When you talk,  I will listen and you will be heard.

Hello and I (being triple jabbed) extend a warm welcome to you. 

Sometimes, life can be really tough. Together we can discuss any concerns or what may be troubling you.  I am happy to offer a free 15-20 minute phone call.

How I work

I'm an Integrative Counsellor for Adults and Young People (13+) working in North Oxfordshire.  I work collaboratively with you to create a safe and warm environment on an open ended and regular basis. I believe you have the potential to grow and flourish only sometimes, a helping hand to have a more fulfilling way of life is needed.

Life stressors and events can be very challenging and a lonely experience. It may be through exploring current difficulties affecting your well-being, where some may be rooted in past experiences.  I am curious to know where you've come from, where you are now and where you would like to be.  We could gently explore these and understand the connections to the “here and now” of your life, if we agree it appropriate. Talking to and listening is not the only way to communicate; I work creatively and together we can find other ways for you to express yourself.

Together, we can build a relationship where you experience empathic understanding and feel understood - as if I'm in your shoes; genuine where it's OK to say, think and feel what your life is like now.  Also importantly, I strive not to judge, discriminated nor marginalised by me.  I work with all ethnicities, religious beliefs (or none), where difference is celebrated.

Issues I work with

Abortion, Adoption, Abuse, Anger, Anxiety, Bereavement, Bullying, Child related issues, Depression, Emotional Abuse, Family Issues, Generalised anxiety disorder, Guilt, Loss, Low self esteem and confidence, Miscarriage, Neonatal death, Passive-Aggressive Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Peer, Parental and Exam pressure, Physical abuse, Pregnancy and Birth, Redundancy, Relationship Issues, Self harm, Sexual abuse, Sexuality, Shame, Stillbirth and Sudden Infant Death, Suicidal Thoughts/Ideation and Victims of Domestic Violence.

Getting in touch

I am contactable via telephone and email; all methods are secure and confidential. I shall reply as soon as I can if you leave me a message.  In order to respect your confidentiality, please let me know your preferred method - i.e is it OK to phone and leave a message, or email/text you?  Please be assured that if I miss your call, I will call you back.

The beginning of our relationship

The first session lasts between 60 and 90 minutes and is about exploring whether I am the right therapist for you and can be a one off;  we can explore what may be going on for you now and what your main concerning issues are.  We can then discuss what your expectations and goals are, from counselling if we decide we are able to work together.  Sessions thereafter are between 50 and 60 minutes long. My practice in Anyho offers flexibility regarding days and times.

For parents/carers for adolescents under the age of 18

For parents/carers of young people under the age of 18, I offer regular 60 minute review sessions. You are invited to address any concerns you may have and these occur outside your young person's session. However, due to the nature of my relationship with your young person, I am ethically bound to maintain confidentiality unless I have consent to share.

How long do I need to be in therapy?

This is dependent on you and our work together. However, regular review sessions can be beneficial to discover what's changed, or what hasn't.

BACP

As a qualified and registered member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP), I abide and adhere to the Ethical Framework for Good Practice. You can explore what you can expect of me by following this link: http://www.bacp.co.uk/ethics/EFfCP.php.  I attend regular clinical Supervision to promote and safeguard my practice and attend professional development days to uphold my professional standards.

Client Testimonials -  

"Sarah is a very knowledgeable, warm and funny counselor. She is able to provide a safe environment to be able to share life stories, understanding past and present. 

“I had my last session with Sarah on 15^th September 2019 which she kindly rearranged for as I missed my session the day prior which shows just how accommodating she is as she’s done this effortlessly on a few occasions. Since I started with Sarah I have felt a massive change in myself becoming much more confident and kinder to myself which I have been able to do through her guidance. I have really struggled in the past with confidence, anxiety and family relationship issues and haven’t understood exactly what it is that has been affecting me. However, with Sarah’s help I have been able to understand why I am feeling the way I have and practical steps to overcome these negative feelings and thoughts.

I would recommend Sarah to anyone and believe she has the ability to help anyone become a happier, more present and knowledgeable person when it comes to self-care and mental health in general. I really can’t say enough positive things about her and if I ever struggled in the future would happily go back to see her to resolve any troubles.”  By Joshua, age 25, Banbury.

"I came to see Sarah last year when in 'crisis' and looking for someone to help me navigate my way through.  I immediately felt at ease with her kind and gentle manner and entrusted myself to work with her.  It was the best decision I have made.

Sarah creates a supportive and accepting environment where she draws upon  creative and poignant methods to help work through and overcome challenges and problems you are facing.

"Sarah has helped me come so far in only a short amount of time.  Not only has she helped me but she successfully taught me how to help myself.  I have always felt so comfortable talking to her and at ease in her company.  She has helped me overcome so many struggles I have faced throughout my life and come to peace with them.  I don't know where I would be now had I not met her."
By CK in Buckingham, age 18.  August '18

" I would highly recommend Sarah to anyone looking for a friendly counsellor who not only helps to organize and discuss specific life events but also empathizes with you without judgment or pressure to share. She is truly a joy to work with and get to know. She will offer alternative views on certain situations/emotions that give clarity and a sense that a weight has been lifted. I would advise anyone seeking a friendly face with open ears and love in her heart to contact Sarah".  ET, 20, Banburyshire.  June '19.