Sarah Done

I currently have availability 

I'm a warm, compassionate, empathic counsellor who works from a psychodynamic approach. This means that we look at what is below the surface of everyday life, which you aren't aware of consciously. In this way I can help you recognise unhelpful patterns of thinking and of relating to others and guiding you towards change, so that you are more of the person you would like to be. 

Some of these patterns may have their roots in the past, and in earlier experiences and ways of relating. We gently uncover these and  think together about how they might be affecting your life now. If you are feeling in distress, depressed or anxious, this can help calm and uplift your feelings. 

I know from experience how hard life can be, and how counselling can help you become more resilient, come back more easily from setbacks and become more able to feel, without those feelings becoming overwhelming or frightening. You might want to untangle confusing thoughts and worries or deal with ongoing fear or anger. I am here for that too. 

Counselling with me is a calm and safe place to talk, where what you say is confidential between us. Counselling is a place where you will not be judged, leaving things open for you to talk about whatever you wish and meaning there are more opportunities for exploring things that are fearful or hidden. 

In my practice everyone is welcome, whatever your ethnicity, sexuality, gender, neurodivergence, culture, beliefs or spirituality. 

I worked for may years with young people with disabilities, including autism and ADHD, and more recently with adults with late-diagnosis of these conditions. I understand the difficulties of living in the world when it may feel confusing or overwhelming and it may feel hard to know who you really are and how to be your real self. We can also work together on how to manage feelings. 

I offer an initial free phone call where we can talk about what you want from counselling, then a low cost first session (either in person or online), where you can decide if you feel comfortable working with me. If you want to continue, the next time we meet will be an assessment session, where you tell me about your background and what brings you to counselling. After this, sessions will be open for whatever you want to bring. 

I can also offer support to parents or adult siblings of children with disabilities on a 1-1 basis. 

Counselling can be long-term, short-term, open-ended or an agreed fixed number of sessions, and we can discuss what will work for you. 

Our first session is at a reduced rate of £25. This is an opportunity for you to find out if I'm the right counsellor for you, and if what I offer fits with what you want.