I'm Sam De Gruchy, a BACP-registered Integrative Therapist offering therapy in-person (Brighton) and online (Jersey and UK-wide).
You might find troubling emotions, thoughts, experiences or patterns are currently leaving you feeling overwhelmed, stuck or perhaps lost. My commitment to you is to support you in releasing such blocks, and in their place nurture a greater appreciation and compassionate understanding of yourself - with an improved sense of meaning, centredness and freedom in your life.
I am here alongside you in your process, to meet you where you need to be met.
welcome
There is a saying ‘the truth will set you free’ and I fully believe this to be the case. The difficulty is that our own subjective truths can sometimes be obscure (even to ourselves) - or may have been shut down in response to the words or actions of those around us. Experiences of vulnerability to date have often been challenging or hurtful, and can lead us to further fear being our authentic selves. I offer a nurturing space to undo this process, to explore your authenticity with courage, trust and compassion - and to release difficult emotions or patterns that may currently be working overtime to protect you.
My intention is to be caring, patient and compassionate towards how things are for you right now, whilst at the same time aim upward collaboratively toward your authentic potential.
I am an Integrative therapist, with a relational and person-centred focus.
Integrative: flexibility and a dynamic approach, integrating several therapeutic modalities. It is rooted in our collective humanness, and tailored to your personal experience. I support clients with a wide range of difficulties including anxiety, anger, depression, self-esteem, relationships, life direction, identity, existential and spiritual difficulties.
Relational: embracing that therapy takes place in relationship - because a real and genuine relationship creates the space for the real you to continue to emerge and be seen. The therapeutic alliance between therapist and client is the fertile ground in which you can grow in true self-confidence, as well as cultivating trust in relation to others whilst knowing and upholding your boundaries.
Person-centred: trust in your individual process and respecting your autonomy. I believe each person has the right to self-determine their own process and life choices, and my practice is rooted in this humanistic principle. We recognise that though engaging with therapeutic support, you remain the expert of your own experience. This leads to a greater sense of self increasingly available to you outside and beyond therapy.
Way of working
Advanced Diploma in Counselling - Heartwood Counselling and Psychotherapy (accredited by National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society)
MSc Psychological Studies (with Merit) -University of Glasgow (accredited by British Psychological Society)
Foundation Certificate in Psychotherapy & Counselling - Regent's University
BA History (with Hons) - University of Exeter
Registered member of the BACP - British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists
Affiliate member of IPT - Institute of Psychedelic Therapy