Sal Campbell

My name's Sal, and I'm an integrative transpersonal therapist.

'Integrative' means we might work differently depending on what you need, drawing from humanistic, psychodynamic, and trauma-informed somatic approaches among others. This means we might reflect on our relationship in the present, consider the influence of the past and your early relationships, and work with unprocessed trauma held in the body and nervous system.

A transpersonal perspective takes a wider view, beyond just ourselves, taking in both the social and ecological systems we are a part of, and even what our life's journey might mean. This perspective holds that we are more than just what's happened to us, and sees our wounds not as damage, but as portals to empowerment, wisdom and meaning. As Jung says, ‘everything belongs’. Even our shadow sides, parts of ourselves we don’t like or find painful, are part of our wholeness.

As well as a qualified therapist, I’m a queer person with a long history in the LGBTQI community. Sometimes this is relevant for clients, sometimes not. You may be seeking therapy to explore issues related to your sexuality, gender or relationships, but equally, you may just be looking for a therapist who understands and affirms these fundamental aspects of your life while you explore other themes. I endeavour to offer an inclusive and affirmative space, and take an intersectional, systemic perspective on how power and privilege can shape who we are, how we move through the world and how we feel.

I’m also a long-time meditator with experience of Buddhist communities, and am aware of both their light and shadow sides. Spiritual practices can offer both wisdom and compassion but also ways of bypassing the pain and necessary healing of unaddressed psychological and emotional wounds. Instead, I take a soulful perspective, looking for meaning in the descent into our wounding and bringing together the expansiveness of a spiritual perspective with the blood, sweat and tears of ordinary life.

There are many reasons you might be looking for therapy or counselling: you might be feeling low, anxious or have a particular life problem you are finding overwhelming - grief, heartbreak, or trauma. Perhaps you feel ready to break out of an old pattern or make a change, or build your self-esteem, learning to love who you already are, with all your human imperfections and vulnerabilities. But if you are seeking therapy, you are probably suffering. I wonder if, together, we could put the pieces of your story together and find our way through the underworld, back to your life.

Reaching out to a therapist or counsellor is an act of profound self-care. It takes courage and isn't always easy, but can lead to relief from suffering or even liberating change.

I offer a free initial 20-minute online session or phone call for us to get a sense of each other before we agree to work together. This is a chance to talk about what brings you to therapy and ask me any questions you might have.

Therapy is a collaborative healing relationship, and the relationship has to feel right for the therapy to work well. Usually after a brief meeting, we'll know if we're a good match. 

If we decide to work together, our sessions would be 50 minutes long and usually be scheduled weekly at the same time and place. Our work together could be short or long-term depending on what you need.