Philip Kemp, BACP

Philip Kemp is a qualified humanistic counsellor and psychotherapist who brings a person-centred philosophy to their private practice, Black Sheep Counselling & Psychotherapy, based in Brentwood. They are a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), which reflects their commitment to ongoing clinical supervision, ethical practice, and continued professional development.

Philip’s work is grounded in the belief that people possess an innate capacity for resilience and growth, often growing stronger when offered a supportive, warm, and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship. They creates a space where clients can explore difficult feelings, test new perspectives, and be challenged compassionately as part of the process toward greater wellbeing. While their background is predominantly client-centred, Philip also draws on existential ideas, trauma-focused techniques, and a variety of creative interventions and CBT-informed practices to tailor support to each person’s needs.

Philip began training in statutory and third sector settings, gaining practical experience with The Outhouse (formerly Outhouse East), an LGBTQ+ charity, and with the probation service (Essex CRC). They currently work with HBBS Counselling alongside their private practice and offers video and telephone sessions for remote clients. Over their career Philip has supported people facing depression, bereavement, suicidal ideation, domestic violence, racial identity concerns, and a range of LGBTQ+ issues including gender identity, expression, and sexuality.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Support

Philip draws on client-centred therapy to create an accepting, non-judgmental space where the client’s own experience and priorities guide the work. This approach supports people dealing with issues like low self-esteem, relationship concerns, life transitions, and struggles with identity by emphasising empathy and the client’s capacity for growth.

Existential therapy features in Philip’s practice as a way to explore meaning, choice, and responsibility in the face of life’s uncertainties. It can help people wrestling with questions about purpose, freedom, grief, and the anxiety that can come from major life changes.

Philip also uses trauma-focused techniques when needed to help people process and recover from experiences of abuse, violence, or other significant trauma. These methods aim to reduce the ongoing impact of traumatic events and restore a sense of safety and agency.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is a collaborative process. Philip works together with each person to identify which methods fit best with their goals, preferences, and the issues they bring. This partnership allows adjustments over time as needs change.

Online therapy with Philip is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility to fit around work, family, and daily life. These options make therapy more accessible for people who prefer remote sessions, who live at a distance from Brentwood, or who need different ways to communicate as they work toward their goals.