Sara MacKenzie

Verified Professional Verified Professional
Verified Professional

Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.

she/her

About me

I offer a safe space to talk, explore and make sense of things
Life can feel difficult at times. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, relationships, loss, low mood or simply feeling overwhelmed, having a safe, non-judgemental space to talk can make a real difference.

I’m an experienced integrative psychotherapist, working with children, young people and adults. I believe that everyone is unique, and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. You are the expert in your own life, and my role is to walk alongside you, offering support, understanding and a space where you can explore whatever feels important to you.

I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches, including Person-Centred, Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Together, we can find an approach that feels right for you and work at a pace that feels comfortable.

I have experience supporting people with a wide range of challenges, including:

Anxiety and stress
Depression and low mood
Relationships and interpersonal difficulties
Grief, loss and bereavement
Addiction
Attachment and emotional difficulties
Difficulties at school
Bullying
Life changes and periods of uncertainty


Working with children and young people
When working with children and young people, I use creative, engaging and age-appropriate techniques to help them express and understand their feelings. Sometimes it can be difficult to put emotions into words, so therapy can include creative activities and other ways of communicating that feel natural and comfortable. My aim is to provide a space where children and young people feel heard, understood and accepted, without judgement.

Therapy that works for you
I offer face-to-face, or online sessions, giving you the flexibility to choose the setting that feels most comfortable.

I understand that taking the first step towards therapy can feel daunting. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you get in touch, and you don’t need to know exactly what you need help with.

If you’re wondering whether therapy might be right for you, I’d be very happy to have an introductory call. This gives us an opportunity to talk about what’s bringing you to therapy, answer any questions you may have and see whether I might be the right therapist for you.

You don’t have to navigate things alone. I’m here to walk alongside you 🌻

Training, qualifications & experience

Formal Qualifications

  • HNC in Social Care
  • BA, in Social Work, including Dipsw.
  • COSCA Counselling Skills
  • COSCA Integrative Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy with Adults, Children and Young People.

Additional Training

  • Child Protection
  • ASIST Training
  • Child Bereavement Training 
  • Managing Suicidal Conversations Training.
  • Neurodivergent Introductory Training. 
  • Train The Trainer.

Member organisations

COSCA
Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland (COSCA)

COSCA is the professional body for counselling and psychotherapy in Scotland, and seeks to advance all forms of counselling and psychotherapy and the use of counselling skills by promoting best practice and through the delivery of a range of sustainable services. COSCA Counsellor Accreditation is a pathway to entry onto the UKRC. It is a requirement of all individual and organisational members of COSCA to abide by its Statement of Ethics and Code of Practice and be accountable to the Complaints Procedure. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

Accredited register membership

Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland
Accredited Register Scheme

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.

Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland

Areas of counselling I deal with

Fees

£55.00 per session

Concessions offered for

  • Keyworkers
  • OAPs
  • Students
  • Trainee counsellors

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

I can offer some flexibility for online sessions in the evenings.

Linlithgow, West Lothian, EH49

Type of session

In person
Online

Types of client

Children (0-12)
Young people (13-17)
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

PVG Scheme

In Scotland, criminal records checks are carried out by Disclosure Scotland. Professionals working with children or vulnerable adults must join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. You can learn more at mygov.scot , or contact this professional directly.

Wheelchair user access
Wheelchair user access

Wheelchair-accessible premises should have step-free access for wheelchair users and individuals who are unable to climb stairs. If a Counsellor's premises aren't step-free, they may offer alternative services such as telephone/web-based appointments, home visits, or meeting clients in different location, so you can choose the option that suits you best.

You can contact the Counsellor to discuss the options available.

Under the Equality Act 2010 service providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access their service. You can read more about reasonable adjustments to help you to access services on the CAB website.

Online platforms

Microsoft Teams
Zoom