Sarah Read

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

I also offer online and telephone appointments. 

Are you feeling lost, stressed or overwhelmed trying to make sense of everything? Anxiety and worry can make it tough to figure out exactly what’s bothering you or to understand what’s happening around you. Counselling can give you a chance to step back, breathe, and see your options more clearly.

Maybe you’re feeling exhausted by the current climate of uncertainty and change, at a time of unprecedented access to information and choices? 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?

As a counsellor I’m here to provide a safe space where you can be fully present with your thoughts and feelings in a way that everyday life might not allow, helping you understand the choices ahead. Our sessions can be somewhere to explore and process your concerns in a supportive non-judgemental environment, where all emotions are welcome. 

I know how hard it can feel to ask for help, but I also believe that therapy can provide a place for you to be heard and understood in a way that is not always possible with friends and family.  

My training and experience with a wide range of clients allows me to utilise a variety of therapeutic techniques to suit you. My belief is that we are all completely unique, formed by our own set of experiences and ways of existing in the world. I therefore tailor my approach to you and your specific requirements. By supporting you in finding your own answers whilst focusing on your unique experiences, I believe you can navigate life’s many challenges and unlock your potential.

​Counselling can be difficult at times, but my hope is that the therapeutic relationship we build will help you get the most out of our work together. My aim is to work with you at your own pace and depth, so that you feel comfortable and supported.  

I am interested in nervous system regulation; how becoming more attuned to your body’s signals can help you intervene earlier when you notice signs of dysregulation, preventing escalation.  I may also sometimes suggest working creatively, which can help provide alternative ways to express thoughts and feelings or offer a deeper insight into your emotions and experiences. As with all counselling, you do not have to do anything that does not feel right for you. ​

​Financial Therapy - With a former career in business and finance, I have a particular interest in helping people explore their relationship with money and the impact that it can have on behaviours and emotions. Money can be a source of anxiety, secrecy, guilt, shame and can have a significant effect on personal relationships. The goal of therapy is to help you process, respond to and engage with the challenges that may be preventing you from living your fullest and happiest life. It may be that by pulling the thread of money within your life, we can begin to understand what is behind your difficulties and help you make different choices going forward. What I offer is psychotherapy, not financial planning sessions - I won’t be offering investment advice.

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.  Please note, unfortunately my office is on the first floor and does not have wheelchair access.  

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 reach out for a free 30 minute initial phone consultation, we can talk about what has brought you to counselling at this point in your life. I'll ask you to share any relevant background information and talk about your current challenges.  I can explain my approach and what counselling could look like.  Above all, we can figure out how we might work together and if you feel comfortable working with me.

If we are a good fit, we will 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 working with me, please do get in touch by email, text or leave a voicemail message to arrange a no obligation phone consultation.