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Since every person has different needs, they each require a different, and very personal response so I have no 'one size fits all' method. However, I hope the following gives you some idea of my general approach.
As I see it, my first job is to make you feel welcome and safe, so it feels possible to talk about potentially difficult things. I understand that coming to therapy can often be an anxiety-provoking experience, especially for the first time. I will then try to understand you and how the world looks from your perspective, and help you make sense of that so you can start to feel, think and do things differently (if that's what you want). As I see it, there are usually two main parts to this process... Firstly, developing greater awareness of yourself so that you can figure out when things get difficult for you, why you do what you do, and why you feel as you feel - and how you might want things to be different. This might involve understanding relationship patterns and early, as well as current experiences, and how you've evolved 'life strategies' as a result. It might also include getting a better sense of your own resources (everybody has these - often in astounding and wonderful forms!). And secondly, learning practical ways to help yourself feel better now and in the longer term. This might include figuring out ways of better taking care of yourself day to day, or I can also offer simple mindfulness and breathing techniques which can help to steady emotion in the short term, and build resilience in the long term. . I can also offer my knowledge of neuroscience and the mind-body connection to help you understand how your brain and nervous system work - many people find it helps to know what is going on in their brain when they are triggered or feeling anxious, depressed or just plain stressed, and to be reassured they are not going 'crazy'. |
What clients say.....
"Thank you for all your help and support over the past nine months. You have given me the tools to carry on in everyday life", F, 30 "I came to therapy at a point in my life where I felt lost and overwhelmed. Sarah almost immediately gave me the feeling that it was possible to work out what to do and that I wouldn't feel like that forever - and she was right. She has a warm and caring presence and listens intently and asks honest and insightful questions. My sessions have genuinely helped me understand myself better and get my life back on track." M, 34 "Thank you so much for all your patience and kindness, and for helping me to get my confidence back" F, 21 "I have had quite a few sessions with Sarah Clark and found her stimulating and thought provoking…. If you want to talk through your problems I would whole-heartedly recommend Sarah’s helpful and professional counselling." M, 84 |
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I’m experienced in working with people from a range of backgrounds with a wide variety of issues - for example relationship difficulties, bereavement, anxiety, depression, work challenges, loss of life direction - and have also worked extensively with trauma, including childhood sexual abuse and PTSD.
I do not work with children under the age of 16 as I am not trained to do so, but I am happy to recommend colleagues who are experienced in working with young people. |