Sarah Bainbridge

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BSc (Hons) Counselling (1st), MBACP, £50 per session.

About me

I believe in my clients' potential to change through the science of neuroplasticity (the ability of the brain to heal by forming new connections and pathways). You don't have to deal with your emotions alone.  My experience of the positive, life changing effects of counselling - increasing your ability to think, feel and perform at your best - gives me confidence in the process.

Perhaps you are looking for ways to improve your own mental health and wellbeing or a parent wanting to help your child (7+).  Effective counselling with the right person, can help reduce anxiety and depression; increase confidence and self-esteem; and improve assertive communication.  This, in turn, can help you reach your full potential. 

Whether you are feeling anxious, sad or a mixture of both, I can offer support to work through emotions to help discover what you need to feel better.  Talking about your worries with someone who cares can help you to feel lighter.  Working at a deeper level over time can bring about sustainable change.

I want you to feel less alone.  You don't have to deal with your emotions in isolation.  I understand that the idea of speaking to a stranger about your life and the difficulties you are facing, can be daunting at first but it can feel very comforting to talk to someone who gives you their full attention and listens without judgement or criticism.  In fact, clients often say they find it easier to talk about their worries to me - an impartial, qualified counsellor - than to friends or family.  I work in a very gentle and caring way and I will listen to whatever you bring with respect and compassion: working at a pace that suits you.

A counselling session with me is professional yet informal.  You have complete control over what you want to talk about.  Face to face, online and telephone sessions are available along with the option of outdoor/walk and talk therapy in both Oswestry and Shrewsbury.  You can book weekly, fortnightly or monthly, depending on your needs.

I offer in person and online appointments, throughout the week, during the day and evenings, from my cosy counselling room at a peaceful location in Oswestry - accessible by foot or car.  The counselling room is situated on the ground floor, with a step into the building; there is free parking close to the entrance and access to a toilet.  Sessions last up to fifty minutes and are priced at £50.  Concessions are available for online sessions depending on circumstances.

For those who can't travel to Oswestry or who need a smooth, flat entrance to the counselling space, I offer appointments at the Roy Fletcher Centre in Shrewsbury.  

Contact me for more information on how we can work together to help you manage life’s challenges with increased strength and confidence.  If you have any questions or would like to book an initial session, please ring and leave a voicemail, send me a text message or email with your details and I will get back to you as soon as I can (usually within 24 hours).  If you don't receive a reply from me, please check your spam or junk folder.  If you would like to speak to me before booking a session, I can phone you for a short chat, free of charge, to help you decide whether what I offer matches your needs.  

I look forward to hearing from you.

Training, qualifications & experience

Qualifications

  • BSc (Hons) First Class, Counselling Theory and Practice (Top up), 2025, Staffordshire University.  A first was received for all modules including counselling clients experiencing trauma, counselling children and young people, and my research project 'Autism Friendly Counselling'.
  • NCFE CACHE Level 3 Understanding Autism, 2024
  • CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling, 2023
  • BACP Certificate of Proficiency, 2022
  • CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Person Centred), 2022
  • Foundation Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 2022
  • NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Domestic Abuse 2022
  • NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Mental Health and First Aid 2020
  • ABC Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills 2020
  • Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People 2019 
  • ABC Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts 2019
  • NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Children and Young People's Mental Health 2019
  • NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism 2018
  • NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding the Care and Management of Diabetes 2018
  • Emergency first aid at work and outdoor first aid trained 2025
  • Mental health first aid and suicide first aid trained 2022

Further training

I hold certificates in online and telephone counselling as well as outdoor counselling.  I have completed additional training to work in a trauma informed way.  I have regular safeguarding and child protection training and have an enhanced DBS check.  I have also completed Prevent and safeguarding vulnerable adults training.  All training and qualification certificates are available to view on request.

If you would like to use mindfulness, relaxation or breathing techniques to help decrease anxiety and stress or aid sleep, we can incorporate these into sessions.  I can also offer ideas for healthy coping and grounding strategies.

Creative interventions alongside talking therapy can help to express feelings without using words - whatever your age.  If you are not sure how and where to begin, I have a selection of materials and cards that can be chosen to help show what you are feeling.

Experience

I volunteered as a counsellor at U&I Counselling Community Interest Company in Oswestry for three years from February 2021 until February 2024, setting up my private practice in 2022.  I have experience counselling children (Key Stage 2 and up), young people and adults encountering many different types of problems, challenges and mental health difficulties.  These include anxiety, GAD, depression, OCD, childhood abuse, bereavement, difficulty sleeping, intrusive thoughts, domestic abuse, family issues, low self-esteem, low confidence, relationship problems and trauma.  I have also worked with counselling students supporting them with personal development and any issues that arise during training.

I take a neuro-affirming approach with individuals who identify as autistic whether through formal diagnosis or self-discovery.  Research for my dissertation - 'Autism Friendly Counselling' has helped me develop my practice.  If you are awaiting diagnosis, I am happy to write reports for clients to be used as part of the assessment process. 

I also work with clients who have ADHD, ADD, AuDHD, Irlen Syndrome, dyspraxia and dyslexia.  I do not consider neurodivergent individuals as having a disorder or illness that needs to be fixed or corrected.  From my personal and professional experience, I understand that trying to fit in with neurotypical expectations can be exhausting and negatively affect your self-worth.  I offer a supportive space for you to talk about the challenges you face, without fear of judgement or criticism.  I have a variety of sensory objects you can use including a weighted blanket.  You are very welcome to bring anything to sessions that helps you to feel comfortable.  I am happy to hear about any additional adaptations I can make to accommodate your needs.

I provide a welcoming environment for LGBTQIA+ and anyone who considers themselves part of the queer community.

Complementary to my counselling work, I have over ten years experience working in the role of SEND teaching assistant supporting children with medical, social, emotional and mental health needs in an attachment and trauma friendly primary school.

Member organisations

BACP
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

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

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
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.

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

Areas of counselling I deal with

Therapies offered

Fees

£50.00 per session

Concessions offered for

  • Low income
  • Students
  • Trainee counsellors

Additional information

  • Indoor and outdoor sessions available in Oswestry and Shrewsbury
  • Online and telephone sessions available wherever you are

Concessions available for online sessions depending on circumstances - please ask for details.

When I work

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

Further information

Outdoor counselling

There are lots of reasons why people choose outdoor counselling.  Some people prefer to talk side by side, rather than sitting opposite one another.  Some enjoy the benefits of walking in open spaces.  Some feel safer being out in the fresh air.  Sometimes it's just good to have a change of scenery.  If you would like to spend more time sitting than walking, we can sit on the floor or choose a location with benches or places to perch.  Let me know your requirements and we'll decide on the best location for your counselling sessions, together.  We can be prepared for most conditions and temperatures and dress accordingly but if severe weather is forecast, there is the option of switching to online or telephone counselling or to rearrange for when the weather is less extreme.

Weston, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY10

Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

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

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

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.

The room in Oswestry is downstairs with free parking next to the entrance. The rooms at the Roy Fletcher Centre are wheelchair accessible. One of the outdoor spaces in Shrewsbury is suitable for a wheelchair or mobility scooter and has disabled parking.

Online platforms

Zoom
Google Meet

Social

Sarah Bainbridge
Sarah Bainbridge