Finding the right therapist can feel daunting. I hope that by sharing a little about myself and my approach, you’ll get a clearer sense of whether we might be a good fit.

I’m Sarah, a Counselling Psychologist working with adults and young people navigating life’s complexities. I aim to create a calm and grounding space where you can begin to understand yourself more deeply and reflect on what you want for your life going forward, free from the expectations and pressure that you might feel in the fast-paced outside world.  

This is a space where you can:

•    Slow down and reflect, without pressure or judgement
•    Explore difficult feelings and/or patterns that feel stuck or confusing
•    Make sense of your experiences
•    Build self-understanding and compassion
•    Reconnect with your needs, hopes, and values
•    Connect with a sense of comfort, meaning and belonging

I work predominantly from a relational psychodynamic lens, which means our sessions are exploratory and insight-oriented, often focusing on how early experiences and relational patterns may continue to influence your present-day life. Alongside this, I pay close attention to the wider societal and systemic forces, such as the impact of social media, economic pressures, or cultural expectations, that can shape our emotional worlds and ways of relating.

I am also integratively trained and draw on a range of evidence-based approaches, depending on what feels most helpful and appropriate for you. This may include more structured, practical and solutions-focused models where relevant, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT).

At the heart of my practice is a belief in the power of genuine, compassionate human connection and therefore that the therapeutic relationship itself can be a transformative space for growth and healing.

Therapy with me is always collaborative. I see you as the expert in your life, and I work with you to find a style and pace that feels right for you. You don’t need to know exactly what you want or need from therapy at the start – that’s something we’ll explore and discover together.

I usually work in an open-ended way, which allows space for deeper exploration of whatever arises during our sessions. However, I also offer time-limited therapy when appropriate and this tends to be more focused and directed towards a specific issue or goal.

Clients often come to therapy with me because they’re experiencing things like:

•    Feeling lost, stuck, or unsure about the future
•    Low self-esteem or constant self-comparison
•    Anxiety or overwhelm
•    Low mood or emotional numbness
•    Difficulties with focus, motivation, or managing the effects of ADHD
•    Relationship challenges (with partners, friends, or family)
•    A sense of disconnection from themselves or others
•    Identity struggles or questions about who they are
•    Heartbreak or the end of a significant relationship
•    Grief or loss
•    Big life transitions (e.g. moving, starting or leaving university or work)
•    Burnout or emotional exhaustion
•    The impact of trauma, whether past or recent