Hi, I'm Sarah

Why I became a therapist

My journey to becoming a psychotherapist specialising in midlife challenges wasn't a straight path — and that's precisely what makes me effective at what I do.  Like many of my clients, I've navigated career changes, relationship evolutions, and the sometimes disorienting question of "what's next?" that often emerges in our middle years.  

My first experience of therapy literally changed the course of my life.  I was caring full-time for a loved one and had lost a sense of myself,  I needed to have my own outlet to process my feelings and anxieties.  My therapist gave me space to think and talk, l felt heard without being judged and she enabled me to gain clarity about what I want and who I am.   My experience inspired me to want to offer the same empowerment and transformation to others, and this set me on the path of counselling training. 

I have had therapy at other times since; when I have needed to process grief and at times of feeling lost or overwhelmed.  The therapeutic space has always been somewhere I have felt safe enough to be curious about myself and better understand my place in the world - not only as a mother, daughter, wife, sister and colleague, but as a midlife woman. 

My Approach

I believe that midlife challenges aren't simply problems to solve but doorways to deeper self-understanding and more authentic living.  My therapy blends compassionate listening that honours your unique story.  I use practical, evidence-based tools for managing transition.  I combine creative exploration of new possibilities, with gentle accountability to help you create lasting change.

When I'm not working with clients, you'll find me walking with my dogs, going to the cinema, having afternoon tea with my friends, enjoying fish and chips at the beach with my family, listening to podcasts and all types of music, and having a laugh with my husband and grown up children.

Training & Credentials

• Post Graduate Diploma in Humanistic Counselling (Distinction) from York St John University
• Level 2 & 3 Certificates in Counselling 
• BA Hons
• Registered Member of British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

Recent Training

Complex Trauma Certificate Level 1 & 2, Online & Telephone Counselling, Mindfulness, Prevention of Suicide, Putting Polyvagal Theory Into Practice, Sand Tray Therapy, Safeguarding, Treating Trauma with Internal Family Systems Therapy, The Inside of Autism, Introduction to the Menopause

I hold an enhanced DBS, I am fully insured and registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

My Therapeutic Toolbox

I draw from several evidence-based approaches, including:

• Mindfulness Practices to reduce stress and increase clarity
• Polyvagal Theory to understand how our autonomic nervous system's three distinct states (social engagement, fight-or-flight, and freeze/shutdown) influence our emotional responses.  Learn to regulate your nervous system 
• Working with parts to identify and heal wounded parts while accessing your own capacity for self compassion
• Creative Therapy using symbols, pictures or music as a means of unlocking hidden emotions or thoughts that might be difficult to express verbally