Joe Aparo

I believe that any of us can benefit from time to stop and reflect on our lives - no matter who we are - or where we are - in life. I find it a privilege to be able to work with people - often at some of the most difficult points in their lives - in a gentle, collaborative and caring way - in order to help them find a lasting way through and improve their lives. I have a good sense of humour and this comes though in my practice, though I am very serious about the serious stuff. I am a fully qualified, experienced counsellor, working in a humanistic, person-centred way. I offer a full free introductory session with no pressure or obligation to continue that offers us a chance to informally chat through your issues and decide together whether or not we would want to work together.

I hold a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip.) in Person-Centred Counselling from Brighton University. I have an Advanced Diploma in Person-Centred Couples Counselling. I have been in private practice since 2010. Over half my work (65%) is with couples and the remainder with individuals. I previously counselled adults with learning disabilities and their carers for 3 years in an NHS setting and also counselled young people (aged 14-25) working in a voluntary sector agency for 2 years. I am a registered member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and a member of Sussex Counselling and Psychotherapy (SCAP). I have always worked in roles working with people in distress and worked in various managerial and administrative capacities for both the NHS and in Local Government. I am also a qualified Divorce and Family mediator.

I have a lot of experience of and a professional interest in working with Couples and Individuals who present with issues around: Relationships, Self-esteem, Personal Development, Anger, Anxiety, Bereavement, Creativity, Depression, Divorce, Self-esteem, Loss, Betrayal, Learning Disabilities - especially high functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome, Abuse, Trauma, Separation, Young people, Personal Development and Work-related stress amongst others.

I offer a safe, empathic, space. I don't judge and try my absolute best to see the world through your eyes and see how it feels to be you. I have a healthy sense of humour - where appropriate - and have a light, gentle approach to counselling. I don't push. That's not to say I don't offer challenge but I firmly believe that the big stuff, the hard stuff, will find its way through without needing to be forced. When both it and you are ready. Person-Centred theory has at its core - the fundamental belief that we all have the drive and need to be the best person we can be. It is my belief that life gets in the way of this drive and ambition and that by taking my lead from you, together we can find it. I like to work collaboratively and informally in a safe - emotionally warm environment. I may be light-hearted at times but am serious about counselling and there alongside all my clients in their hardest moments. Client confidentially is incredibly important to me.