Sarah Pettitt BSc (Psych), Adv Dip, MBACP

About me

I am an experienced, integrative counsellor who helps people to understand themselves better and make positive changes in their lives.  Being an integrative counsellor means that my approach is varied to embrace the individuality and uniqueness of each person so that they can explore and process their issues in a way that feels right for them.  I have trained in person-centred, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), gestalt, transactional analysis and psychodynamic therapies.  I also have experience and skills in creative therapies, such as art, sand tray and music.  I create a safe, empathic environment for all clients where we work at your pace.  With gentle exploration, listening and acceptance, I work with clients so that they no longer feel stuck, alone and unhappy, but are empowered with greater insight into their issues.

I am a warm, friendly, confidential counsellor who specialises in:

• Anxiety
• Bereavement
• Depression
• Domestic violence
• Eating disorders
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Parenting
• Relationship issues
• Self-esteem
• Self-harm
• Stress
• Suicidal thoughts
• Trauma (including PTSD)

My clients include: women, men, young people and students (including counselling students).

I can be flexible with session times to fit in with your schedule.

How many sessions will I need?

I can provide short and long term counselling depending on your needs.  Short term counselling usually consists of 8-12 sessions and focuses on a specific problem that the client is experiencing.  Short term counselling can be helpful when working with anxiety, depression, stress and bereavement.  Long term counselling provides a deeper understanding of issues causing clients to become stuck.  By exploring early life experiences and its impact on current relationships, emotional regulation and behaviour, clients can make sense of things for positive change.

Testimonials:

"Sarah was very helpful.  Her caring, non-judgemental nature made it easy for me to talk about my issues when I felt I had no-one else to turn to."  VO, Client

"I would like to thank Sarah for boosting my confidence. I no longer suffer from crippling anxiety or depression.  I have kept a job for 6 months now, which is a massive achievement for me.  I feel that I can live my life once again!"  FG, Client

"After my father died, I felt very depressed, getting up in the morning was even a struggle.  With Sarah's support, I was able to grieve and process some painful feelings.  I don't know what I would have done without counselling."  LC, Client

"It was a relief to have someone to talk to about my experiences of domestic violence.  Talking to my family and friends was something I could not do, they would not understand and I felt ashamed.  With Sarah, I never felt judged, but empowered.  Before I felt weak, but now I feel stronger and realise my worth.  Thank you Sarah."  EW, Client