About Sarah

I first started working in this field in 2007 when I was studying for my Master’s in Psychology at the University of Oxford, as a telephone counsellor. People used to say that I have a comforting voice, so I should either be on the radio or a psychotherapist.

After graduating, I developed important life experiences and maturity. I worked in London in business, and then in the favelas of South America in international development.

It was a formative time in my life, and due to events in my own family, I experienced the impact of psychological distress and just how beneficial psychotherapy can be. I learned what it’s like to look within myself and grow, in the same way I now support others to do. This brought me back ‘home’ to the field of psychology.

After gaining a breadth of experience in community mental health settings and as a psychology researcher at the University of Cumbria, I qualified as a Psychotherapist with Distinction in 2014. I worked full-time in the NHS, which gave me a strong professional grounding – before focusing on private practice since 2017.

How I Work

I split my time between offering therapy and clinical supervision.

As a therapist, I specialise in helping people to overcome trauma, stress and complex cases of anxiety and low self-esteem, with special interests in supporting healthcare and business professionals, and high-masking ADHD/autistic people. I'm passionate that by helping helpers and leaders, we can both improve individual wellbeing and filter through to improve society for all.

I also provide Compassion Focused Supervision to other therapists. I support therapists seeking private individual supervision, as well supervise for the Diploma in CFT (Compassionate Mind Foundation).

I offer Compassion Focused Therapy, ACT, attachment-informed EMDR and I am a BABCP accredited CBT therapist/supervisor. That’s a lot of technical letters, so please don't worry about them too much. The important point is that I have a toolkit to tailor to you as an individual, and address the fundamental roots of your issues for deep, lasting change.

My Style

I am warm, down-to-earth and have a sense of humour. Swearing is allowed!

I listen carefully to what you need. On the one hand I'm practical, teaching you tools that the science says really works to help you manage everyday. On the other hand, I have an inner strength to be with you when you are hurting, helping you to make sense of your struggles.

When you need a push, I'll be honest and challenge you. When you've made progress, I’ll be genuinely delighted and cheer you on - let's learn to have fun and celebrate the good moments too.

My view is that we're all humans, each of us with our own stuff, so it's like we're on the playing field together, rather than me being an 'expert'. So, I try to practice what I preach, with courage and authenticity, working towards what matters most in life and meaningful relationships. Whoever you are and whatever matters to you, I’d love to be on your team and do some of this work together.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me outside with my family and our golden retriever, or renovating houses.

Qualifications

  • MA Psychology (with Philosophy), University of Oxford;
  • MA International Relations, University of Warwick;
  • Postgraduate Diploma CBT, Distinction, University of Cumbria;
  • Extensive Advanced Training in Compassion Focused Therapy, ACT, FAP, Parts Work, and Attachment-Informed EMDR;
  • EMDR 1-4, University of Worcester;
  • Clinical Supervision Certificate, University of Birmingham;
  • CFT Supervision, Compassionate Mind Foundation;
  • Clinical Supervisor for the Diploma in CFT, Compassionate Mind Foundation;
  • Clinical Supervisor for the Postgraduate Diploma in CBT, University of Birmingham;
  • BABCP Accredited Practitioner and Supervisor;
  • EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner;
  • PSA (Professional Standards Authority) Registered.