Welcome to R Starkings Therapy, a private practice based in Haywards Heath, West Sussex. I provide a professional and confidential space for individuals seeking counselling in Mid Sussex, as well as offering remote therapy sessions nationwide for those who prefer to work from the comfort of home.
Many people search for a therapist in Haywards Heath when they feel stuck, overwhelmed, or are struggling with anxiety and depression. Perhaps you are navigating the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis or the deep pain of bereavement.
Professional Qualifications & Accreditations
I am a registered member of the BACP, a governing body for counselling professionals. I am also a member of the British Psychological Society and a trustee & executive of the British Psychosocial Oncology Society.
If you are looking for counselling near Lindfield, Cuckfield, or Burgess Hill, my practice is easily accessible. Get in touch today to discuss how we might work together.
Why Choose Me
A Deeper Way of Working
My approach is about understanding what is happening beneath the surface.
People often come to therapy because they want to understand the “why” behind how they feel. You might be wondering where your anxiety comes from, why certain patterns keep repeating, or why something from the past still feels present in your relationships, confidence, identity or sense of self.
We may talk about ways to cope, but my work is also about helping you understand where those feelings might come from and why they may be showing up now. Together, we can take time to explore what feels difficult in a thoughtful and supportive way.
A Warm, Human Therapeutic Relationship
Therapy can feel strange at first. Talking to someone you do not know about private or painful things is not always easy.
I know that the relationship between therapist and client is a big part of what makes therapy feel helpful. I want to create a space where you feel able to be honest, where you do not have to perform, and where you can feel properly heard.
I am human. Your sessions will not be about my personal history or experiences, but I will be present and responsive with you. You can be sad, angry, unsure, quiet, or not know what you feel yet. At times, we might even laugh together. Whatever you bring, I will meet you with curiosity and understanding, not a cold shoulder.
Experience With Grief, Illness and Identity Change
A lot of my work is with grief, bereavement and loss. That might mean the death of someone important, the death of a pet, grief around someone who is dying, or grief connected to a relationship that was complicated. It can also include the loss of a part of yourself or a life you expected to have.
I also work with people who have, or have had, cancer or other long-term illnesses, as well as the people who support them. Health-based experiences can change how you see the world and how you see yourself. You may not always feel able to be completely honest about those changes with the people around you. Therapy can give you space to say the things you may usually hold back.
No Pressure To Decide Straight Away
I understand that starting therapy can feel daunting. If you have never had therapy before, you might not know what to expect. If you have had therapy before, starting again with someone new can bring its own uncertainty.
That is why I offer an introductory phone call first. It gives you a chance to get a sense of who I am, how I work, and whether you feel comfortable taking the next step.
There is no pressure to decide straight away. It is simply a chance for us to think together about whether working together feels like the right fit.
Fees and Getting Started
If you decide to start therapy with me, sessions cost £60 an hour and payment is due before the start of each session via bank transfer. You will not be charged for sessions when I am away due to holiday or illness.
I reserve a limited amount of space for clients in need of a reduced fee. If you would like to work together but find your financial situation to be a barrier, get in touch to discuss this further. I can also offer you a signpost to other low-cost services.
It’s not what’s wrong with you, it’s what’s happened to you
Start your journey by getting in touch with the form below
Alternatively, you can email me directly via RStarkingsTherapy@gmail.com or call me on 07527 955 498.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Haywards Heath Therapy FAQs
I work from a private consulting room in central Haywards Heath. I also have access to a therapy room in Lindfield. To protect the privacy and discretion of all clients, I provide the full address and directions personally once an initial consultation has been confirmed.
Yes, there is easy-to-access parking available near the consulting room.
I want your arrival to feel as straightforward and calm as possible, so we can discuss the practical details before your first face-to-face session.
I work with adults on a wide variety of concerns, with a particular focus on grief, loss of identity, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I also offer a neuro-affirming space for neurodivergent clients (including those with ADHD and Autism) who are looking for specialised therapy in the Mid Sussex area.
I offer both face-to-face therapy in Haywards Heath and online therapy for clients across the UK.
Online therapy can be particularly helpful for people with long-term health conditions, chronic or severe illness, mobility limitations, or those who are unable to mix in public. For some people, speaking from home feels more manageable and accessible.
Face-to-face therapy can also offer a quiet, neutral space away from everyday distractions. We can talk about what feels most suitable for you during an introductory call.
You can start by booking a free 30-minute introductory phone call.
This gives us a chance to talk about what you are looking for, for you to ask any questions, and for both of us to think about whether working together feels like the right fit. There is no pressure to decide straight away.
The first session is a gentle introduction to the therapy process.
We may talk about what has brought you to therapy, what is happening for you at the moment, and any relevant parts of your history. You do not need to arrive with everything worked out or know exactly where to begin.
It is also a chance for you to get a better sense of how I work and whether you feel comfortable continuing. Therapy works best when the relationship feels safe enough for you to be honest, so there is no pressure to have everything decided immediately.
Yes. My Haywards Heath therapy room is centrally located in Mid Sussex, making it accessible for clients travelling from Lindfield, Cuckfield, Burgess Hill and the surrounding areas including Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint.
Yes. The consulting room is within walking distance of central Haywards Heath, with access to local public transport routes nearby.
If you are travelling by train, bus or taxi, I can provide more specific directions once your first appointment has been arranged.