Abigail Oatway Counselling

About Me

I live and work in West Sussex, as a qualified counsellor and supervisor, I offer a safe, confidential, friendly environment for young people and adults.

I believe the relationship between client and counsellor is of huge importance, and hope that through being non-judgemental and offering acceptance, empathy and warmth, you will be able to explore and understand issues which are important to you.

Whatever it is that you are struggling with, being able to share it, be heard and understood without being judged can bring clarity and hope.

I completed my training in Humanistic Counselling at Chichester University, and am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I have further training in a variety of areas including CBT and working with Trauma.

I have experience in supporting people of all ages, who have brought a wide range of issues, including: bereavement, relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, addictions, self-harm, redundancy, illness and caring responsibilities.
In addition to working in private practice, I work with young people in schools across West Sussex.

My Practice

Working from a shepherds hut, in a peaceful, rural location in Dial Post, West Sussex, I offer both short term and long term counselling.

People come to counselling for many reasons, allowing yourself some time and space to talk about your difficulties, can help you understand the causes of your unhappiness, distress, anxiety or feelings of disconnection.

Being able to link feelings to your patterns of behaviour or ways of relating with others, can help you make sense of certain aspects of your life. Once recognised, this can bring about the necessary shifts required to help us feel more in tune with who we are.

Counselling can empower you by helping you make sense of what is happening, deal with painful thoughts we keep buried, and enable you to make the changes you need to move forward.

The opportunity to work creatively is available to all my clients; it provides a way to widen awareness and a space for those who may feel daunted about sitting and talking.

I work within the BACP's Ethical Framework, which is based on principals of autonomy, respect, trustworthiness, avoiding harm to clients and promoting client's well-being.

I participate in regular personal and professional development opportunities and as required, my work is regularly overseen by a qualified clinical supervisor.

I understand how difficult it can be to take the first step and make contact, and it’s important you find the right counsellor for you. I’m happy to speak on the phone or via e-mail, to help make that first step easier.

Counselling for Young People

Throughout my time as a school counsellor, I have worked with many young people in schools and colleges. Increasingly young people find themselves facing a wide range of challenges, including: worries and anxiety, family issues, separation, grief and loss, relationship issues, bullying, abuse, trauma, social media exposure, identity, low self-esteem and self-harm.

My private practice provides a calm and welcoming environment for young people, giving them the opportunity to open up to someone other than family or friends and talk about everything that is important to them, whatever that is.

Using creative tools young people become more aware of their thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Together we explore different options and strategies, helping them to move forward.

Depending on age, it is often helpful for parents/carers to attend at least part of an initial consultation so practical aspects such as the therapy contract, including confidentiality and cancellation policies can be discussed together. Each case is explored on an individual basis. The most important thing is that the young person feels comfortable and happy to work with me.

What to Expect

At the first session I will ask you in more detail about what has brought you to therapy, about your current circumstances such as relationships, support networks and details of your history.

If you would like to meet again and I feel I am able to support you, we can arrange a subsequent meeting. I will recommend we meet for a number of sessions and provide you with details of my commitment to confidentiality and data protection, plus a therapeutic contract. A therapeutic contact is not a legal contract but more a commitment for our work together.

As we approach the end of the initial agreed sessions, I recommend that we review how useful they have been for you and how you are feeling about the process. At this point, we can determine if you feel happy to continue and agree a time to review our progress again.

I will always show you respect and ensure your best interest is at the heart of our work.

Abigail Oatway Counselling

About Me

My Practice

Counselling for Young People

What to Expect

Clinical Supervision

Contact me

For an initial, exploratory meeting or to discuss whether I might be able to support you, contact me via: phone: 07389705202 or email: abigailoatway@outlook.com

Abigail Oatway Counselling