About me
“The greatest illusion,” said the mole, “is that life should be perfect.”
— Charlie Mackesy
Hi, I’m Sara McGuirk, Integrative Psychotherapist and Founder of Ray of Light Therapeutic Services. Having experienced trauma in my own life, I understand how important it is to feel truly seen, heard, and supported. I’m an integrative, registered psychotherapist with over six years of experience working with children, teenagers, and adults facing a wide range of emotional challenges, including anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship stress, and the unique experiences of neurodiversity.
My integrative, person-centred, and trauma-informed practice offers calm, confidential support tailored to each individual’s journey. I am deeply committed to creating a safe, compassionate space where children, young people, and adults can feel understood, valued, and supported as they explore, heal, and grow.
Adults often describe therapy with me as empowering and healing-a space to reflect, feel supported, and explore what’s going on beneath the surface. For children, therapy offers a calm, creative space to be heard, express big feelings through play, and start to feel better in themselves. Many begin to understand their emotions more clearly, feel safer, and gain confidence in how they cope and connect with others.
Therapy is available online via video for adults and teens, giving you flexibility and consistency no matter your location or lifestyle. For children, I offer face-to-face sessions in a calm, welcoming space tailored to their needs and pace. I understand that reaching out can feel daunting-and you’re not expected to have all the answers. What matters is showing up, and I’ll meet you right there.
My work is built on values of accessibility, compassion, and integrity. I aim to make therapy approachable and inclusive—whether it’s your first time seeking support or you’re returning after a break. You’ll find a space where difference is honoured, creativity is welcomed, and emotional wellbeing is always at the heart of our work.
Training, qualifications & experience
Training
- IARTT - International Association Rewind Trauma Therapy
- TA101- International Association for Relational Transactional Analysis
- Mindfulness
Professional Experience
With over six years in therapeutic practice, I’ve supported children, teens, and adults through a wide range of emotional challenges-including anxiety, trauma, grief, and neurodivergence. My approach blends person-centred, trauma-informed, and systemic principles, often drawing on creative arts and play therapy techniques to support emotional expression when words aren’t enough.
I currently offer therapy through private practice, tailoring support to each individual’s context and needs. Sessions are available face-to-face for children and online via video or telephone for adults and teens-providing flexibility while maintaining a consistent, compassionate therapeutic space.
In previous roles, I’ve worked across school settings, safeguarding teams, and multi-agency environments-experience that continues to inform my understanding of wider systems and how they impact emotional wellbeing.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science (BSc Hons) Counselling and Psychotherapy in Professional Practice - Salford University
- Certificate in Clinical Supervision Including Online and Telephone Working Course
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
Fees
£50.00 per session
Additional information
Student rates available
When I work
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Therapy available face-to-face for children; online or face-to-face for teens and adults. Early mornings, daytimes, evenings, and Saturday by arrangement. Currently accepting new clients.
Further information
Choosing a therapist can be a daunting experience especially when it comes to your child. I offer a warm and empathic space. When working with children, I aim to work with the client and invite appropriate adults into the therapy process to strive for a whole approach around the young person.
To ensure I would be the best practitioner I offer a free 15 minute telephone or online consultation with no obligation.
