Sarah Whitford

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her/she
MNCPS, BA(Hons), Adv.Dip. Counselling
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

Paignton TQ4 & Brixham TQ5
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

You do have choices in your life but sometimes seeing the wood for trees is just so difficult and this in itself can cause anxiety and low self-esteem.  You may feel that you have hit rock bottom or pretty close. Depression and low confidence can affect anyone at any time.  You may be struggling with loss, family issues, neuro diversity (dyslexia & dyspraxia)  or perhaps a sense that life is not going the way you want it to; through counselling with me you will no longer be on your own.

By taking the first steps to talk to me, you will discover how empowering it feels to talk openly and know that you are being truly listened to without judgement. I offer you a person centred integrated therapeutic approach as I believe a one sided approach does not suit everyone. I bring kindness, honesty and respect in a world maybe you feel doesn't understand you or want to stop whilst you catch up.

Anxiety can affect every part of your life, particularly relationships, personal and professional. Often in my work with clients I hear how lonely and worried they feel as they are unable to talk with friends or family for fear of judgment or causing upset. This silence can lead to low confidence, depression and feelings of isolation as you carry such a heavy weight in your head and heart.

It’s important to me to try to help my clients understand why they feel the way they do, the reasons behind it and how to bring in coping mechanisms to move on and feel they can cope now and in the future. I work with a wide diversity of clients from young adults through to older adults.  I appreciate how life changes can impact an individual no matter what age they are, there is no set criteria for worry and needing someone to talk to.Therapy with me can lead to feeling happier and less restricted in your life. I want to support you to discover what the next stage of your life will be.

Sometimes thoughts can appear that make us feel different and isolated from society, this can feel overwhelming.  Therapy can help build your confidence to voice your true concerns and overturn negative thoughts.

If you would like to start the process of understanding the real you and overturning those negative feelings please message me. No two people are the same and I work with all of my clients as individuals with respect and empathy with a range of therapies to suit you the individual.

Through talking therapy (CBT, Person Centred, Choice & Gestalt (explorative) and mindfulness you can release those negative thoughts that might be holding you back from important decisions.  I also encourage my clients through visualisation to allow themselves the space to reflect on how they would like their lives to be. 

I warmly invite you to take a look at my website:

sarahwhitfordcounselling.com and see clients' testimonials about how counselling with me has helped them.

Email or text (No initial calls without prior arrangement please)

sarahwhitfordcounselling@hotmail.com

07485766981

Training, qualifications & experience

  •  Advanced Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (CBT, Gestalt & PCT)
  • Level 3 Foundation Certificate in Counselling
  • Diploma in Foundation Bereavement Training (Cruse)
  • Bachelor of Science (Honours) Open 2:1 Social Sciences: (Working with young people and their families, Understanding Social Change, Equality, Participation and Inclusion: Learning from Each Other, Personal Lives and Social Policy).
  • Dyslexia and Dyspraxia Awareness.
  • Trauma Informed.
  • Managing Anxiety and Panic Attacks
  • Safeguarding 
  • Attachment Training.
  • Cruse Bereavement Training
  • Working with Shame
  • Autism Mindfulness

My professional work experience is diverse which enables me to see beyond  the restrictions a client may feel in their work life and their personal life too. This diversity has arisen through life throwing me curve balls when least expected. I like to think outside of the box and strive to work around potential barriers with clients with a range of integrated therapies. 

I have extensive experience of working with a diverse range of clients from different cultural backgrounds, ethnicities and ages.  The pressure and expectations on clients in today's society can be overwhelming as they try to adhere to other peoples expectations. I am able to help my ,clients whatever their background overturn their negative thoughts and build a 'wellbeing toolbox' of healthy coping mechanisms and find their true selves. I use an integrative approach of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Person Centred Therapy, mindfulness and Gestalt (creative) Therapy.

From my time working within the education system, I have a passion for supporting neuro diverse clients and their families.  I have professional and personal experience in helping them see their full potential, building their confidence and striving to achieve their own goals.  No one should be limited by others judgement and stigma.

I have also worked with local charities and within the fostering industry as a therapeutic counsellor. I empathise when a person feels stuck in systems that are not working for them. I can help you work through barriers that are stopping you from feeling good enough and build your self esteem to explore different ways of thinking. 

Loss has always been a significant thread in my therapeutic work, whether it is bereavement, loss of a job, home, health or maybe a relationship. I have lived experience of my world turning upside down through a cancer diagnosis.  I understand just how devastating it can be to be faced with trauma and loss of the life you knew. I am happy to share my coping mechanisms and help support you to discover yours.  I will use a range of therapies that suit you so that you can build resilience and self belief so that you will be able to move forward in your life once more.

I have worked with extreme vulnerability throughout my career and know the power of actively listening to my clients without judgement. I have seen how the safe space I offer my clients empowers them to have a voice. If you feel you do not have a voice then this is the opportunity for you to gain the confidence to start believing in yourself, contact me for support:

Website: www.sarahwhitfordcounselling@hotmail.com

Email - sarahwhitfordcounselling@hotmail.com

Message ONLY 07485766981 - no calls please.

I offer Zoom (online), telephone and face to face according to my clients' needs. My private practice is within a quiet setting with parking available.

As well as my diverse life/work experiences, I offer all of my clients kindness, understanding and a safe haven in a very fast moving world.

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.

NCPS
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society

This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations.

In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

Accredited register membership

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
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.

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society

Photos & videos

Fees

£45.00 per session
Free initial telephone session

Concessions offered for

  • Low income
  • Students

Additional information

Due to the cost of living, consideration will be given to potential clients who are struggling financially. I warmly encourage anyone seeking and needing counselling to discuss their needs with me. As a therapeutic counsellor I am here to listen and show empathy and kindness.

Initial 30 minute telephone consultation free.

ZOOM,TELEPHONE AND FACE TO FACE COUNSELLING SESSIONS AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE WEEK - DAYTIME AND APPTS BOOKABLE

Concessionary Charges with further discussion.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

I can accommodate changing work shift patterns. I offer weekly, fortnightly and monthly sessions. Please contact me via text or email to arrange a telephone call.

Further information

I am flexible in my approach to booked sessions so if you feel you cannot fit into the schedule detailed above please contact me so that I can see if I have alternative times.

Last minute bookings can be arranged depending on availability.  I am a believer in proactive measures to promote life balance.

Paignton, Devon, TQ4

Brixham, Devon, TQ5

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

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

Key details

ZOOM, TELEPHONE AND FACE TO FACE SESSIONS OFFERED ALONG WITH HOME VISITS WHEN REQUIRED. Off road parking is available.

Online platforms

Zoom
Whatsapp
Google Meet
Sarah Whitford
Sarah Whitford