Leon Standing - Integrative Counselling & Therapy

I am an experienced and accredited Counsellor and Therapist but I am also a human-being. My life experiences lead me to becoming interested in becoming a Counsellor.

I successfully completed a Post-graduate level Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Therapy at Northbrook College Sussex and obtained an ‘Outstanding Achievement Award (Counselling) at Northbrook’s Higher Education Graduation Ceremony through the process. I went onto study and gain a Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice from Bath Spa University conducting a research enquiry into addiction and integrative practice from a personal and professional perspective.

I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and I am listed on the BACP Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists. In addition, I am a member of Federation of Drug and Alcohol Practitioners (FDAP) and I hold my Counsellor Accreditation with FDAP – (National Counsellor Accreditation Certificate – NCAC).

I am someone who is passionate, dedicated and committed to good professional practice and I am proud to work within the guidelines as set by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and the Federation of Drug & Alcohol Practitioners (FDAP), and I am bound by their ethical frameworks.

All work undertaken is supervised in accordance with these guidelines. I attend fortnightly supervision with a highly experienced supervisor for all his client work.

I am committed to furthering my development as a person and as a practitioner and I undertake regular additional training and engage in CPD activities.

My counselling and therapy training has taught me the Integrative approach to working with people. This enables me to draw from many therapeutic approaches such as Humanistic, Psychodynamic, Attachment Theory, CBT, Gestalt, Transactional Analysis and 12 step recovery philosophy so together we can find a way of working that meets your individual requirements. In practice the approaches I may offer to you emerges as I begin to work with you. As I work in an integrative way no one approach emerges in isolation but rather there is a unique blend that meets your needs as issues arise. This is all guided by you though.

Although being trained in many Counselling and Psychotherapy approaches I believe, and as research has demonstrated that it is the therapeutic relationship established between therapist and client that has the most beneficial influence within therapy rather than theoretical knowledge or technique. It’s not always easy finding someone to share your difficulties with: my practice as a person and as a Counsellor is inspired by an open-minded, empathic, non-judgemental and genuine approach. I offer this in a warm environment which is a confidential, supportive and safe space for you to use as you choose.

It is through my personal life experiences and training that has given me the opportunity to work with, and become understanding towards many life issues. I have many life concerns that I am trained in and have a special interest in such as, All Addictions, Depression, Anxiety & other mental health concerns, Suicidal thoughts, Self-harm, Anger issues, Loss and Bereavement, Abuse (emotional, mental, physical, sexual, spiritual), Family and Marriage/Relationship issues, Childhood issues, and Trauma. I work with adolescents aged 18-25, adults, couples, and older people and families.

Please feel free to contact me with anything you wish to address and you can discuss this with me.

I specialise and have extensive experience and training in the field of Addiction. In addition to my private practice I feel privileged to currently work for a private hospital - Elysium Healthcare – The Brighton & Hove Clinic on their inpatient detox and Addiction Treatment Program (ATP), offering 1-1 therapy, group therapy, family therapy, psycho-educational/creative workshops and groups to client’s for their treatment and recovery process. I also facilitate their 10 week family programme offering group therapy and educational workshops to family members. Working with family members affected by addiction is a special interest of mine.

I have also worked for The Priory Hospital – Brighton & Hove on their inpatient detox and Addiction Treatment Program. I also currently provide post-treatment aftercare counselling for addiction healthcare companies that offer private treatment for alcohol and drug-related issues. I have previously been a counsellor for CRI (Formerly – Sussex Alcohol and Substance use Service – SASS) where I gained substantial experience and training in working with substance misuse. I have also worked for the charity Coastal West Sussex Mind offering recovery based treatment to individuals with low-complex mental health issues.

Whether its drugs, alcohol, sex, relationships, Co-dependency, gambling, the internet, food, shopping or anything else: we can try and find a way out.

I have been in private practice for many years now and I really love what I do. My aim is to offer something different.

I offer long term open-ended therapy to explore deeper issues, or focused short term counselling for specific problems.