About me
Hey, I’m Sarah, a neurodivergent counselling psychotherapist offering sessions via Zoom or face-to-face within the Skipton (Craven) area.
Having autism and chronic illnesses, I understand how quickly things can feel out of your control. Considering counselling and looking at counsellors can be scary as hell when you're already struggling and looking through the wealth of counsellors out there can feel intimidating. Even more so when you're battling executive functioning, overwhelm, rejection sensitivity and emotional disregulation at the same time (aren't we so lucky as adhders and autists to deal with comorbidities)! Finding somebody actually autistic with lived experience of the day to day battles of existing with Autism and/or adhd was pivotal for my own journey. Hopefully, I can ease some of your overwhelm by explaining a little about me, my practice and how we can work together to make the changes and reach the goals you have.
Often we shoulder our burdens for far longer than we should but we manage… until we don’t. Friends and family are great support systems most of the time but sometimes they’re not enough which is where counselling can help. The aim is not to "fix" you, but build up your resilience to deal with the next clusterf- disaster, that pops up. That and to work out whats you and whats your brain to ease the shame neurodivergence usually brings.
Being autistic informs my practice from understanding your situation to my working hours and gives me a different insight into your problems and experiences. There is no better connection than between two people who share a neurodivergence. Having that foundation can transform therapy from what you've possibly been used to before. I have a very casual style to therapy, it's more conversational than you might be used to which I feel helps strengthen the therapeutic relationship while you're working out the trust between us. I have this style because it's what I would have responded well to in my own personal therapy journey but wasn't available to me.
Despite my mainly neurodivergent case load, I love working with neurotypical clients! I absolutely share a foundation with all clients irrespective of neurotype, they just look different and I'd be remiss not to acknowledge it.
I am qualified in Psychotherapy and Counselling (with a specialism in neurodivergence) as well as Psychology which affords me the varied skillset to draw from multiple disciplines, techniques and modalities to tailor and personalise your therapeutic experience to your specific needs and problems. I enjoy working creatively (despite not being artistic in the slightest!) because it can deepen understanding and provide different outlets. I work collaboratively alongside my clients in a non-judgemental environment to allow you the safety and comfort to explore your problems at your own pace, providing support and stability until you have built a skillset and feel empowered to face things on your own again.
I am passionate about neurodivergence and disability with vast personal and professional experience with Autism and ADHD specifically. (Hence the neurodivergent specialism!)
If you do send me an email enquiry, please check your spam/junk folders for a reply if you've not heard back within 24 hours.
Training, qualifications & experience
Qualifications
- MA Psychotherapy and Counselling (Masters Level 7) from the University of Leeds
- PGDip Psychotherapy and Counselling (Postgraduate Diploma Level 6) from the University of Leeds
- BSc (Hons) Level 5 Psychology and Counselling from the University of Hull
Experience
- Bereavement Supporter with Cruse Bereavement Care, focusing on complex grief and health needs.
- Counsellor with Open Door service supporting vulnerable members of society within Lancashire.
- I complete regular professional development in line with professional body regulations in areas that benefit clients and broadens my understanding to be reflected within my practice. I attend monthly supervision with an advanced level supervisor and I'm fully insured.
- I hold an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate working frequently with primary school aged children across a range of topics including self-esteem, family, making friends, growing up, and emotions.
- I know basic Makaton (to level 3) and British Sign Language (BSL) however I am not yet proficient and I am undertaking both to a higher level.
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Creative Therapy
Therapies offered
Fees
£60.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
£60 per 50 minute session
Free no-obligation initial 20 minute consultation appointment
Concessionary fees offered to counselling trainees, and those on low income or unemployed.
Brief adhd / autism reports free
Detailed adhd / autism reports £60
If you send me an email enquiry, please check your email spam/junk if you've not had a reply within 24 hours. If you leave a mobile number I tend to text that letting you know I've emailed.
When I work
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My working hours are flexible to accommodate my neurodivergence but as a night owl, I happily work into the evening. If you drop me an email and I'm sure we can find a mutually acceptable time!
Further information
I am bound by the ethical guidelines and professional integrity of the BACP who are my chosen governing body and set forth the professional governing codes and rules I adhere to.
I receive regular clinical supervision from an advanced level counsellor.
I attend regular Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in client-led areas to ensure I am working with the most current, relevant information and keep skills up-to-date.
I am fully insured and comply with the GDPR regulations, 2018 including the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) to protect your personal data.
I hold a current enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate (updated yearly).
Please see my website for more information.
