Meet the Therapist: Amy Hutson
Amy Hutson is a counsellor in Brighton and online
What attracted you to become a therapist?
After having my own counselling at university, I saw the huge, positive effects counselling can have.
Where did you train?
I trained at Brighton University in humanistic psychotherapy. I’ve since enjoyed extra training in art therapy and writing therapy techniques and working with trauma which I incorporate into my work.
Can you tell us about the type of therapy you practise?
Humanistic therapy focuses on the ability to make positive changes in our lives when we have the right support. It’s the umbrella term for a range of therapies such as person-centred, Gestalt and existential, which means I’m influenced by more than one approach. I picked this approach to therapy as it fits in with my view of people and their ability to change and it’s the type of therapy I had growing up, which worked really well for me.
How does humanistic therapy help?
The approach to therapy is focused on offering clients a supportive, empathetic relationship where they can feel safe to explore why, how and what they are struggling with emotionally. It might be, for example, that they want to feel less anxious or be able to move on from a difficult relationship. I work with clients to build on their own inner strengths so they can make the changes they want to, so they can lead happier lives.
What sort of people do you usually see?
I usually see individual adults, although I see some young people as well. Often people come to see me because something has happened, such as a relationship break down and they are struggling to cope.
I also often work with issues such as anxiety, low self-esteem and trauma.
What do you like about being a therapist?
I love seeing people change and get better. I enjoy working with people and getting to know them on a deeper level and helping them to understand their situation and themselves better.
What is less pleasant?
I found couples counselling wasn’t really for me, as I often felt stuck in the middle of an argument! So, while I often work with relationship issues, I tend to see individuals.
How long you’ve been with welldoing.org and what you think of us?
It’s my first month on the site – I didn’t know there was a community on Facebook! (Any therapists and counsellors interested can request to join here)
Do you ever suggest books or apps to clients?
I love the Calm app and often recommend this to clients who would like support with feeling more relaxed. It’s great even for people who only have a small amount of free time, as you can set a guided meditation to just three minutes long.
What you do for your own mental health?
One of the great things about counselling training is you learn the importance of self-care – after all, if we don’t care for ourselves, how can we care for our clients?
Being with friends and family is really important to me, along with journalling, meditation, exercise, walking in nature and watching trashy TV.
You are a therapist in Brighton. What can you share with us about seeing clients in this area?
I don’t think so – I work with each client as an individual and even if I were to see lots of people with anxiety, we all experience anxiety in a slightly different way. For example, one person might see anxiety as feeling a little bit on edge whereas someone else might see this as constantly feeling panicked.
What’s your consultation room like?
Light and airy with comfy sofas and a nice view outside of greenery.
What do you wish people knew about therapy?
That you don’t have to wait for a crisis to see a therapist. That it’s not as scary or intimidating as it might sound – I sometimes think of therapy as being like a workout for your mind.
What did you learn about yourself in therapy?
That change is possible, and we can make choices that will lead us to happier, more fulfilled lives.
