Counselling, Psychological and Somatic Therapies for Individuals, Couples and Family
We offer counselling and psychotherapy for individuals and families seeking therapy, from our Hove based clinic.
oh | PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIES supports human development through psychological and somatic talking therapies, philosophical query and psycho-education.
Counselling and Talking Therapies are steeped in psychological, sociological and sometimes mythical histories that at times shroud the profession. There can be confusion about what exactly it is that counsellors or psychotherapists do, and it can be daunting to consider talking to someone you feel might be ‘analysing’ you.


At oh | PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIES our therapists are trained in modalities which value self-awareness and self-realisation. Our approaches are grounded in offering each of our clients, a space to explore their own creativity, growth, compassion and psychological understanding.
After completing an online self-referral form we invite clients for an initial consultation. This gives an opportunity to meet a therapist and explore some of what is being experienced.
All our counselling therapists are either BACP, UKCP or HCPC registered and hold Disclosure and Baring Certificates.
Individual Counselling
It’s not unusual to be overwhelmed by life, even if we’ve met a situation with ease before. Times of challenge and change can feel like too much to cope with and the thoughts and feelings of experience may be confusing. Sometimes we simply need some help to find the way through.
Whilst each journey can offer an opportunity to be curious about how to meet what life presents, perhaps even a chance to explore the potential for growth, it can be hard to find the right person to talk to.
Sam McCarthy, Dr Sally Hill, Lucy Bundy and Peia Pooran offer a range of approaches including person-centred, somatic, pluralistic, humanistic, creative, psychodynamic and dyadic. All our therapists work in a compassionate, supportive and collaborative way, providing a safe space to discover what you need to make sense of your experience and situation.
Couples Counselling
Sometimes two can’t tango and we need help to see each other’s perspective. If you’re going through a difficult transition or concerned about the future of your relationship, it can be helpful for a third ear, to help you hear one another in a safe space and ease the path towards reconciliation or agreement.
Dr. Claire Scanlan offers humanistic and integrative approaches with training and experience in systemic couples and family therapy. She employs creativity and collaboration when exploring your needs.
Currently sessions are offered online only.
Power of Three
Dr. Claire Scanlan also offers 3 sessions over 3 months for couples looking to explore their relationship at Fair Rates. These sessions are also often very useful for couples meeting change in their lives, such as expecting a new addition to the family, a change of career or new job or school. Often couples find talking with another person can help them see differing perspectives.
Clinical Psychology
Dr. Sally Hill offers psychological support for individuals, families and children and is able to consult on neurodiversity and pre-assessment support.
Dr. Claire Scanlan also offers psychological therapy for couples, families and individuals.
Fair Rate Counselling
In addition to our qualified and experienced counsellors, we offer reduced rate sessions with a counsellor in training.
The fee for these sessions is £25
Our trainees have already completed the foundation levels of their studies, and are now in the final stage that leads to professional qualification. They are student members of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, and abide by its ethical framework.
Trainee counsellors are a valued part of the Ochre House team. They are supported by an experienced supervisor, and are carefully selected for their:
– warmth and compassion
– empathy
– self-awareness
– therapeutic skills and understanding
– maturity and life experience
– commitment to professional standards of practice.
This is an opportunity to work with a skilled therapist at an earlier stage in their career.
We’ll take care in matching you with your therapist. If we feel that your needs will be best met by a fully qualified counsellor, we will make this clear and explain why.
Sam McCarthy, lead therapist and founder of Ochre House, manages the service and all trainees.
Currently Jess Austin and Rachael Lee are on placement with us.
They are person centred counsellors and are training at Haulm.
If you would like to apply for fair rate counselling, please request our self-referral form by emailing psy@ochrehouse.org. We always aim to offer you an initial consultation within two weeks of receiving your form.
Please note that that we are not currently taking self referrals for Fair Rate counselling. Please do contact us to discuss concessions with qualified practitioners in our team.
Self Referral Form & Bookings
To receive a self-referral form please email psy@ochrehouse.org
If you’d like to speak to someone about counselling and any of our therapists, please let us know, again, via email, and we can arrange with you a time that’s convenient to talk.