Sarah Murphy

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About me

Taking the first step towards therapy can feel daunting, so I aim to offer a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental space where you can feel heard and understood.

I am an experienced psychotherapist with over 10 years’ clinical practice in adult mental health as well as a working mother who has lived a life with many of my own personal experiences. My core training is in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and I also draw on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT). This allows us to find an approach that feels right for you, rather than expecting you to fit into one particular model. I support adults experiencing difficulties including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, panic, phobias, OCD, intrusive thoughts, trauma and complex PTSD, stress, relationship difficulties, and the emotional impact of menopause and late diagnosis neurodiversity. I am experienced in working with people whose difficulties feel complex, longstanding or hard to make sense of.

Therapy with me is collaborative and tailored to your needs. Together, we will develop a shared understanding of what may be keeping you stuck and identify realistic, meaningful ways forward. I recognise that thoughts cannot always simply be “challenged”; sometimes change begins with developing a different relationship with our thoughts and emotions, treating ourselves with greater compassion and moving towards what matters.

Feedback from clients report our therapeutic relationship as genuine, thoughtful and down-to-earth. Whether you have a clear goal or simply know that something needs to change, we can work together at a pace that feels manageable.

Training, qualifications & experience

I am a BABCP-accredited psychotherapist with over 10 years’ experience supporting adults to improve their mental health and wellbeing. I hold a First-Class Honours degree in Psychology and Counselling and a Master’s degree in Psychology with Distinction. I have also completed specialist training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), therapeutic group work and clinical supervision.

For the past five years, I have worked within the NHS treating people with complex and often longstanding mental health difficulties. I previously worked as a specialist trauma therapist, supporting people affected by abuse and adverse life experiences.

I have experience and training in adapting therapy for neurodivergent people, including those with autism and ADHD. I recognise that therapy is not one-size-fits-all and will work collaboratively with you to understand your individual needs, strengths and goals.

My core approach is CBT, integrated with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT). Alongside individual, couple and group therapy, I provide clinical supervision to developing CBT therapists. My style is warm, genuine and down-to-earth, offering a compassionate and non-judgemental space where we can make sense of what is keeping you stuck and find a meaningful way forward.

Member organisations

Registered / Accredited

Registered / Accredited

Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.

BABCP
British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)

The BABCP is the lead organisation for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in the UK. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in the practice, theory or development of CBT. BABCP also provides accreditation for CBT therapists. BABCP accredited members adhere to the Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics in the Practice of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies, and are willing to be scrutinised in this adherence as required.

Accredited register membership

British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies
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 Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies

Areas of counselling I deal with

Fees

£80.00 - £120.00

Health Insurance/EAP

  • BUPA
  • Axa Health
  • Health Assured
  • Aviva
  • Saga
  • Vitality
  • WPA
  • Cigna
  • Allianz
  • Healix
  • Telus Health
  • Lyra Health

Additional information

I charge £80 for individuals and £120 for couples per session.

32 Kirk Wynd, Burntisland, Kirkcaldy, Fife, KY1 1EH

Type of session

In person
Online

Types of client

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Couples

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.

Online platforms

Microsoft Teams

Supervision

In person
Online

BABCP-aligned clinical supervision offering reflective, constructive guidance to strengthen CBT skills, formulation, confidence and ethical practice.

View supervision profile