My approach to Psychotherapy & Counselling

I believe my clients are the experts in their own lives and can fulfil their own potential; especially when provided with the right environment to thrive. I offer curiosity, exploration, and supportive challenge to help clients discover new ways of being and cultivate new connections with themselves and others. With extensive training and research in psychodynamic and integrative practices, I draw upon various modalities, including attachment-based psychotherapy, relational therapy, polyvagal theory and somatic therapy.

I tailor my approach based on what you bring to therapy and encourage ongoing discussion around whether you are getting what you need from the therapeutic process. The psychodynamic model suggests that our past experiences, behaviours, and relationships shape who we are today. I will support you in noticing connections between your past and present dynamics. While some coping mechanisms may have once served us and allowed us to navigate challenging situations, some can ultimately leave us feeling 'stuck' in the present. Exploring the conflicts stemming from this 'stuckness' can be instrumental in understanding ourselves and how we relate to others.

I believe that bringing unconscious thoughts into the conscious allows you to gain more insight into who you are. A key goal of psychodynamic psychotherapy is to help you comprehend your current circumstances and the emotions, thoughts, and memories that contribute to them. Acknowledging all aspects of ourselves allows for healing, greater integration of self, and the opportunity to try a different way of being.

Working ‘relationally’ reflects the concept that we evolve through relationships. Through these attachments, we learn how safe it is to be in the world, our expectations of others, and how to address our needs and boundaries. The therapeutic alliance provides a space to explore how your experiences have shaped you while providing a secure base to try new ways of being. Although I offer talking therapy, I am also interested in working somatically, informed by polyvagal theory, inviting clients to become aware of physical sensations that may arise from trauma or anxiety. By acknowledging these sensations, we can begin to process complex emotions. Over time, this awareness can help regulate the central nervous system using grounding and stabilisation techniques, ultimately restoring a sense of agency.

Working ‘relationally’ reflects the concept that we evolve through relationships. Through these attachments, we learn how safe it is to be in the world, our expectations of others, and how to address our needs and boundaries. The therapeutic alliance provides a space to explore how your experiences have shaped you while providing a secure base to try new ways of being. Although I offer talking therapy, I am also interested in working somatically, informed by polyvagal theory, inviting clients to become aware of physical sensations that may arise from trauma or anxiety. By acknowledging these sensations, we can begin to process complex emotions. Over time, this awareness can help regulate the central nervous system using grounding and stabilisation techniques, ultimately restoring a sense of agency.

Fees

I offer a free 15-minute initial telephone consultation and a sliding scale for individual sessions from £70- £85 per 50-minute session, depending on what you can afford, so please let me know in your initial email. The sliding scale allows me to offer several discounted slots to those who might struggle to access therapy.

I offer concessions for trainee psychotherapists and counsellors, students, key workers and those on a low wage, but there is high demand, so even if the discounted slots are taken, I can still add you to my waiting list.

Please note that I am not currently set up to receive payment through private health insurance.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

"Sarah has been a fantastic therapist, and I honestly could not have made the improvements I’ve made within the past year without her help. I started therapy with Sarah at a very low point in my life, in which I felt very hopeless and depressed. Over the past year, she’s helped me realise my codependent tendencies, as well as, establish boundaries in my friendships and relationships. I feel like I’m a completely different person to who I was a year ago, and having such a safe space to share my feelings and life experiences has been a huge part of that change. Sarah is a patient, understanding, and supportive therapist. I never felt judged or dismissed during my sessions. Having someone listen to what I was feeling/going through without judgment or expectation was so important to me." ~ Client A

Alexa Young, CA

Opening times

Monday: 10 am - 2 pm

Wednesday: 10am - 2 pm

Saturday 10 am - 1 pm

Please check my opening times and state which slots might work for you in your message. Even if our schedules don't align initially, I can still add you to my waiting list.

Please also state whether you are looking for online, telephone or in-person sessions at my office in Exeter.

Location

I split my time between Greenwich in South East London and Exeter in Devon.

The COVID-19 pandemic made me realise that for many people remote sessions can make therapy more accessible and easier to fit around work, studying or a health condition or disability. I continue to see clients online and by telephone, and this allows me to work with people all over the UK and Europe.

I currently only see clients in person at my office in central Exeter, Devon, UK. By appointment only.

Book a free 15 minute consultation