Sarah Ford

Tuesday and Wednesday evenings

Friday daytime

I have been a fully qualified, registered and practicing counsellor for over 10 years.  Alongside my private practice I have almost 20 years experience of working in schools and have an in-depth and up to date understanding of issues that relate to young people in education as well as legislation and safeguarding protocol.

I have the following relevant academic qualifications:

BSc (Hons) in CBT Approaches (2022) - University of Derby            HE Diploma in Contemporary Psychodynamic Therapy (2010) – University of Leicester                                                                 Certificate in Counselling Skills (2007) – University of Leicester

My belief is that there is not a one-size fits all when it comes to therapy and counselling and that through careful listening to your needs and wishes we will find a way of working that feels most helpful to you. I am trauma-informed which means that I am mindful of the impact of trauma, how it can affect people and that I hold this recognition at the fore of what I do so that I am able to work sensitively, avoiding re-traumatisation. I am compassionate and non-judgemental in my therapeutic approach which means that I work actively to reduce the experience of shame in my clients. 

When working with children and young people: PACE – a playful, accepting, curious and empathetic approach as promoted by Dr Dan Hughes underpins all work I undertake with children and adolescents. Sharing knowledge of neurodevelopment in an accessible and appropriate way can support therapy goals for children and sometimes their parents to support the process of building a better understanding of themselves as well as establishing positive coping skills.

Individual Counselling

Individual counselling is available to address all sorts of difficulties including:

Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, self-harm, panic, unwanted thoughts, family and relationship problems, divorce, bereavement, past issues, childhood abuse, addiction, confidence issues….to name but a few. However, some people don’t know why they are feeling the way they do and sometimes just don’t feel right. Therapy can be a space to be heard with empathy, and without judgement. It is a safe place for you to bring all that is hard for you to manage. Through talking and processing together, therapy can be helpful to clarify and understand your feelings. Some people find that this helps them to their own solutions and to feel more settled, others find great value in just being heard.

 Teen Counselling

Some young people feel that they are being sent by their parent or caregiver to therapy. I strongly feel that any individual in therapy should feel that they are central to the process and that it something they choose to do. Contracting will ensure that there is an understanding between young people, parents and myself about what feedback can and will be given about the sessions.

Sessions with adolescents sometimes involve play and creative elements and often have a focus on psychoeducation. I am experienced as a safeguarding lead and have in-depth knowledge and understanding of many special educational needs as well as the common challenges that can be experienced in childhood and teenage years.

Goal Orientated and Coaching Sessions

Coaching is a solution-focused conversation, where solutions and goals are central to the work. Coaching is focused on thinking and planning for the future and uses the principles of growing self-awareness and identifying strengths. Sometimes coaching can be used alongside counselling, where more in-depth exploration of barriers (and the reasons for them) can be used to powerfully motivate change. 

If you would like to find out whether therapy is right for you, I offer a free 15 minute consultation phone call. Alternatively, I will respond to emails, or enquiries through my website.

Our first session will be a chance for you to make sure that you feel comfortable and happy for us to work together. I will ask questions to find out what has brought you to therapy and to hear your story as well as your hopes and wishes for your therapy. Through this process of assessment I will let you know how we might work together and what the expectations and goals of therapy will be.