Leanne Bogen-Johnston

I offer in-person, weekly sessions from my rooms in both Hove and Brighton, or, if you prefer, online sessions from the comfort of your own space. Appointments are available Tuesday through Friday, with both daytime and evening options. Evening sessions can be particularly helpful for those balancing work or family commitments. I also offer Saturday morning appointments. As my availability can change, I encourage you to get in touch to find out my current openings and arrange a time that suits you.

You may be coming to therapy because you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, low or stuck. Or you may not be able to name exactly what’s wrong – just a sense that something isn’t quite right. Together, we can begin to make sense of your experience, exploring how past relationships and unspoken patterns may be influencing your current difficulties.

My approach is psychodynamic, which explores how our early experiences shape the ways we think, feel and relate to others in the present. Therapy offers an opportunity to slow down and begin to explore what may be happening beneath the surface. It provides a frame for understanding the unconscious patterns that influence our emotional lives. Psychodynamic therapy is not about offering quick fixes, but about developing insight and self-awareness – the kind of change that can lead to lasting growth and transformation

I qualified in Psychodynamic Psychotherapeutic Counselling at the University of Brighton and also hold a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. I work as a psychotherapeutic counsellor in Sussex. In addition,  I’ve worked for over 15 years in NHS mental health research and have supported people through a wide range of emotional experiences including depression, anxiety, loneliness and the psychological impact of chronic health mental and physical health conditions.

I offer a warm, supportive and confidential space where you can talk openly about what is on your mind. I believe that the relationship between counsellor and client is at the heart of meaningful change, and I value working together in a way that feels safe, respectful and collaborative.

In our sessions, we will take time to reflect on your experiences and make sense of the challenges you are facing. Together, we can explore the patterns and links in your thoughts, feelings and behaviours, helping you to develop a deeper understanding of your difficulties and the impact they may be having on your life.

Counselling is not about being told what to do, but about being supported as you discover your own way forward. My role is to  work alongside you—listening, understanding and helping you to gain clarity—so that you feel more resourced to make choices that are right for you.

I understand that seeking support can feel daunting, and I aim to create a welcoming environment where you feel accepted and not judged. Whether you are looking for help with a specific problem or seeking space for longer-term personal growth, my approach centres on building a trusting relationship that enables you to explore what matters most to you.

Your first session is an opportunity for us to begin getting to know each other and to see whether I am the right counsellor for you. Building a trusting relationship is central to the counselling process, and this initial meeting gives us the chance to start that process together.

During our time, you will be invited to talk about what has brought you to counselling and what you hope to gain from it. You don’t need to have everything worked out or know exactly what you want to say—many people begin counselling with only a sense that something doesn’t feel right, or with a mix of different concerns. We will explore this at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

The first session is also a chance for you to get a sense of how I work, and whether this style of counselling feels supportive and helpful. Equally, it allows me to understand more about your needs and how we might work together moving forward.

Because I recognise that starting counselling is a big step, I offer the first session at a reduced rate of £45 instead of £60. This way, you can make an informed decision about whether to continue without feeling pressured.

Most importantly, this initial meeting is the start of building a relationship based on trust, warmth and collaboration—creating a safe and confidential space where you feel supported to begin your counselling journey.