
Sarah McWhirter, MBACP Reg. (Accred), BSc (Hons), BA (Hons), PG Dip

About me
Welcome:
I am an experienced, well-trained & empathic BACP Accredited Counsellor / Psychotherapist working in Private Practice in Hampshire. Possessing analytical skills, I can help you to have a greater understanding of the areas in your life that are troubling you, helping you to come to terms with those areas of difficulty, enabling you to reach a fresh perspective and a new-found sense of peace and orientation.
Set backs, and unexpected problems in life such as difficulties with relationships, loss & bereavement, grief, anxiety & depression, a lack of direction over career path, or an inexplicable sense of low mood or sadness over existential aspects of life or the political climate, can sometimes occur at times when they are least expected. When problems are left unaddressed and unresolved they can reduce our overall sense of well-being, which in turn can affect our health & happiness, both in the short and longer term.
Working together, my aim is to enable you to equip yourself with your inner, untapped skills, to find a more peaceful way through a challenging period in your life.
About me:
I practice from a discreet and welcoming studio in a tranquil setting just outside Alresford, offering a highly confidential, relaxed and safe space for my client-work. My areas of expertise focus on people who need to find some form of direction or re-orientation in their lives, those experiencing the pain of loss & bereavement, depression, anxiety, difficulties with relationships & marital breakdown, together with the after- effects of separation and divorce. I work with clients suffering from a range of eating disorders & those coping with long-term illness. I also offer Couples Counselling.
My practice also includes work with young people & I have experience with younger clients facing problems relating to low self-esteem, depression and anxiety-related issues.
With many years' previous experience in the sector of marketing and public relations, I work with clients experiencing problems within the work-place, with their careers, and with people facing difficulties around Life-Stages such as coping with pregnancy & very young children, the challenges of older children, empty nesting and retirement.
How I practice:
I work 'Integratively' & 'Reflectively', which means giving very careful consideration to the therapeutic approach best suited to each client, involving the client in the process. I place value on building a strong, respectful & healthy relationship between the client and therapist, as this in itself can be very therapeutic and healing.
I offer Short-term counselling, 6-12 sessions, for clients wishing to address a particular goal or difficulty, and Mid to Longer-term Counselling and Psychotherapy where a range of deeper, more complex issues can be explored and resolved.
Having trained additionally in CBT, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, I offer CBT where appropriate, finding it effective in helping to achieve specific shorter-term objectives. I also draw on Transactional Analysis, TA, Psychodynamic & Person-Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy, alongside a range of Creative approaches, which I believe can greatly assist the therapeutic process.
My objective is to enable each client to achieve a sense of release from the problem or issue being addressed, while gaining a sense of greater personal understanding, with the objective of building achievable & sustainable well-being in the longer term.
Training, qualifications & experience
BSc [Hons] in Reflective Therapeutic Practice [First], Metanoia Institute, London
Accredited Diploma in Integrative Counselling, University of Southampton,
Certificate of Higher Education in Counselling, University of Southampton,
Diploma in Integrative Supervision, The Minster Centre, London
Post Graduate Diploma : Professional Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy (Supervision), University of Middlesex in collaboration with the Minster Centre, London
Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills,
Transactional Analysis 101 Certificate,
Course in Working with Eating Disorders
Certificate in Couples Counselling
Developing Skills in Couple Work, International Summer School, Tavistock Institute
CBT 4th Level, Assessment of Competency covering 4 levels of CBT skills,
CBT 3rd Level, working with Fractured Relationships,
CBT 2nd Level, working with issues around Food, Loss and Trauma,
CBT Core Skills,
I have been involved for a number of years with a voluntary counselling agency in Winchester offering counselling across a range of areas such as bereavement, loss, difficulties with relationships, divorce, depression, anxiety & mental health issues. I have also worked within a large University Counselling Service offering shorter-term counselling to students and members of staff.
BA [Hons] French & Politics, University of Reading, fluent French speaker.
Areas of counselling I deal with
- Abortion
- Abuse
- Addiction(s)
- Affairs and betrayals
- Alcoholism
- Anger management
- Anorexia nervosa
- Antisocial personality disorder
- Anxiety
- Avoidant personality disorder
- Bereavement
- Binge-eating disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Bulimia nervosa
- Bullying
- Cancer
- Career counselling
- Carer support
- Child related issues
- Childhood bereavement
- Chronic fatigue syndrome/ME
- Dementia
- Depression
- Depression and anxiety in children
- Disabilities
- Drug addiction
- Eating disorders
- Emotional abuse
- Family issues
- Feeling sad
- Generalised anxiety disorder
- Infertility
- Loneliness
- Low self-confidence
- Low self-esteem
- Miscarriage
- Narcissistic personality disorder
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
- Panic attacks
- Passive aggressive behaviour
- Personality disorders
- Postnatal depression
- Pregnancy and birth
- Psychosis
- Redundancy
- Relationship problems
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- Self-harm
- Separation and divorce
- Sexual abuse
- Sexuality
- Smoking
- Spirituality
- Stress
- Suicidal thoughts
- Trauma
- Work-related stress
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Younger adults suffering a lack of self-confidence and low self-esteem.
Couples with difficulties in communication and strains in their relationship
French speaking clients
Therapies offered
Fees
I am happy to offer one stand-alone, 50 minute no-obligation Initial Consultation at a cost of £55. In this way you will be able to find out if you feel comfortable working with me while also ensuring that my approach and experience match your particular needs.
Individuals: each subsequent 50 minute Consultation : £55 -£60
Couples: each subsequent 50 minute Consultation : £70
I can offer a reduction for students and other concessions when available.
I adhere closely to the terms of the BACP Ethical Framework at all times.
Further information
My counselling rooms are situated 2 miles South of Alresford. Free parking is always available. Disabled access can be provided.
I will always try to contact you within 24 hours of your e-mail or phone call.
For further directions please contact me via e-mail or by telephone using the contact details as given above.
I hold an enhanced DBS certificate.
Maps & Directions
Type of session
Online counselling: | Yes |
Telephone counselling: | No |
Face to face counselling: | Yes |
Home visits: | No |
Practical details
Sign language: | No |
Other languages: | French |
Availability
Day-time appointments and some evening appointments.
Types of client
Young people |
Adults |
Older adults |
Couples |
Supervision & training
I am a fully qualified Integrative Supervisor, offering clinical supervision to counsellors, psychotherapists and other professionals within the helping professions.
Online supervision: | Yes |
Telephone supervision: | No |