Deborah Rea Counselling

Integrative Person-Centred Counselling

A quiet space to slow down, and find your way back to yourself.

I am Deborah — an integrative, person-centred counsellor working in Forest Row and online. Warm. Without agenda.

Welcome to my practice.

I am Deborah, a dedicated integrative person-centred counsellor passionate about fostering growth, healing, and self-discovery. My approach is rooted in the belief that each individual possesses the innate capacity for personal growth and self-understanding. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental, and empathetic space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace — therapy that is tailored to you.

Drawing on Carl Rogers's principles, I emphasise genuine empathy, unconditional positive regard, congruence, and authentic, open communication. I believe in your potential to navigate life's challenges, and strive to support you in unlocking your inner resources and achieving your personal goals. There is no pressure to change who you are or to fit into a mould.

Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, I am here to assist you on your path of self-discovery — helping you to explore your life, gain deeper awareness and acceptance, and make meaningful new choices.

I often integrate somatic and creative approaches, thoughtfully tailored to each client's unique needs. Creative work can help surface emotions that are difficult to express verbally, offering a bridge to the unconscious, deepening self-understanding, and supporting emotional regulation. Somatic work helps reconnect with the body's wisdom, fostering awareness of physical sensations, releasing stored tension, and building a greater sense of safety and presence.

When working with trauma, I use trauma-informed principles, gently creating a safe and supportive space where your pace and needs are honoured. This approach recognises how trauma can affect both the body and mind, nurturing healing that's empowering and whole, without needing to relive the experience.

My motivation to train as a counsellor came from my own therapy experience. During a difficult time, when I felt as though everything in my life was unravelling, I received the support I needed, which helped me gain clarity and a deeper understanding of myself. This transformation inspired me to help others find their path to authenticity and meaningful change.

I volunteer as a counsellor at St Peter & St James Hospice, where I support bereaved individuals, those with terminal illnesses, caregivers, and their families. I have also worked as a Samaritan, providing crisis support to people in distress. In both roles I have gained experience with a wide range of difficult situations.

The work I do

Three threads, gently woven together.

i.

Person-centred therapy

Empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence (genuine presence). You set the pace; I follow alongside you. No fixing, no diagnosis-first thinking — just listening, carefully.

ii.

Creative & somatic

When words run out, the body and the imagination still have things to say. We can gently include drawing, movement or breath when it helps — only ever at your invitation.

iii.

Trauma-informed

You do not need to relive what hurt you in order to be helped by counselling. We work with your nervous system, not against it, with safety as the foundation for everything else.

If you are in immediate distress

Please contact the Samaritans — they listen, day or night, and they're free to call from any phone.

Reach the Samaritans →

The first step is a conversation.

I offer a free 30-minute consultation — no commitment, just a chance to talk and see whether we'd work well together.

Arrange a consultation →