Philip Kemp , BACP

Philip Kemp, BACP, is a qualified humanistic counsellor and psychotherapist who works from Brentwood in the United Kingdom. They draw on humanistic and person-centred principles to support people feeling low, anxious, isolated, or unsure of their self-worth. Philip approaches therapy with the conviction that resilience is an inherent human capacity that can be strengthened when a person is met with consistent support and thoughtful challenge.

Their practice offers a warm, non-judgmental environment where clients can bring whatever they wish to explore. Philip combines a predominantly person-centred stance with other practical interventions, including creative techniques, cognitive-behavioural practices such as positive affirmations, gestalt experiments, and elements of existential therapy. This blend allows them to tailor sessions to individual needs while encouraging personal growth and self-understanding.

Philip built clinical experience during placements at The Outhouse (formerly Outhouse East), an LGBTQ+ charity, and with the probation service (Essex CRC). They currently work as a counsellor for HBBS Counselling and run a private practice, Black Sheep Counselling & Psychotherapy, from their home in Brentwood. Philip has worked with a wide range of issues, including depression, bereavement, suicidal ideation, domestic violence, racial identity, and various LGBTQ+ concerns related to gender identity, expression, and sexuality.

Philip is a registered member of the BACP, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, and follows its ethical framework while engaging in regular clinical supervision and ongoing professional development. They offer therapy by video and telephone sessions.

Therapeutic approaches and online support

Philip offers online therapy that draws on client-centred, existential, and trauma-focused approaches to help people work through a range of concerns. Client-Centred Therapy emphasizes an accepting, empathic relationship in which the therapist follows the client’s lead to build self-awareness and self-worth - it can be helpful for anxiety, low mood, relationship and self-esteem issues. Existential Therapy explores meaning, choice, and personal responsibility, supporting people who feel stuck with life transitions, questions of purpose, or feelings of emptiness. Trauma-Focused Therapy concentrates on understanding and processing the impact of traumatic events, using targeted strategies to reduce distress and build coping resources for those affected by abuse, domestic violence, or other traumatic experiences.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Philip works with each person to identify what feels most useful based on their goals, preferences, and the challenges they bring, and adapts techniques over time so therapy remains relevant and practical.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat, and text-based messaging, which gives clients flexibility to choose the format that fits their life. These options make it easier to arrange regular sessions around work, family, and location, and can help people access consistent support without needing to travel to an office.