How I work

Hello, I’m Sara

I'm a person-centred counsellor and registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

I offer online and telephone counselling to women across the UK. My work is grounded in the belief that you are the expert on your own life, but that sometimes it can become difficult to hear your own voice amongst everything you've experienced and everything you feel you should be.

How I work

My work is grounded in person-centred counselling, which means I won't tell you what to do, decide what you should be working on, or assume that I know what's right for you.

Instead, I'll work alongside you with empathy, acceptance, curiosity and honesty, helping you explore your experiences at a pace that feels manageable for you.

But counselling with me isn't simply about talking while I listen.

We might begin to notice beliefs you've developed about yourself, expectations you've been carrying, or the things you feel you should think, feel or do. We might explore where those messages came from and whether they still feel true for you.

At other times, our work might involve approaching parts of your story that have felt difficult to face, exploring feelings such as shame, guilt, anger or grief, and beginning to understand your experience with greater compassion.

Over time, this can help you distinguish how you really feel from what you fear other people think, trust your own judgement more, and find a way forward that feels right for you.

What can I bring to counselling?

You don’t need to know exactly what you want to talk about before beginning counselling.

You may be struggling after a relationship or family change, feeling anxious or unsure of yourself, carrying guilt or shame about something in your life, or finding that your life simply doesn't look the way you thought it would.

Perhaps you're questioning who you are now, worrying about how other people see you, or noticing that you're making decisions based on what you think you should want rather than what actually feels right for you.

Or perhaps you can't quite put your finger on what's wrong — you simply know that things don't feel right at the moment.

You don't need to arrive knowing what needs to change. We can begin with whatever feels most important to you.

What will sessions with me feel like?

Our sessions are your space.

There is no expectation to arrive with an agenda, and you won't be pushed to talk about anything before you're ready.

I'll listen carefully not only to what you're telling me, but to the feelings, patterns and meanings underneath it. I may reflect something I'm noticing, ask a question that helps us look at something differently, or gently draw attention to a contradiction or a should that seems important.

Sometimes we'll stay with something painful. Sometimes we'll make connections between what you're experiencing now and messages or experiences from elsewhere in your life. And sometimes simply saying something aloud, perhaps for the first time, can change how it feels.

My hope is that counselling gradually helps you understand yourself with greater compassion, trust your own feelings and choices, and feel more able to live according to what matters to you.

How does online counselling work?

Sessions take place via Google Meet. Once we've arranged your session and I've received payment, I'll send you a calendar invitation containing your private meeting link.

You don't need any special software — just a device with an internet connection, camera and microphone. If we lose connection during a session, I'll contact you using the telephone number you've provided.

Support for mums

I have a particular interest in supporting mums whose children live primarily with their other parent, as well as women navigating difficult co-parenting relationships, mum guilt and complex family dynamics. However, you do not have to be a mum, or to have experienced these issues to get in touch.

If this is something you are experiencing, you can read more about my counselling support for mums.

Ready to take the next step?

Choosing a counsellor is a very personal decision, and it’s important that you feel comfortable with the person you’ll be talking to.

You can find out more about what happens when you first get in touch, including my free introductory phone call, on the What You Can Expect page.