I am an Integrative Psychotherapist with over 15 years of clinical experience in applied psychology. I offer open-ended, depth psychotherapy to individuals and couples in Brighton & Hove and Lewes, and I provide clinical supervision to counsellors, psychotherapists, and counselling psychologists.
Clinical Approach
My practice is primarily informed by psychoanalytic thought, specifically the tradition of object relations theory. I work relationally, grounded in the belief that the therapeutic relationship is not merely a backdrop to the work, but its very foundation. What is broken in relationship can only be healed through relationship.
While I am trained to diagnose and treat complex mental health conditions, my clinical perspective is that most—if not all—psychological difficulties stem from early relational experiences, particularly those involving primary caregivers. The therapeutic task involves revisiting these experiences, processing the emotional residues they leave—both physical and psychological—and, through this, enabling the possibility of genuine adult-to-adult relationships.
Areas of Expertise
Over the course of my career, I have worked with a wide range of clinical presentations—some deeply personal and idiosyncratic, others that many of us will encounter at different life stages. These include:
- Bereavement and loss
- Relationship difficulties
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Anger management
- Identity issues
- Psychological impact of physical illness (including terminal diagnoses)
Having lived and trained across multiple continents, I bring a cross-cultural sensibility to the therapy room, and I am fluent in several languages. This background has led me to develop a particular expertise in working with Third Culture Kids (TCKs) and those who have grown up between cultures—individuals for whom questions of identity, belonging, and relational continuity often run deep.
My work is not just informed by theory, but by years spent working in demanding and emotionally complex clinical environments, including four years as part of a multi-disciplinary palliative care team, supporting patients and families in the face of terminal illness.
Academic and Clinical Training
- BA (Comb. Hons.), Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge
- Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy, Australian College of Applied Psychology, Brisbane
- MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy, Goldsmiths College, University of London
- Advanced Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy, School of Psychotherapy and Psychology, Regent’s University London
Media & Public Engagement
Alongside my clinical work, I write and speak extensively about psychotherapy. I have been published and quoted in the BBC, HuffPost, The Guardian, Newsweek, iNews, Daily Express, and Metro, and I have appeared on podcasts and television, including Australia’s 60 Minutes. [See our Press page for more]
Registration & Ethics
I am a registered member of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and adhere to their professional Code of Ethics. I have also been affiliated with The Regent’s School of Psychotherapy and Psychology for over a decade. I am recognised by most private medical insurers for psychotherapy provision.
Mark is available at our Brighton and Hove practice and the Lewes Practice and online
Please visit our fees page for more information.
A selection of blogs by Mark Vahrmeyer
Why staying in your chair is the key to being a good psychotherapist
Is starting psychotherapy a good New Year’s resolution?
Twixtmas – surviving that dreaded time between Christmas and New Year
How to minimise Christmas stress if you are hosting
Why is psychotherapy generally weekly?
Don’t tear down psychological fences until you understand their purpose
How do I become more assertive?
I worked as a psychotherapist with death. Here’s what I learnt
Read more blogs by Mark Vahrmeyer
Contact Mark directly
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Mark is currently not accepting new patients nor running a waiting list, please check again in a few weeks.
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