Sarah Stevns

I am a psychodynamic psychotherapist working in Walthamstow, East London. I work in person and also via telephone and Zoom. 

We can all experience times in our life when we feel stuck, frustrated, challenged or distressed. Often these challenges bring up feelings from the past which impact on our current situation and relationships. Therapy allows you the space to explore and bring awareness to your patterns of behaving and relating to yourself and others.

Starting therapy can be a daunting process and I offer a confidential, non-judgmental space for you to explore at your own pace what brings you to therapy. The relationship that develops between us becomes an important part of understanding other relationships in your life.

I work with clients on a wide range of issues including relationship difficulties, sexuality, infertility, parenthood, anxiety, trauma, feeling that life has lost meaning and purpose, bereavement, depression, identity and self-esteem issues.

My approach is psychodynamic, based on an understanding that early experience and past relationships are significant to how we relate to ourselves and others in the present day. I aim to work with both the unconscious and conscious components of experience, meaning the thoughts, feelings and patterns of behaviour we are aware of, as well as those that sit beyond our awareness.

My work is informed by a belief that every individual has the capacity for growth if they experience collaborative, respectful and compassionate relationships. My aim as a psychotherapist is to provide this type of relational environment for my clients. 

Prior to establishing my private practice I gained clinical experience at WPF Therapy as well as within the NHS. I have extensive experience of working within the homelessness and domestic abuse  sectors. I work with clients of diverse age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and religion.

The first time we meet will be for the initial consultation. This is an opportunity for you to tell me what brings you to therapy at this moment and what you hope to gain from therapy. Over the course of the consultation I might ask questions about your current life situation, current and past relationships, your family and your childhood.

The consultation is a space for you to ask questions and to see whether I am a 'good fit' for you as a therapist. The relationship that develops between us is an important part of the work, and it is important that you give yourself the time to find the right therapist for you.

The consultation will last 50 minutes and sometimes I might suggest that we meet for a follow-up consultation session(s) before we make a decision about working together.

Costs

There is a fixed fee of £75 for the consultation. If after the consultation we decide to work together, an ongoing fee will be discussed and agreed between us.

I offer some low-fee places for full-time students and those on low-income.

My consulting room

My consulting room is located a 10 minute walk from Walthamstow Central Station, a London Underground, London Overground and National Rail station, and Walthamstow Bus Station, serving bus routes into the City and central London. My room is on the ground floor. There is a toilet and a waiting area.