Sarah Portwine

Welcome to my profile, I am a professionally qualified and experienced counsellor and psychotherapist. I have several years experience working with adults and young people (aged 13+) in the charitable sector and in private practice. 

Choosing to engage in counselling or psychotherapy can be a daunting prospect, my aim is to make you feel at ease by using a non-judgmental and empathetic approach in a safe and confidential space. For in person clients, my comfortable therapy room is in a quiet and discrete location on the Isle of Wight. I also provide online or phone sessions for clients throughout the UK. Counselling and psychotherapy sessions are available Monday to Friday throughout the day and early evening.  

​A free initial 30 minute consultation will give us time to talk about what has brought you to therapy and answer any questions you may have. You might have something specific you wish to work on, or it may be more abstract. It's also OK if you do not have any goal in mind or don't know what you would like to achieve. We will focus on whatever feels helpful for you. I will be alongside you to listen, reflect, empathise and gently question, working as a facilitator to safely explore emotional distress, experiences and issues that are impacting your life. 

It's OK to ask for help - it's not weakness, it takes courage to reach out to someone for help.

​Your problems are not silly or unimportant and you are not wasting anyone's time - your distress is valid. We all struggle at times with all sorts of issues and you deserve to be heard and supported no matter what the issues are. 

​How can counselling and psychotherapy help you?

Counselling and psychotherapy can facilitate genuine changes in your life in many different ways including: 

• Your relationship with yourself and others can improve.
• You can develop greater understanding of yourself and what you need and want from life.
• You can safely explore and process emotional distress, experiences and issues that affect your life.
• You can develop personal insights that lead to improved well-being.

My qualifications and training are predominantly in person-centred psychotherapy but I have additional training in several therapy modalities including GSRD therapy, mindfulness approaches, and CBT. I describe myself as an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist, adapting my approach based on the needs of the client. I do not believe in a ‘one size fits all’ approach to therapy. I have worked with a diverse range of clients and recognise the needs of each client are unique. Counselling and psychotherapy are a collaborative endeavour. You may have one issue you wish to explore or there may be several things you wish to bring to therapy. I have experience supporting clients with a range of issues including abuse, anxiety, depression, identity, sexuality, trauma, gender, relationship problems, stress, low self-confidence, and bereavement.

GSRD & LGBTQIA+ Communities

From my own experience, I know how difficult it can be finding a GSRD affirmative therapist. My practice embraces and celebrates diversity. I believe that receiving acceptance and understanding from another can help to combat shame and distress, leading us to develop self-acceptance and the ability to overcome our issues.  I am passionate about supporting and improving the wellbeing of the LGBTQIA+ community, which is why I chose to specialise in gender, sexuality and relationship diversity. I identify as a bisexual cis-woman and know how important community can be for supporting GSRD/LGBTQIA+ folk.

Sadly, GSRD clients have often felt invalidated or ‘missed’ by therapists, or sometimes they are left feeling pathologised by therapists who tried to ‘cure’ them. In a culture that promotes heteronormative, cisgender and monogamous ways of being I passionately believe in supporting and empowering gender, sexuality, and relationship diverse people. I have a comprehensive understanding of diverse practices and identities. I am BDSM and kink knowledgeable, working with awareness of the dynamics of diverse relationships. I am wholeheartedly committed to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and empowering GSRD clients to be their authentic selves through non-judgmental, affirming and client led counselling and psychotherapy.  

• Free initial telephone consultation - 30 minutes
• In person, online and telephone counselling sessions - 50 minutes 

In person sessions - payment can be made in cash or by debit/credit card at the time of the session. If you wish to pay by bank transfer this will need to be paid in advance of the session. 

Online and telephone sessions - payment in advance by bank transfer. 

You can contact me through this page or via my website labirintocounselling.co.uk, by email - labirintocounselling@gmail.com or by phone - 07849 486828. Please note that email responses sometimes are directed to spam/junk so please check these folders if you have not received a reply from myself. I aim to respond to all enquiries within 48 hours.

• Professional Liabilities Insurance. 
• Registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. I adhere to the ethical framework of this governing body. 
• Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Certificate.
• Level 3 Certificate in Safeguarding Children.
• I attend regular supervision with a qualified counselling supervisor to ensure I am working ethically and in the best interests of my client. 
• Therapy room in Bembridge is in the local community centre which has a car park and is easily accessible by public transport.
• To keep training and knowledge current I undertake regular continuing professional development courses.