Sarah Avenell

I am currently working online and will update my profile when I have face to face sessions available. 

Is there something going on for you right now that you are wanting to make better? A difficult life situation or feelings of low self esteem and unworthiness? Whatever the reason, counselling will encourage and support you to understand what is happening and make change that works for you. 

We can often feel defined by our poor mental health and as though there is no way out. I will encourage you to make time to explore the other parts of you that can help shift how you feel and remind you of the resources you have within to make change and live the life you desire and deserve. 

For the past 4 years, I have been working with people to help release them from their anxiety, feelings of low self esteem, depression and life stresses. As individuals, we all have basic needs that need to be met to live a fulfilled life. We also all have the resources to make change and live that life. I can help you find your resources and the strength to make the choices you want to be making.

As a BACP registered Integrative Counsellor, I use numerous models to allow us to work with whatever may come up in your sessions. This may include a Cognitive Behavioural Approach looking at how your thoughts and belief systems are impacting how you feel and this will then be dictating how you behave and respond to things that are happening.

By using a Humanistic approach, you can learn what is truly important to you and what areas you are wanting to make change in. Or we may use Psychodynamic models to explore formative experiences and how they influence your unconscious patterns of behaviour in your life now. 

This flexibility allows us to look at the whole of you and cover the numerous themes or issues that may arise.

I have experience in working with depression, self harm, anxiety, emotional disregulation, grief, anger, stress management… All of which can be better understood and managed if you allow yourself the space and time to reflect and consider your own mental health in a kind and curious way.

It is important in my practice that I create a safe and compassionate space for you.

I work ethically and fairly with all clients and follow the BACP ethical guidelines that my supervision also follows, allowing a consistent way of working with all people. 

Your first session will include a small assessment where I will ask some questions to understand more about you and what has brought you to counselling. This will be a chance for you to ask any questions and for us to learn about any goals or expectations you may have from the work you will embark on.

We will discuss when and how often we will have sessions and make sure you have all the information you require to move forward.