Professional Counselling & Psychotherapy Service
Welcome
It’s normal to experience emotional difficulties in our lives, and generally, at these times, we cope how we’ve always coped. Sometimes, however, this is not enough, and we need a confidential and objective space in which to explore our feelings and issues, without being judged.
Asking for help can be very difficult. Perhaps you feel embarrassed or that you should be able to manage. Maybe you feel there is something wrong with you, and it is hard to imagine things can improve. This is when counselling might help. If you are unsure whether counselling or psychotherapy is right for you, please email me with any questions or concerns.
About Emily Sugarman
I am a Gestalt Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor, having been awarded a Diploma in Gestalt Counselling from The Albany Centre, and an Advanced Diploma in Gestalt Psychotherapy from Edinburgh Gestalt Institute, Scotland. In 2024, I qualified with a Diploma in Creative Approaches to Supervision from the London Centre for Psychodram. Previously, I trained for four and a half years at the University of Hertfordshire where I was awarded a Diploma and Post-Graduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling. I also have an MA from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland.
In 2018, I qualified in Developmental Somatic Psychotherapy, a movement based therapy, having trained for a Certificate under Gestaltist Ruella Frank at the Center for Somatic Studies in New York, USA. Before running Hertford Counselling, I worked as a counsellor for Her Majesty’s Prison Service, as a Psychodynamic Psychotherapist for the NHS Psychological Therapy Services in Hatfield, and for a national health and social care provider, counselling people who were struggling with substance abuse.
I am a registered member of the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), and an Accredited and Registered Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and abide by both the UKCP’s Code of Ethics and Professional Practice, and the BACP’s Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. Both organisations were set up to promote and monitor best practice within counselling and psychotherapy practices, and to look after the people who use these services. I am strongly committed to Continuing Professional Development and regularly attend conferences and training events. I work with individuals only, from late adolescence upwards.
I am fully DBS checked. This means I have undergone a criminal records check by the Disclosure and Barring Service (sponsored by the Home Office) and have been certified safe and reliable to work with people of all ages who may have safeguarding needs.