KERRITH BELL

Psychotherapist

Our beliefs about who we are in the world are often shaped by our families. Though these beliefs may feel as intrinsic to us as the colour of our eyes, they might not always serve us. However, we are not static beings—we are lives in progress, constantly evolving and capable of change. While we may not have the power to alter the behaviour of others, we can work on changing how it affects us and how we choose to respond. As a psychotherapist, I am deeply passionate about helping people develop the skills they need to live with less pain and greater resilience.

I hold a Master’s in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychotherapy and Counselling. Psychodynamic psychotherapy focuses on uncovering and understanding unconscious processes that may be influencing patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. By exploring these deeply rooted aspects of the self, clients can gain profound insights into their current challenges and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. This approach can be particularly transformative for clients struggling with relationship difficulties, emotional conflicts, or repetitive patterns they feel unable to break free from.

I keep abreast of training and work in an integrative way to deliver the best strategies and outcomes for client needs. I have a Level 4 in humanistic, or person-centred counselling and combine psychodynamic insights to empower clients and help them ground their emotions. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and incorporate it into a psychodynamic approach, where it can be particularly helpful in addressing and gaining control over specific behaviours. Additionally, I draw on Polyvagal Theory in my work, which has proven efficacy in supporting clients recovering from trauma by helping them understand, navigate and regulate their emotional states.

I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work with individuals facing a variety of challenges. My areas of special interest include relationship issues, trauma, and patterns of behaviour that leave clients feeling stuck. Drawing on my prior career experiences in education as both a university tutor and senior manager, I bring a unique understanding of how personal history affects us in the workplace and how work-related stress can trigger unresolved wounds. I am particularly interested in relationship issues and breakdowns, and how previous relationship breakdowns can echo in the present. I have a focus on women's friendships, and I am part of a group of psychotherapists exploring the ways women communicate, how they can gain control of their lives, and begin to flourish.

I offer sessions in London, Brighton, and online, where I strive to create a compassionate and supportive environment where clients can explore, heal, and grow. I offer all prospective clients a free fifteen-minute introductory session which can be held over the phone or online, where they can talk about what they are looking for from therapy and decide whether they think I am someone who they could potentially work with. So, if you are interested, please reach out.