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Queer and Neuro-Affrimative Therapy for All*

Gentle Growth is a safe space for adults, children and young people to access therapy both online and in person, addressing what’s bothering them or exploring the changes they wish to make.

*Everyone is welcome at Gentle Growth, but especially those who identify as:

ADHD, Adopters, Adult Adoptees, ASD/ASC, Asexual, Asylum-Seekers, Bisexual, Consensual/Ethical-Non-Monogamous, Cross Dressers, Disabled, Ex-Offenders, Fat, Formerly In Care, Foster Carers, Gay, Gender-Fluid, Genderqueer, Highly-Sensitive, Immigrants, Intersex, Kinky, Lesbian, Monogamous, Neurodivergent, Neurospicy, Non-Binary, Pansexual, PDA, Polyamorous, Queer, Questioning, Refugees, Sex Workers, Survivors Of Attempted Conversion Therapy, Survivors Of Trauma, Therapeutic Parents, Trans And Beyond.

ABOUT ME

I’m Maria Skolozynska Edwards (she/her). I am a founder of Gentle Growth Therapy and an integrative counsellor/therapist working with adults, children and young people.

I’m Polish, based in Brighton, in my thirties, and I’m queer, polyam, vegetarian, fat and disabled. I’m also neurodivergent (ADHD) and highly sensitive.

Aside from counselling, I work within the intersection of mental health and education with the focus on breaking the barriers put in place by the heteronormative, mono-normative, racist, LGBTQIA+-phobic, capitalist and imperialist systems.

My career is focused on working with marginalised communities. Throughout my life I’ve worked with the houseless people in Poland, Syrian refugees, Palestinians in the West Bank, queer/transitioning children and teens, neurodivergent individuals excluded from education and more.

My goal in life is to offer an environment in which people feel comfortable, seen, accepted and safe. 

I provide a free initial phone call/online consultation and Initial Assessment priced the same as one session.

Too long to read (TLTR)

In my work with children, I blend art, play, clay, and sand tray therapy to create an accessible, supportive, and engaging therapeutic environment.

When working with adults, I offer open-ended, integrative talking therapy with an option of adding a creative element to the sessions.

Talking Therapy (Adults)

At Gentle Growth we provide integrative counselling. Integrative Therapy is a flexible approach that combines different therapeutic techniques and modalities to suit the individual needs of the client.

In this approach, we blend Gestalt and Person-Centred Therapy with a strong humanistic foundation, ensuring that the client's experiences and feelings are central to the therapeutic process.

Additionally, it is attachment-theory based and trauma-informed, focusing on the impact of past relationships and traumatic experiences on current behaviour and well-being.

Our therapy also emphasises social justice and anti-discrimination, aiming to address and challenge societal inequalities and biases that affect mental health.

Art, Clay, Sand, Play Therapy (Children/Adults)

Creative therapies, such as Art related Therapy, Clay Therapy, Sand Tray and Play Therapy, use artistic and playful methods to help individuals express emotions and explore their inner worlds.

Art Related Therapy involves drawing, painting, and sculpting to explore feelings through visual expression, fostering self-awareness and emotional healing.

Clay Therapy uses clay for tactile self-expression, allowing for the processing of emotions in a physical way.

Sand Tray Therapy employs a sandbox and miniatures to create scenes representing a person’s subconscious, facilitating emotional exploration.

Play Therapy uses play to help children express feelings and resolve conflicts in a natural, safe environment.

THE STYLE OF OUR WORK WILL DEPEND ON THE CLIENT'S NEEDS AND INTERESTS. It's always your choice.

Initial Assessment

Before our first session we will have an initial assessment where I'll ask several direct questions about your life situation, your presenting issue, your focus for therapy and where we'll look at how we can work together. The initial assessment meeting is about an hour (in person/zoom) and costs the same as the first session.

First session

Then, from session one we will talk about whatever you want to talk about. 

In Person Sessions

If we meet in person, I will have a range of fidget toys you can play with, art and craft supplies and sensory equipment. 

As a neurodivergent-inclusive therapist you will not be expected to look into my eyes or talk the whole time. You can take breaks, look at your phone or doodle if that helps. Whatever makes you feel comfortable in the therapy space.

Online Sessions

If on Zoom, you will naturally not be expected to make eye contact and you can be in any environment you feel safe in, as long as you're safe (i.e. you're not driving) and you feel comfortable to talk.

LOCATION

For in-person sessions, we can agree on a location which will suit you best. This will be within central Brighton and Hove area and can be wheelchair-accessible.