About my work
Whilst my original education and training had a scientific base, over the years I have become increasingly aware of the benefits of creativity for expression and wellbeing. I have incorporated art and creativity into much of my work, particularly when supporting children and young people, but also with adults if they are keen to try this.
Creative activities can include art, poetry, the use of clay or sand, etc, but none require any artistic ability, it is all about the process and giving the mind different ways to communicate both within itself and with others.
I am experienced working with those who have a neurodiversity and/or physical differences, alongside their mental health issues. However, I do not offer continued, ongoing support for neurodiversity or physical difference once other mental health needs have been addressed. A different therapist may therefore be needed for any ongoing support.
Working with Young People and Children
Creativity, whether it is in the form of play, creativity, art or writing allows children and young people to find ways to understand and manage their emotions. For those who have experienced trauma and abuse in their earliest years, they may not have clear memories or the capacity to verbalise what has happened so processing trauma often needs a non-verbal approach that allows the brain and body to speak without words.
It is hard to acknowledge that your child or a young person in your care needs the support of a therapist. As parents or guardians we always want to be able to help and be enough for those we look after. For many reasons this is not always the case and children can benefit from working with someone who isn’t part of their usual support network; someone they don’t have to worry about upsetting and who they won’t need to see again, once they are feeling more able to cope.
Confidentiality is an important part of working with children and young people, which can be hard for parents and carers, as they may feel uncomfortable not knowing the content of sessions. Information is only shared with the young person’s permission or if there are safeguarding issues that need to be shared.
My work with children starts at around age 7or 8, depending on a child’s development. Younger children, who are not yet fully Gillick competent, require a different approach to therapeutic support.
For the past ten years, much of my time has been given to founding and directing a small mental health charity in Bristol called Maybe Southwest. Maybe focusses on offering free talking and art therapies to vulnerable children and adults from challenging socio-economic backgrounds.
A number of lovely therapists and student therapists have given their time over the years, either pro bono or at reduced rates to help offer these services and, to date, the charity has supported around 450 individuals offering over 6500 sessions and groups.
If you are interested in supporting Maybe, either with a donation or as a Trustee/volunteer you can click on the button below to reach their website.
Stephanie
“A caring and compassionate approach, that both helped me and challenged me to open up and process a number of traumas that had impacted my mental health over many years.”
Paul
“Sarah’s caring, but direct approach was just what I needed.”
Josi
“Sarah gave me space to explore issues that I had difficulty approaching alone.”
Harry (Age13)
“I felt listened to and not like a problem. I was able to talk without being shut down.”
Sabet (Age17)
“I have learnt about myself and how to experience more feelings and emotions rather than just anger.”
Phillip
“Calm, relaxed and very professional.”
Continuing Professional Development
Designated Safeguarding Lead Training
StopSO Professional Certificate in Therapeutic Practice with Sex Offenders
Autism and Sensory Processing
Foster Parent Training, including safety, challenging behaviour management, leaving care, record keeping
Advanced Specialist Training in Counselling Children and Young People
Internal Family Systems - Step by step guide through clinical applications of the IFS model
Neurodiversity, autism and trauma, and ADHD
Lying and stealing
LGBTQ+ for professionals
Working with Relational trauma: dealing with disorganised attachment
Working with Young People from BAME communities
Authentic Leadership
RNIB Counselling for Sight Loss
Community Building Training - social cohesion and inclusivity
Fragile Selves - Working with narcissistic and borderline states of mind
Suicide prevention in people with Severe mental illness
The language of anger: Building our understanding
Dealing with distress: Suicide and self-harm
Dream Yoga Workshop
Dissociation and DID: The Fundamentals
Theory and Practice of Supervision in Counselling Psychology
Scientific Behaviour Change - Psychedelics, evolutionary science to change behaviour, nurturance and psychological flexibility