Sally Klinkenborg

Hi, I'm Sally and I have been working as a counsellor and nurse for the past 30 years. I offer counselling to people on a one to one basis and in small groups, and endeavour to offer a warm and safe environment in which to explore difficult issues, where I will truly listen and be totally non-judgemental and respectful.

I specialise in anxiety, depression, relationship and family issues, mental health, trauma and bereavement. I offer very supportive therapy for bereavement especially, because it is necessary to offer reassurance that what you are experiencing is a normal part of grieving.

I feel that it is necessary for the counsellor to accompany someone on their difficult journey until a point of acceptance is reached. How long this takes is variable, as this is an individual process. Other issues may come to light during this process and these can be explored within therapy.

Following further training, I am now offering couples counselling. I will always endeavour to listen to each partner carefully, as this can be a vital opportunity for each person to be truly heard which can help to clarify relationship issues. I also offer individual counselling to each partner.

How I can help, and what to expect when working together.

I believe that counselling involves the counsellor using empathy to put themselves in the client's position in order to understand their experience and perception of what is happening. I can help you by exploring your situation with you. Because I am not involved, I can be impartial. I can come to see the whole picture, rather than simply the problem. This is very important because the situation has contributed to the problem and is therefore relevant.

I base all my work on person-centred therapy, which stresses the importance of the person as an individual and whereby the client is enabled to feel valued and appreciated as a human being. I also use cognitive behaviour therapy, which is very practical, with homework being given where appropriate. This therapy can be very effective over a short period of time.

I often incorporate Buddhist philosophy. I like to emphasise the importance of accepting change and the development of self-compassion. Mindfulness is vital in enabling us to understand ourselves and those around us.  These are elements that can be incorporated into every day life and can have a positive effect on both ourselves and on those around us.

Relaxation is important. I teach relaxation exercises that can be realistically incorporated into every day life. If a client is particularly anxious, I may start and end the session with some relaxation. This can create the right frame of mind to absorb and retain helpful information.  I am also able to teach quick and simple meditation techniques to manage anxiety and lift depression.

My role and the purpose of my work is to provide a relationship in which you, the client can achieve personal growth. I look at this work as being a great privilege, especially when a client is able to find some resolution with their situation.

I welcome any questions you may have, so please do get in touch.

Having worked in care homes and nursed older people at home, I am aware of the demands placed on carers. I am able to support carers, particularly of older people. I also specialise in bereavement, including complex cases such as bereavement by suicide which can be particularly difficult to deal with.

I offer email counselling for those people whose lifestyle is too busy to commit to face to face counselling. I can work with you to resolve your difficulties and create the change you want. I work in an individual manner and can make practical suggestions around your lifestyle and attitude to problems. If the situation you are in cannot be changed, then it is necessary to change your attitude to it. I can help you to do this and regain some control in your life.

I can now offer Walking Therapy, please contact me for more details of this very effective form of therapy. Walking and talking can be very enjoyable and helpful!

• £50 for 50-60 minutes.
• Day events:  £50.00 (lunch and handouts included).

Reductions are available, please contact me to discuss if needed.

I work from a consulting room in my home, which has a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. There is free parking nearby and a local bus service just down the road. (Bus numbers 500 and 387 serve this area).

I am happy to visit clients at home who have poor mobility or who are suffering from agoraphobia, for example.