Sara Bridson
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This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.
This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.
About me
Hello…
I have a friendly and relaxed approach, and I welcome all parts of you without judgement. Like many therapists, my journey into therapy began by seeking it for myself, allowing me to experience its transformative power first-hand. Because of this, I work with both gratitude and humility; my professional knowledge grounded not only in training and experience, but also in a personal understanding of what can unfold within a therapeutic relationship and the lasting impact it can have. What a privilege it is to invite you into this space with me.
I consider myself an integrative therapist with a person-centred heart. This means I draw upon a variety of psychotherapeutic approaches, depending on the needs and wishes of each client, whilst holding closely the core values of empathy, unconditional positive regard, and offering a genuine sense of myself.
My role is to offer and facilitate a space in which you can be fully yourself. I do not see therapy as a process of fixing what is broken. Instead, I invite you to explore your inner world with curiosity and compassion, developing a deeper understanding of yourself, your experiences, and the ways you relate to others and the world around you.
My approach is underpinned by the liberating concept of multiplicity of mind: the idea that we are not a single, unified being, but rather a complex inner system of different parts, each trying in its own way to serve our wellbeing (oh hello, contradiction…!). I will warmly welcome, hear and honour each of these parts, offering a space where you can begin to hear and understand them for yourself.
I observe and offer those observations lightly. I ask questions, and I listen carefully to both what is spoken and what may sit beneath the surface. Yet I hold firmly to the belief that you are the expert in your own life. I will never claim to know better, nor will I dictate your process, your pace, or the content of our sessions.
Clients often describe therapy as leading to a deeper understanding of themselves, which can bring greater clarity, confidence, and choice when navigating life. Therapy is not always easy, but I believe it can open the door to living with greater peace, intention, compassion, and purpose.
Training, qualifications & experience
I began my professional life as a secondary school teacher before retraining as a postgraduate Level 7 person-centred counsellor and psychotherapist. In the classroom, I found myself fascinated by the person behind the pupil: their unique story, inner world, way of experiencing life and learning. Being able to focus fully on this now, and to work alongside people in a deep and meaningful way, is a privilege I value greatly.
Our childhood does not remain neatly contained within childhood. The relationships, experiences and environments that shape us in our early years can continue to influence how we see ourselves, navigate relationships, make decisions and respond to life’s challenges. For this reason, I have a particular interest in early development and attachment, and Attachment Theory informs much of my work. Where appropriate, I offer gentle and respectful companionship as we explore these influences and their impact, both past and present. Such exploration is always an invitation rather than an expectation, and is guided by your needs, readiness and wishes.
My work has been hugely influenced by the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model and its compassionate understanding of the human psyche. I am deeply drawn to the idea that we are made up of many different parts, each carrying its own perspective, feelings and protective strategies. In both my personal and professional experience, creating space to welcome, hear and understand these parts can be profoundly liberating.
The integration of attachment and IFS is a natural and powerful combination: attachment informs the science-based ideas of relationships, and IFS therapy guides us inwards to connect to all our parts - and often those parts are formed within our early attachment experiences.
I also pay close attention to the role of the autonomic nervous system in our emotional and relational lives. Informed by Polyvagal Theory, I invite curiosity about the different physiological and emotional states we experience, and how these may shape our thoughts, behaviours and relationships.
I am trained in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA England) and ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training).
I have also completed training in the Penn Resilience Programme, an evidence-based approach that focuses on strengthening resilience, wellbeing and psychological flexibility across all stages of life.
Since 2007, I have worked closely with teenagers and young adults. This experience has given me a particular appreciation for the challenges and opportunities that can arise during periods of transition and identity formation. At the same time, I work with adults across the lifespan and warmly welcome enquiries from clients aged 16 and above. The themes we explore in therapy—relationships, loss, identity, self-worth, belonging, change and meaning—are deeply human experiences that can emerge at any age.
Clients come to therapy for many different reasons. These may include anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, repetitive or self-defeating patterns, sexuality and identity exploration, addiction, bereavement, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, trauma, attachment difficulties, fertility concerns, family relationships, or a general sense of feeling stuck, disconnected or uncertain. Often, these experiences overlap and resist neat labels. At its heart, therapy offers a space to explore what it means to be you, and this process of self-discovery can be profoundly life-enhancing, both for ourselves and for those around us.
I hold an enhanced DBS certificate and am an accredited registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). My work is guided by the BACP Ethical Framework and supported through regular clinical supervision. I also undertake ongoing safeguarding and child protection training and work closely with local CAMHS services where appropriate.
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£60.00 - £65.00
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Please note - sessions for new clients are available from September 2026. Diary bookings are now being taken.
I invite us to look at our joint availability to see what's possible; you may have a block of time in mind or you may prefer to work in an open ended way - both options are welcome.
Weekly payments
All sessions require prepayment to secure the booking. Invoices are emailed at the start of each week and payment is required no later than 3pm on the day before our planned session.
Block booking
Block booking is available if preferred and arranged on a client by client basis.
Concessions
Students are offered a concessionary rate of £60.
When I work
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Further information
I believe that a sense of connection lies at the heart of meaningful therapeutic work. Developing a trusting relationship together provides the foundation from which exploration, understanding and change can emerge.
You are warmly invited to share a little about what brings you to therapy, what you are looking for, and how I might be able to help.
My therapy room is a dedicated, private space on Ullswater Road in Lancaster, just a five-minute walk from the city centre. Free on-street parking is available nearby.
If you would like to get in touch, please email me.
