Sarah McKenzie is a psychotherapist in London and online

What attracted you to become a therapist?

Like many people in the helping professions I've had my own challenging experiences which lead me to explore how best to help others in a meaningful way when they feel stuck or are trying to make sense of difficult feelings.

Where did you train?

My qualifying MA was art psychotherapy at University of Roehampton, following trainings were at Anna Freud Centre, EMDR Association, ICAET and I am currently in final year of psychosexual training at Tavistock Relationships.

Can you tell us about the type of therapy you practise?

My overarching approach is psychodynamic, meaning the therapy is focused on the deeper issues that lie beneath thoughts feelings and behaviours.

What sort of people do you usually see?

While I complete the final year of psychosexual training I am seeing a limited number of couples and individuals for psychosexual therapy.

As I am in training this work is supervised by an experienced COSRT accredited psychosexual therapist.

Common difficulties that can be treated with psychosexual therapy are desire discrepancy in couples, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation issues, vaginismus and pain during sex.

Have you noticed any recent mental health trends or wider changes in attitude?

People are very well informed about their mental health, maybe because there is increased awareness from more nuanced documentaries, celebrities discussing their mental health or information on social media that covers everything from impact of trauma to potential diagnosis. People are perceptive to what is knowledge sharing and what is misinformation.

What do you like about being a therapist?

Just looking for a therapist can be a huge step from a place of uncertainty and vulnerability into another unknown. This might become a search for understanding, acceptance, and ultimately accessing more joy so being with someone in the core of this journey is always unique and such a meaningful way to spend the day. I feel so lucky that this is my job.

What is less pleasant?

Zoom sessions when there are technical issues, never fun!

How long have you been with Welldoing and what you think of us?

I have been on Welldoing just a few months, the newsletter has really interesting relevant articles for both clients and therapists.

Do you ever suggest books or apps to clients?

Mask Off: Masculinity Redefined by JJ Bola and Mind the Gap: The Truth about Desire by Dr Karen Gurney are both books which challenge myths around gender roles and how these impact relationship with ourselves and others.

What you do for your own mental health?

Good food is important, isn't it? To take time over the making and add lots of herbs and spices. Spending time outdoors and regular digital detox.

You are a therapist in London Bridge, what can you share with us about seeing clients in this area?

This is a great place to have therapy as people can come from all over London or even further afield. It must be one of the busiest parts of the city but somehow has a neighbourhood feel to it and with Borough market and beautiful places to walk and explore in any direction along the Thames it is a great place to reflect or treat yourself after therapy.

What's your consultation room like?

It is calm and quiet with a welcoming reception area.

What do you wish people knew about therapy?

Making art work or sharing images in the therapy session is not just for those who struggle with words - it can help you access deeper levels of insight, and find shared meaning if you are attending therapy with your partner.

What did you learn about yourself in therapy?

To trust myself.

Contact Sarah here

Meet more Welldoing therapists