Sarah Read

I offer face to face daytime, evening, and weekend appointments at my office in central York.  

I also offer online and telephone appointments if that works better for you. 

Are you feeling lost, stressed or overwhelmed trying to make sense of everything? 

Maybe you’re feeling exhausted by the current climate of uncertainty and change? 

Perhaps you have unresolved experiences from your childhood or recent past, leading to low self-esteem, depression, or harmful behaviour patterns? 

Or maybe your ability to cope has been impacted by loss or trauma?  

Anxiety and worry can make it tough to figure out exactly what’s bothering you or to understand what’s happening around you. 

Therapy can give you a chance to step back, slow down, breathe, and see your options more clearly.

As a qualified therapist, I'm here to give you a safe place to really focus on your thoughts and feelings, something that everyday life doesn’t always let you do. This can help you see the choices you have more clearly.  In our sessions, you can talk about your worries in a supportive, judgment-free space where all your feelings are welcome.  I'm a calm and down-to-earth person, and I'm here to help. 

Sometimes therapy can be tough, but my goal is that the connection we build will help you get the most out of our time together. I want to work with you at your own speed and level, so you always feel comfortable and supported. 

My training and experience with a wide range of clients allows me to use various therapy techniques to suit you. I recognise that everyone is different, shaped by your own experiences and ways of living. That's why I tailor my approach to match your specific needs. I'll support you in finding your own answers, focusing on your unique experiences, so you can tackle life's challenges and reach your potential.

I am interested in nervous system regulation - paying close attention to how your body feels can help you spot early signs when things start to feel off.  This allows you to step in and intervene before things get too overwhelming. 

Sometimes, I might suggest creative activities, like using symbols or pictures, to help you find new ways to express your thoughts and feelings.  This can also give you a better understanding of your emotions and experiences.  As with all aspects of therapy, you do not have to do anything that does not feel right for you. ​

I also have a particular interest in the complex challenges that can occur at transitions in our lives, such as:

- marriage and relationships

- parenthood

- career & redundancy

- divorce

- bereavement

- relocation

- retirement

As we embark on significant changes in life, prioritising our mental health becomes essential.

Change might bring anxiety, confusion and uncertainty, or excitement and anticipation - all of which are normal!  However, it may also generate difficult issues such as regret, money worries or fear of failure - which might feel uncomfortable, or even taboo subjects, to share with friends and loved ones.  I believe that by unpacking your underlying beliefs and behaviours in therapy, you can gain clarity and perspective, improve your wellbeing and strengthen your relationships.  

By recognising how change affects our mental health, we can start developing the tools and strategies needed to handle life's transitions more smoothly and with greater resilience.  Do get in touch if you would like to explore this further. 

I support young adults (16+) and adults, depending on your needs our work may be short-term (6-12 sessions), longer-term (6 months to a year), or even open-ended therapy without a fixed end date. We can meet face to face in my comfortable office in the centre of York, or I can offer online appointments if that works better for you.  

The most important part of our work together is the relationship we form and build. It’s hard to predict how this might be from just a few words and a photograph here, but if you try a free 30 minute initial phone consultation, I can explain my approach and what counselling could look like.  We can talk about what has brought you to counselling at this point in your life, your current challenges and I'll ask you to share any relevant background information.  We can figure out how we might work together and if you feel comfortable working with me.

There is absolutely no obligation to book any further sessions, but if we are a good fit, we can schedule your first counselling session and I will send you a working agreement.  This outlines our mutual commitments and goals, and I will ask you read, sign and return it before we meet.  

Our first session in person or online will be tailored to your pace and comfort level.  We’ll explore whatever you feel ready to discuss.  The aim is to create a safe, collaborative space where you feel empowered to move forward.

If you're interested in exploring therapy with me further, please do get in touch by email, text or leave a voicemail message to arrange a no obligation phone conversation - I will do my best to respond within 48 hours.   Please check your junk / spam folders for a reply.