13+ years in private practice providing counselling services in Littlehampton.

Voluntary sector counselling with young people aged 14-22, working with self-harm, trauma recovery, bullying issues, self confidence and self esteem.

Telephone counselling for Surrey Drug and Alcohol Care.

Carer support counselling, working with families dealing with autism, dementia, complex mental health and many other everyday challenges.

Specialized Training and Certifications

AEDP Level I Certified Therapist (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy).

Trauma-Informed Therapy Training with renowned expert Janina Fischer.

Clinical Work with Dissociative Disorders advanced training.

Transactional Analysis therapeutic modality training.

Therapeutic Approach and Philosophy

My integrative therapeutic approach is grounded in the belief that each person is unique, and therefore requires a personalized path to healing. I draw from multiple evidence-based therapeutic modalities to help you towards a greater understanding of what has shaped how you see yourself in the world and how you can begin to discover who you are and what your individual needs really are.

I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the foundation of healing. In our work together, you'll find a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences authentically. My approach is collaborative - we work together to identify your goals and develop strategies that resonate with your values and lifestyle.

Rather than simply managing symptoms, I focus on helping you understand the root causes of your challenges and develop lasting tools for emotional regulation, self-compassion, and personal empowerment. This trauma-informed approach recognizes that healing happens in relationship and within a context of safety and trust.

Specializations

As an experienced counsellor in Littlehampton, I have extensive experience in several key areas, allowing me to provide comprehensive mental health support to individuals and couples throughout West Sussex.

Trauma and PTSD Recovery

Complex trauma and developmental trauma

PTSD and trauma-related anxiety disorders

Dissociative disorders and identity work

Childhood abuse and neglect recovery

Anxiety and Depression

Understanding these states as forms of communication and discovering their meaning.

Anxiety and panic states (hyperarousel)

Depression (hypoarousal)

Emotional dysregulation and mood stabilization

Suicidal ideation

Identity and Life Transitions

Rebuilding self-esteem and self-confidence

Identity confusion and self-discovery work

Life transitions and major life changes

Midlife crisis and meaning-making

Sexual identity

Relationship and Couples Work

Couples counselling

Communication skills and conflict resolution

Infidelity recovery and trust rebuilding

Pre-marital counselling and relationship preparation

Separation and divorce support

Behavioural Health and Addictions

Understanding addictions as coping mechanisms and finding healthier ways to manage overwhelm

Substance and Alcohol abuse

Sexual and porn addiction

Self-harm

Eating disorders and body image issues

Obsessive-compulsive behaviours

Grief and Loss Support

Bereavement counselling and grief processing

Complicated grief and traumatic loss

Loss and longing

Individual Counselling Services in Littlehampton

At my psychotherapeutic counselling practice in Littlehampton, I offer comprehensive mental health support tailored to your unique needs:

Trauma-Informed Therapy

PTSD and complex trauma recovery using AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy)

Childhood trauma and abuse recovery

Accident and medical trauma processing

Dissociative disorders treatment

Mental Health Support

Anxiety counselling Littlehampton - healing and recovery for panic attacks, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety disorder

Depression therapy in West Sussex - helping clients overcome mood disorders and develop coping strategies

Bipolar disorder support - mood stabilization and emotional regulation techniques

Bereavement and grief counselling - processing loss and finding meaning after significant life changes

Relationship and Identity Work

Couples counselling Littlehampton (£80 per session)

Identity confusion and self-discovery therapy

Life transitions counselling - supporting major life changes and career transitions

Specialized Support

Addiction recovery counselling - including substance abuse and behavioural addictions

Eating disorder support - body, mind and emotional exploration. Rebuilding self-esteem.

Self-harm recovery - developing healthy coping mechanisms

Flexible Service Delivery Options

In-Person Sessions

Private counselling rooms in Littlehampton at The Loft, Arcade Business Centre, 2A Arcade Road, BN17 5AR

Safe, confidential therapeutic environment designed for healing and comfort

Telephone Counselling

Telephone counselling available throughout West Sussex and beyond

Same quality of care from the comfort of your home. Perfect for clients in Worthing, Arundel, Bognor Regis and surrounding areas

Light-filled therapy room in Littlehampton, West Sussex, with cosy seating and plants, creating a safe environment for integrative counselling and psychotherapy.

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about the product and billing.

What can I expect in my first counselling session?

Your first session is a gentle, confidential introduction where we can explore what's on your mind. It’s an opportunity for you to share your concerns and goals for therapy, and for us to see if we are a good fit. The focus is on creating a safe, non-judgmental space from the very beginning.

How do I know if I need counselling?

People seek counselling for many reasons. You might be feeling persistently sad, anxious, or overwhelmed, or perhaps you're navigating a difficult life transition like bereavement or relationship issues. Therapy is a supportive space for anyone looking to understand themselves better, change unhelpful patterns, or simply find a way forward.

How long does therapy typically last?

The duration of therapy varies for each person. Some individuals find that short-term counselling (a few sessions) is enough to address a specific issue, while others benefit from longer-term therapy for deeper personal growth. We will work at a pace that feels comfortable and right for you

Is everything we discuss in our sessions confidential?

Yes, confidentiality is the cornerstone of therapy and I adhere to the BACP code of Ethics. Everything you share is kept private, except in rare situations where there is risk of harm or there are exceptions as required by law. All of these can be seen on my contract.

What kind of issues can you help with as an integrative counsellor?

As an integrative counsellor, I draw on different therapeutic approaches to tailor sessions to your unique needs. I have experience helping clients with a wide range of challenges, including anxiety counselling, support with depression, grief and loss, stress management, recovery from trauma and relationship issues.

What does 'integrative therapy' mean for me?

Integrative therapy means I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. I combine elements from different therapeutic models to tailor an individual approach best suited to you and your specific goals for personal growth and emotional well-being.

What are your fees for counselling and do you accept insurance?

This is a common and important question. My fees are £55 per 60 -minute session. Please note that I am a private pay practice and do not directly bill insurance providers. I can, however, provide you with a receipt if you wish to seek reimbursement from your insurance company.

How do I schedule my first appointment?

Getting started is straightforward. The first step is to email or call me, so that we can book in your initial appointment. If you have any questions, I am happy to answer those before making your appointment.

Feel Supported and Understood with Counselling in Littlehampton

Credentials and Qualifications

Core Qualifications

Professional Experience

Specialized Training and Certifications

Therapeutic Approach and Philosophy

Specializations

Trauma and PTSD Recovery

Anxiety and Depression

Identity and Life Transitions

Relationship and Couples Work

Behavioural Health and Addictions

Grief and Loss Support

Core Counselling Services Available in my Littlehampton Practice

Individual Counselling Services in Littlehampton

Trauma-Informed Therapy

Mental Health Support

Relationship and Identity Work

Specialized Support

Flexible Service Delivery Options

In-Person Sessions

Telephone Counselling

Accessible Pricing Structure

Individual Counselling

Couples Therapy

Student Rate

Low-Income Rate

Frequently asked questions

Get in Touch

Areas I Serve

How I Can Help

Professional Credentials

Qualifications