Angela Hughes | Humanistic Counselling

Counselling Cosham - Portsmouth

Welcome to my profile. I have over ten years experience and a background in Education, Training and Adult Mental Health. I work with adults, couples, families, young people and children in my practices at Cosham - Portsmouth and Waterlooville - Hampshire. 

I am also a qualified online counsellor and work via Skype, so if face to face counselling is not possible, webcam can be used.

Although my core approach is Humanistic, integrating Person-Centred Counselling, Transactional Analysis and Gestalt Therapy depending on the needs of the client, I also work in a Solution-Focused way.

This means I offer a safe and confidential environment where I am empathic, non-judgmental and genuine. I will support you through your journey by being alongside you and listen attentively in order to understand and hear your experience.  Having an environment whereby you feel safe enough to disclose/let go of any negative beliefs, fear, anger, sadness or guilt can be extremely healing and aid self-acceptance.  

Throughout our relationship, you will learn more about yourself and be able to identify any obstacles that are preventing you from reaching your full potential. I will support you to draw upon your own coping strategies. This is hugely empowering and will enable you to find a way forward.

I can also help individuals to look at how they interact and act, based upon their behavioural patterns learnt as a child. This helps release old feelings and expresses emotions in the present. Once self-awareness evolves, individuals then have the choice of changing the way they relate to the outside world.

My experience

I have worked in a Secondary School as a School Counsellor. I have also worked in a primary school dealing with children who have behavioural and special educational needs. Therefore, I am experienced in managing challenging behaviour and have specific expertise in Autism and Asperger's. Other specialist areas include Relationship Difficulties, Depression, Bereavement, Addiction and Abuse. 

I worked for several years as a Voluntary Counsellor at Off The Record. I supported both Young People, Adults and Parents and supervised support workers in managing the above issues. I helped assess candidates who were transferring into a counsellor role and delivered a workshop on Depression. I also trained new volunteers entering the service, offering information on how to deal with Relationship Difficulties, Suicidal Intentions and Abuse. 

My work at Portsmouth Counselling Service with adults gave me valuable experience in working with individuals suffering from addictions. I received training on Domestic Violence and Alcohol Counselling, so this has helped me understand the issues involved in such situations.

I also volunteered for over two years at The Rowans Hospice. I worked alongside patients, staff and visitors on the Ward, Day Centre, Reception and Coffee Shop. Therefore, I have much experience and knowledge in dealing with life-limiting and terminal illnesses.