Clinical Psychology in East & Mid-Sussex

Welcome

“Finding yourself - and your path through tough times - is challenging work. You deserve expert support.”

Hello. I’m Dr Hazel Rayner. I’m a Sussex-based Clinical Psychologist and Chartered Psychologist with 24 years’ NHS experience of working with children, adolescents, adults and families.

I draw from a range of psychological therapies including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Compassion-Focused approaches and eco-psychological practices, which harness the scientifically-evidenced healing effects of our connection with nature to restore and enhance our wellbeing.

I am registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and am a member of the British Psychological Society.

Autumn birch leaves

Feeling lost?

Any of us can feel lost at any point in life.

Our sense of who we are, our place in the world, our families and connections with others can feel shaken by difficult life experiences, times of transition, hormonal change, care for others and the impacts of ongoing attempts to cope with mental health conditions. Social expectations and demands can lead us to mask our true nature or ignore what most matters to us in order to get by in life.

It can be exhausting and, over time, take a hefty toll on our mental health and quality of life.

Find yourself

When we feel off-course, understanding what has led to this point can help us discern who we really are from the life events and coping attempts that have turned us away from our natural, healthy state of mind.

When we understand and cherish our true natures, it becomes easier and more instinctive to take care of ourselves well.

And when we gain knowledge of effective strategies that really help us to manage whatever’s bothering us, not only do we feel better, we gain confidence. We become more empowered to pursue the hopes, goals and values that matter to us - and we can thrive as individuals and families.

Essence and Breakthrough

In addition to providing in-depth assessment and a range of effective evidence-based psychological therapies to alleviate symptoms and difficulties, my approach pays attention to finding the essence of who you (or your child) are – recognising that periods of transition, upheaval, stress and recovery can often transform into phases of rich personal growth and breakthrough.

Sussex-based clinical psychologist Dr Hazel Rayner

I can offer

  • Expert psychological assessment to reach a shared understanding (called a “formulation”) of what factors have contributed to a pattern of distress, what’s keeping difficulties going, and what can help;

  • Evidence-based and personally-tailored psychological intervention and therapy including CBT, EMDR, Compassion-Focused and Eco-psychological (nature-based) approaches (see more about approaches to therapy);

  • Family work sessions and consultations for parents and carers;

  • Sessions in person in the East & Mid Sussex areas or sessions online anywhere in the UK;

  • Clinical supervision and consultation for professionals.

     

    Specialist areas:

    I can help with a wide range of mental health conditions in children, adolescents and adults and have specialist areas of interest in:

  • Psychological trauma (including “complex” and childhood trauma)

  • Coping with adverse life events and experiences

  • Perimenopause and menopause

  • Stress, burnout and moral injury

  • Issues with self-esteem and confidence