The Hove Counselling Practice - Hove

Emily K

I cannot recommend Claire enough. When I first met Claire, I was, as I can only describe as functioning at a pace of a million miles an hour. Claire’s kindness, compassionate and calming approach has supported me in navigating through some extremely challenging situations, given me the courage to make fundamental changes and helped me to slow down and breathe. Finding myself in historical situations once again, I have been enabled to manage my emotions differently, proactively and positively. Feeling supported, to make the changes I needed to in my relationships and learning the protection of my own boundaries, has changed me. I feel empowered and able to feel in control as opposed to being controlled as I once was.

Megan Lilley

Claire has really helped me to take ownership responsibility for my life, which I wouldn't have considered being capable of before. I always look forward to our sessions; even if I go into them feeling that I have nothing to say, I always leave with motivation or with a valuable reflection on something. Her way of working is very welcoming and flexible, but she has always held me to account, which has been fundamental in the journey of my recovery so far. I sought her out personally after a recommendation from a friend, who found just a few short sessions with Claire very reassuring and sense-making, which I agree with.

David Parfitt

I have wanted to write a recommendation for Claire Sainsbury for quite a considerable time now, but the time has never felt right, and it still doesn’t, because the changes that she helped me to make are still taking effect.
I was not one to seek help for my state of mind, not exactly a cynic more a believer in my own determination. Claire helped me map myself, and helped me discover causes and effects that I had never considered. Her guidance and subtle intervention of strategies has changed me, is still changing me months after I last saw her.
I went to her in a fairly broken state, now I feel like I have got myself back, present, and more aware of who I am. I wish I had seen her years ago.
If you are reading this to decide wether to see Claire or not, then you should.

Emma Akehurst

I cannot explain how much Claire has helped me in my life. Before her I had had many therapists, all of which were not nearly as caring, intuitive or knowledgable. Overall, with her understanding yet practical approach she has been the support I have needed over the years to overcome many situations in my life from a binge-eating disorder and depression, to family/friend relationship issues, to anxiety and self-confidence. She is an extremely positive and insightful therapist and I’d recommend her to anyone who is hesitant about therapy.

Joshua Madden

I booked a session with Claire, and it was the most helpful, insightful session I think I've ever had from any counselling I've ever done. She packed a lot into the 45 minutes and gave me a lot to think about. Her time was worth every penny!

Sam Baines

Claire is simply incredible. So caring and gentle in her approach yet you always come out feeling you have learnt, developed and grown. Extremely knowledgeable and experienced in her field and so skilled in a variety of applied therapeutic techniques. If you ever feel like you’re in a place where you wish to understand yourself, others and the world around you better, then do not hesitate to reach out to her.

Thank you, Claire for all your time and efforts thus far.

Amy Tamplin

Claire is an excellent therapist and I would highly recommend her to anyone. I made it clear from the start that I really wanted to be challenged and to receive practical/pragmatic support. Having had counselling previously, I knew I didn’t want someone to just be a listening ear, but I wanted to really learn more about myself. Claire used practical techniques to teach me theories about what was going on for me. She was also challenging and could see through my coping mechanisms in order to get to the root of issues. I appreciated this direct approach, but I can imagine that Claire is incredibly good at picking up on what people need, and so could take a more delicate approach if this is what someone needed or required. She was flexible and would allow extra time between sessions if more processing time was requested. Although on the more expensive side, I would say it is well worth paying a little more to invest in a therapist as skilled as Claire. I had 10 sessions altogether and I felt we covered such a wide range of things in that time. I will take the skills and the lessons she has taught me into my life. I also know that the door is always open if I need further support in the future.

Alberto Genk

I had never been to a psychologist before and didn't really know what to expect. When you don't even know what's wrong with yourself, let alone how to explain it to someone else... and life led me to Claire. There was no need to explain or understand; from the very first moment, she made you feel comfortable and calm and made everything easy. At first, you think nothing is happening because it's like having tea with a friend. And one day, you realize that there are new things in you and many things that are no longer there, and you are happier and more at peace with yourself. In the end, it's not that she understands you, but that you have understood a lot about yourself and your life. I will always be grateful that she is accompanying me on this journey and for the luck of having met her because she is not only a great professional but also a great person.