Sarah-Jane Johnson

My usual working hours, subject to sessions already booked, are:

Mondays - 10 am - 8 pm

Tuesdays - 10 am - 6 pm

Wednesdays - 10 am - 8 pm

Thursdays - 10 am - 6 pm

I don't usually work on Fridays, but again can be flexible around this subject to a client's needs and availability.

I trained in the Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling and over the years have developed my practice to create a unique and eclectic fit for each client.  A client's individual need is always my priority as one size does not fit all!  I provide short and long term therapy. Other approaches I may use include Jungian therapy, solution focused therapy, person centred therapy, some basic CBT techniques, trauma therapy and mindfulness.  

Our therapy sessions last an hour and again there is flexibility around how these take place:

* Therapy walks in the beautiful Surrey/Sussex/Hampshire countryside - current locations include Lynchmere Common and Marley Common in Haslemere, Witley Common near Milford/Godalming, Heath Pond in Petersfield, Newlands Corner near Shere and the Sheepleas in West Horsley.  These sessions last at least an hour to take into account the likelihood of seeing other walkers, although locations/walks are stylised to be in quieter areas unless specific locations are requested by a client.

* Face to face sessions in my Haslemere therapy room.  There is also possibility for Guildford sessions on request.

* Phone and video call sessions (WhatsApp).  These are particularly popular with clients who live a distance away or who cannot access other sessions for mental health and/or medical reasons.

* Home visits (usually within a 15 mile radius of Haslemere, but this is open to discussion).  These sessions are popular for clients who may find it hard to leave the home or source childcare.

I am passionate about the benefits of counselling and psychotherapy and am committed to providing a client led service that meets each of my clients' unique and individual needs. I have also been a client with my own flaws and vulnerabilities and I recognise that it takes courage to take that first brave step to open up to something that could be painful, difficult or traumatic, but is essential for our wellbeing and mental health to work through.  

You may well feel scared or unsafe even -  I will not judge you or tell you what to do.  I will listen and hear you and maintain a safe space for us to build a professional relationship and work together at whatever pace you are comfortable with towards finding your own answers.  What is important is a willingness to engage and a desire for change.  It is sometimes a difficult path to travel, but it's a journey you will never regret undertaking.   There is nothing to fear and everything to gain.  

My approach is flexible to meet your individual needs.  If you want to be challenged - I will challenge.  If you want to set goals - we will put together action plans.  If you want to gently explore a trauma - we will gently explore.  Trauma can be healed without the need to open up deep wounds that could potentially re-traumatise.  

It is important for me to establish that my clients are supported outside of our sessions as well as within.  I will identify support networks early on in our sessions.  We will also create your own unique Empowerment Toolbox so you can manage your own mental health whenever you need to.  Unlike the cobwebby box many of us have hidden in the depths of a shed or garage, this will be something you can open up and pick out whatever tool you need whenever you need it, not just in our sessions and is personal to you.  Tools can include, but are not limited to:

* Mindfulness

* Coping strategies

* Guided meditations/visualisations

* Mantras and affirmations

* Journalling

Could this be what you're looking for?  Let's talk and find out.

 I offer an initial free of charge phone session or a short face to face taster session lasting around 30/40 minutes charging out at £25 to give us an opportunity to meet and for you to decide whether you would like to continue working with me.  These are optional and you may prefer to start with an hour's session at the standard price.  For the first therapy walk session, this will last the standard time, but there will be a £10 reduction off the usual fee.

In this session, I will inform you of confidentiality as set out in the BACP Ethical Framework and address any queries you may have.  We will look at what has bought you to therapy and identify your hopes, expectations and goals and put together a plan of how we will work together for future sessions

I will provide you with a copy of my contract prior to the first session which will be for information purposes only at this stage.  We will usually discuss and agree this in the next session should you wish to continue.