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Tom Cowan Counselling

Tom Cowan
Counsellor in Battle


If you are thinking about whether counselling/therapy might help, the first question is does talking about stuff help or make things worse? It's easy to assume talking about difficult and painful issues especially in the past will just bring it all back and make us feel worse,and of course it very often is painful to remember. However if things are not OK at present then this could be because the painful stuff has been buried, sometimes unconsciously, but is not actually "dead", it's still stirring and causing trouble! Helpful talking also depends on who you are talking to, so finding the right person is very important, also counsellors should be non judgmental and hopefully trained and experienced,and importantly not connected with your friends or family.

I won't write a long list of issues I have helped people with, instead I'll say I see many people with anxiety related difficulties and I think anxiety is a much bigger "hidden " problem even than depression which is more recognised- try telling your employer you need time off because you are feeling anxious! For most of us how we relate to others, especially the important people in our lives, is our most complex and challenging issue, and when we struggle with this we sometimes use coping strategies which can cause their own problems. These can be useful or get out of control, I'm thinking of alcohol, drugs, spending, gambling, using the internet, over eating, exercise or gym addiction etc etc!
Counselling can help you to safely explore your past to unlock some of the experiences that may be behind these difficulties in a safe supportive setting.

Background & Counselling Qualifications

I have worked in the music industry, NHS, and helping to support carers. I have a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (2001) Degree in Anthropology (1983).
I am 59, married and live in Battle in East Sussex.

My Specialisms

I have helped people with anxiety and /or depression, obsessive thoughts and panic attacks, relationship issues either individually or as a couple. I am interested in narcissistic behaviours and tendencies which I believe we all have to some extent, and how these can create difficulties for ourselves and those around us when they get out of control. We seem to be seeing some of these contributing to the situation in the USA at present. It seems very hard to get these issues in perspective especially how we feel about individual people, either loved or hated which really mirrors the black and white thinking that is so problematic.

Approach to Counselling & How I Work

My training was mainly psychodynamic, which means being interested in past experiences and how they affect the present. Dynamic means change and I try to explore how our patterns of behaviour and responses are formed and whether it's possible to change those that may be causing problems.

Therapies & Rates

Please note the rates detailed below are there to give you an idea of the therapists standard rates, we strongly advise you contact the therapist for more detailed rates and any offers they may have.

Therapy Appointment Type Rate
Counselling In Person £40 per 60 minutes