Sara Kirkpatrick

Hello, and welcome to my page. You may be reading this because you are struggling with feelings, thoughts or behaviour patterns that make living your life seem hard.

You may be trying to cope with the effects of negative thoughts, anxiety and loneliness, depression, low self-esteem or shame. You may not recognise yourself in your feelings of anger or stress. Perhaps you are overwhelmed with emotions following a bereavement or relationship issues, or numb to the joys and excitement of life.

It could also be that you don’t know why you feel like this, or have a sense of being out of step with the world. You want to feel better.

At times like these it can be difficult to find perspective on what needs to change for you to feel the way you want to feel within yourself, about your relationships or in working life.

How counselling can help

It can be helpful to talk to someone who is not already involved in your life, in a safe, supportive, non-judgemental and confidential space.

As a trained, experienced, BACP Accredited counsellor I can help you explore what’s happening, notice your patterns and gain new insight on the connections between your experiences and the way you feel and act. This understanding can open new possibilities for change, offer up new choices and get you unstuck.

Counselling with me

I practise humanistic therapy, I believe we all have the capacity for change, and that we are all unique individuals who respond to our circumstances in life differently. This means there is no ‘one size fits all’ answer. I will work alongside you to find the right approach to meet your needs.

I have particular experience working with grief and loss, patterns in relationships, loneliness, low self-esteem (including inner voice/thoughts), anger, fertility issues, anxiety and trauma.

Talking about things is how many people use therapy sessions, it might be that you know exactly what you want to say, if not I can offer questions that might help. I have also completed additional training in creative arts facilitation with the Association for Person Centred Creative Arts (APCCA), so I can work creatively in my practice, using art, image work and guided visualisations. Not all clients want to do this, you don't have to, however using art in therapy can be helpful when it’s difficult to find the words, or as a different way to access and express what needs our attention. I will support you to find your own meaning in the image. You do not need art experience, and it is not about judging the ‘quality’ of the artwork that is produced. This is about using creativity to further self-understanding and healing.

I understand that making the decision to come to counselling can be a big step, and there are many therapists to choose from. That is why I offer a free introductory appointment so we can meet and talk about what you need from your sessions, and how I could help you.

Contact me by email or phone if you would like to know more. Our initial meeting is free. Further sessions cost £50-£60 for 50 minutes, depending on income. I am committed to offering some spaces at a reduced fee when concession rates are needed - times are particularly hard for many people right now, so please ask. If you have any questions about fees, or anything else, please get in touch.

Free initial session to find out more and to see how we could work together.

Further sessions cost £50-£60 for 50 minutes, depending on income. I am committed to offering some spaces at reduced rates when concessions are needed - times are tough financially for many at the moment, so please ask.