Counselling in Eastbourne
and online
We all want to thrive but sometimes we need support when life feels heavy, confusing or overwhelming.You might be feeling stuck, anxious, grieving, or quietly struggling to cope. You may not know exactly what’s wrong — only that something doesn’t feel right, and you don’t want to carry it alone any more.At Bourne to Thrive, I offer warm, person-centred counselling for adults and young people in Eastbourne, providing a calm and supportive space to explore what’s going on for you, at your own pace.You don’t need to be in crisis to seek counselling — often it’s simply about having somewhere safe to talk, reflect, and begin to understand yourself more clearly.
About Me
Mary HowarthBA (Hons) Psychology, Chartered MCIPD, Dip Couns, MBACP.Welcome - I'm a qualified counsellor and a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.I support people experiencing anxiety, panic, stress, low mood, burnout, low self-esteem and anger, as well as workplace, relationship and communication difficulties. I also work with parenting challenges, life transitions, women’s health concerns including infertility and menopause, and those navigating grief and loss.Alongside my private practice, I work with a counselling charity in Eastbourne. Over many years, I’ve also worked with people across education, uniformed services, public, and charity sectors. This breadth of experience informs my work, allowing me to offer support that is grounded, thoughtful, and compassionate.At Bourne to Thrive I provide an inclusive, non‑judgemental space and welcome people of all backgrounds, identities, and belief systems.
What I can help you with
My therapy services are tailored to support you through life’s challenges. Whatever you're seeking, I provide a safe and nurturing environment for healing.
Emotional wellbeing
Anxiety, stress, depression, low mood, trauma, grief and loss, self‑harm
Relationships & family
Relationship difficulties, separation and divorce, parenting, infertility and pregnancy loss
Life changes & identity
Life transitions, menopause, self‑esteem, body image, personal development
Work & purpose
Work-related stress, redundancy, workplace challenges, finding your calling
Health & neurodiversity
ADD, ADHD, autism, long-term health concerns
Identity & spirituality
Sexuality, gender, faith
How I work
I am an experiential, person-centred counsellor. Our work together is guided by your lived experience rather than a fixed agenda.From the first session, we focus on building a supportive and trusting relationship. Together, we’ll explore what’s troubling you, helping you make sense of your experiences and find a way forward that feels right for you.There’s no pressure to talk about anything before you’re ready — we work at a pace that feels safe and manageable.
Location & sessions
Counselling sessions are available in person, online or by phone.My practice is based in a welcoming, fully accessible space in the Old Town area of Eastbourne (BN21 1LQ).The venue, part of Emmanuel Church community space, offers free onsite parking, lift access, and disabled toilets.Sessions last 50 minutes and are usually held weekly.The fee is £50 per session.
Testimonials
"I could not have been better matched with a better counsellor. Mary has been an amazing support over the past year. She has helped me grow and improve my mental health.""Mary is very empathetic and understanding. She has helped me explore my thoughts and feelings. I have become a better person because of her. She has helped me become more confident in myself and has helped me to stay positive.""Working with Mary has been a positive and reassuring experience. Her warmth, empathy and insight have helped me gain clarity, confidence and a deeper understanding of myself. I am incredibly grateful for her support and would highly recommend her to anyone considering counselling.""When I first met Mary I was sad, I felt isolated disconnected and hopeless. I was having physical, emotional and spiritual problems and I was not convinced that talking about it would help. However, over a number of weeks, Mary gently asked questions, listened and walked me through a process of honesty, openness and healing. Very little around me has changed, but now I have some tools to help keep me grounded, be authentic, grow and be kind to myself and others."
Free initial consultation
If you’re considering counselling, I offer a free 15‑minute phone call. This gives you the chance to ask questions, share a little about what’s bringing you to counselling, and get a sense of whether working together feels right.There’s no obligation — it’s simply an opportunity to talk things through.Call to book, or send me an e-mail.