Sarah Smith

Please note I am temporarily not accepting new clients whilst I integrate my current caseload and consider my capacity.

Whether you’re feeling anxious, depressed, are dealing with loss, or overwhelmed with work or relationship stress, reaching out can be the first step to achieving more wellbeing. Maybe you’re going through a big life transition, or perhaps you’re feeling that something ‘just isn’t right’ and you want to experience more of life’s potential. As a Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, I am trained to help with these types of problems among others.

I offer a warm, compassionate space in which to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. The aim is to help you find your own inner wisdom that may have been buried through challenging life experiences. Through talking to a non-judgemental counsellor, many people find that they reach greater self understanding and self acceptance, which can then be a catalyst for change.

We will work together in a unique way that will unfold on the journey. Firstly I will listen to your story and provide empathy and permission to be your whole self. Later we may use some specific techniques such as inner dialogue, sand tray, or imagery work, depending on what you bring and your preferences. I encourage you to be an active participant in the process and we will check in regularly about how you feel the therapy is going.

My approach is integrative, relational and existentially oriented.

'Integrative' means I draw on a range of counselling theories and techniques depending on your reason for seeking counselling.

'Relational' means that it is often the therapeutic relationship that is behind the healing, rather than a particular technique.

'Existentially-oriented' means that I am sensitive to the fundamental difficulties that are inherent in life.

My work is also informed by the Person-Centred Approach, Transactional Analysis, attachment theory and the neuroscience of trauma.

I trained with the Northern Guild for Psychotherapy and have volunteered in GP surgeries and at Age UK prior to setting up my practice.

Sessions:

In person or online.  In person sessions at The Bodywork Centre in Hexham https://www.bodyworkcentre.co.uk/, lovely welcoming rooms in the centre of town. Sessions are 50 minutes in length and are offered at weekly intervals, at the same time each week.

Accessibility:

One room in the building is accessible via a stair lift. Please enquire if this would help you attend sessions.

The first session includes a discussion of your therapy goals and an assessment of your needs. It is a chance for you to ask questions and to get a sense of myself as a counsellor and whether you feel working together might help you. We will also discuss and sign the contract for services before commencing the counselling relationship. Prior to the first session, I offer a free 15 minute phone call.