Midlife, new beginnings

Are you standing at a crossroads, feeling like life has more to offer but unsure of which path to take? Midlife isn't just a series of challenges to endure — it's an invitation to rediscover yourself and create the life you truly desire.

Can you relate?
* A life time of pleasing others yet rarely prioritising yourself
* Juggling caring responsiblities for children and / or ageing parents
* Some of your relationships show signs of strain
* Different losses and grief have taken their toll
* Your career feels static or brings less satisfaction
* Empty Nesting, or readjusting the nest for boomerang adult children
* Riding the menopause rollercoaster of a changing body and hormones

I'm Sarah, a fellow midlifer and I get it - I've experienced most of these issues too!

Midlife doesn't have to be a crisis. It's a calling to finally become who you were meant to be. Midlife is an age of opportunity, a time for transformation and reinvention - with the right help. As an experienced psychotherapist, I work with you to explore what's holding you back and discover the clarity to move forward with confidence.

Are you ready to prioritise your wellbeing, and work out who you are now?

A New Path Awaits

Midlife can be likened to reaching the summit of a mountain; it's been one hell of a climb, but this vantage point offers a broader perspective on life.

We can reflect on your journey, appreciate the challenges you've overcome, and the strategies you've developed to cope.

Perhaps those strategies no longer serve you, maybe you have set your sights on new goals, or maybe you feel anxious about what the future holds?

Therapy can give you agency to take control of your own life, explore the choices you have and the changes you may wish to make.

Brené Brown

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.

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

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

How I Work

Our work together is collaborative and tailored to your unique needs. While every client's journey is different, here's a general framework for how we might work together:

Initial Consultation (Free)	A 20-minute video call to discuss your needs and determine if we're a good therapeutic match.
Familiarisation & Goal Setting	In our first few sessions, I will get to know you; we'll explore your current challenges, history, and what you hope to achieve through therapy.
Personalised Therapy	Regular 50-minute online sessions using approaches specifically selected to address your unique situation.
Integration & Growth	As you implement new insights and practices in your daily life, we'll refine our approach based on what's working.
Completion & Continuation	Some clients work with me for a few months, others for longer. We'll regularly assess your progress and adjust our plan accordingly.

My Therapeutic Toolbox

I draw from several evidence-based approaches, including:

Mindfulness Practices - Developing present-moment awareness to reduce stress and increase clarity
Polyvagal Theory - Understand how our autonomic nervous system's three distinct states (social engagement, fight-or-flight, and freeze/shutdown) influence our emotional responses, interpersonal connections, and learn to regulate your nervous systems
Working with parts - Identify and heal wounded parts while accessing your innate capacity for self compassion
Creative Therapy - Use symbols, pictures or music as a means of unlocking hidden emotions or thoughts that might be difficult to express verbally

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.

Who do you typically work with?

I specialise in working with adults navigating midlife transitions, particularly people in their 40s and 50s who are experiencing shifts in identity, relationships, career, or purpose. Many of my clients feel stuck, uncertain, or ready for meaningful change such as:

Managing stress and anxiety
Empty nest adjustments, or 'boomerang' adult children
Relationship transitions (divorce, dating after divorce)
Identity questions and purpose exploration
Confidence and self-esteem challenges
Work-life balance struggles
Processing grief and loss
Navigating physical changes
Career dissatisfaction or changes

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or that something needs to change in your life, therapy can help provide clarity and support. You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy — many clients come simply because they want more fulfilment and purpose.

Midlife therapy acknowledges the unique developmental challenges and opportunities of this life stage. Rather than simply treating symptoms, we explore how this transitional period offers opportunities for deeper authenticity, meaning, and joy. We not only focus on what you're moving through, but what you're moving toward.

How do I know if you're the right therapist for me?

Finding the right therapeutic match is essential. That's why I offer a free 20-minute discovery session before committing to working together. This gives us both a chance to determine whether my approach and specialisation align with your needs.

What are the benefits of online therapy?

All sessions take place via secure video platform offering you:

therapy from the comfort of your own space
no commute time
flexible scheduling options
the same deep, transformative work as in-person therapy

How do I get started?

Simply contact me to book your free discovery session. During this brief video session, we'll discuss what brings you to therapy, answer any questions you have, and determine next steps.

I will respond within 48 hours of your request, so if you have not heard from me within that time please check your junk/spam folders in case my reply has dropped into there.

What happens in the first session?

Our first session focuses on getting to know each other. I'll ask about what brings you to therapy, relevant background information, and your hopes for our work together. You'll have plenty of opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for my approach.

How do online sessions work?

I use a secure online platform. You'll receive a private link before each session - all you need is a device with good internet connection and a private space where you can speak freely.

Working online allows me to serve clients across the UK.

Online therapy has been shown to be just as effective as in-person therapy for most people, while offering greater convenience and flexibility.

Is what I share confidential?

Absolutely. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of effective therapy.

The only exceptions to confidentiality are situations involving risk of harm to yourself or others, information about vulnerable children or adults, drug trafficking, money laundering, terrorism or if I am requested by court order - these are the specific reasons I'm legally mandated to break confidentiality.

What are your fees?

My standard online session fee is £50 for a 50-minute session. I appreciate therapy can be expensive; my online rates are set to keep therapy accessible to as many midlifers as possible.

What if I need to cancel a session?

I require 48 hours' notice for cancellations to avoid being charged for the session. I understand that emergencies happen, and we can discuss special circumstances as they arise.

How long will therapy take?

This varies widely depending on your goals and circumstances. Some clients find that 8-12 sessions provide the clarity and tools they need, while others benefit from longer-term support. Together, we'll regularly assess your progress and discuss what timeline makes sense for your needs.

If you wish to end therapy, it can be helpful to dedicate one final session together in order to bring our work to a close.

DISCOVERY SESSION - FREE

I offer a free discovery session, which is a great way to take the first step towards finding the right support for your journey. Typically, a 20 minute online session designed to find out what is bringing you to therapy right now, what specific challenges you are facing and what your goals and needs are. Contact me to arrange a discovery session - it is a great way to see if we are a good fit, which is so important for your therapy to be successful.

ONLINE INDIVIDUAL THERAPY - £50

Online Therapy offers convenient and accessible counselling sessions from the comfort of your own home. These sessions last 50 minutes via a secure online link - all you need is a good internet connection and somewhere private to speak freely. We usually meet weekly, however once a relationship has been established we can discuss meeting less regularly as appropriate. Contact me to arrange your online therapy - we will need to have a free discovery session prior to starting online therapy. I am based in the UK.

themidlifetherapist@pm.me
Tues - Friday - 08:00 - 19:00

I will respond within 48 hours of your request, so if you have not heard from me within that time please check your junk/spam folders in case my reply has dropped into there.

Midlife, new beginnings

How Midlife Therapy Can Help

Rediscover your authentic self

Improve relationships

Cultivate deeper self-compassion

Create a vision for your next chapter

Cope with life transitions

Heal from the past

About Me