Sarah Portwine

Choosing to engage in therapy 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

Sarah Portwine

I am a professionally qualified and experienced counsellor and psychotherapist.

I have several years of experience working with children, young people and adults in the charitable sector and private practice.

My qualifications and training include various counselling approaches including person-centred, mindfulness, existentialism, compassion-focused and cognitive behavioural therapy.

Integrative counsellor and psychotherapist

As a result, I describe myself as an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist, personalising my approach to every client based on what they feel will be most helpful for them.

I consider every client to be a unique individual and the expert of their own life.

I have had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients. I believe therapy provides the opportunity to engage in a secure, trusting, and healthy relationship with a boundaried and empathetic person who is reliable and consistent.

Therapeutic relationship

Subsequently, the therapeutic relationship can help you to explore your thoughts and feelings and develop new perspectives and insights.

Whatever difficulties or emotions you are struggling with, therapy can help to facilitate a fuller realisation and acceptance of where you are now.

As a result, our relationships with ourselves and others can become more authentic and enjoyable. Counselling and psychotherapy have the capacity to facilitate genuine change in our lives.

​I would describe myself as down-to-earth, respectful, non-judgmental, authentic, and compassionate.

In sessions, I allow you to offload and safely explore whatever you are experiencing.

Therapy offers a safe and non-judgmental environment to sensitively reflect on experiences and feelings that impact your life.

Counselling and Psychotherapy

Sessions for adults and young people. Specialising in gender, sexuality, and relationship diversity.

A non-judgemental and empathetic approach

Choosing to engage in therapy 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.

My comfortable therapy room is in a quiet and discrete location.

I offer face-to-face, online or telephone sessions as well as a free 30-minute initial consultation by phone.

Counselling and psychotherapy sessions are available Monday to Friday throughout the day and early evening.

Initial telephone consultation

The initial telephone consultation gives us time to talk about what has brought you to therapy, what you have been struggling with and answer any questions you may have. In our first session, we will talk about what you would like to get from therapy.

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, on occasion, gently question.

Counselling & Psychotherapy

My qualifications and training are in various counselling approaches including person-centred, mindfulness, existentialism, and cognitive behaviour therapy.

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 and hypervigilance, gender dysphoria, relationship problems, stress, low self-confidence, and grief.

Gender, sexuality and relationship diversity (GSRD) therapy

I specialise in gender, sexuality and relationship diversity (GSRD) therapy and have several years of experience working with GSRD clients.

I have a comprehensive understanding of diverse practices and identities. I am BDSM and kink knowledgeable and work with an awareness of the dynamics of diverse relationships.

In my practice, I support gay, lesbian, queer, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, and intersex/DSD people; trans, non-binary, gender fluid and genderqueer people; people who identify as fetishists, kinky or have an interest in BDSM; people in polyamorous and non-monogamous relationships; those people who are questioning their gender, sexuality and relationship styles and all those identities and practices in between.

I am wholeheartedly committed to empowering GSRD clients to be their authentic selves through non-judgmental, affirming and client-led therapy.

About Me

How are therapy sessions held?

In Person Therapy, Online Therapy, Therapy via Phone

Sarah Portwine Training and Qualifications

  • BA (Hons) in Person-Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy – Middlesex University (BACP Accredited course)
  • Diploma of Higher Education (Open) including Understanding Counselling and Psychotherapy: exploring fear and sadness, death and dying, investigating psychology and science of the mind – Open University
  • Bereavement Support Certificate – Cruse Bereavement Care
  • Certified Cyber Therapist – Online Therapy Institute

Continuing Professional Development courses:

  • Understanding Trauma
  • Keeping Children Safe Online
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children
  • Existential Contributions to Counselling and Psychotherapy
  • Bisexuality in GSRD Therapy
  • Coming Out
  • Dimensions of Sexuality
  • Faith Religion & Spirituality
  • Gender Identities
  • Gender, Sexuality and Relationship Diversities Therapy
  • Intimate Partner Violence & Minority Stress
  • Parenting outside heteronormativity
  • Shame & Internalised Oppression
  • Substance Use & Misuse
  • Understanding Kink/BDSM
  • Intersectionality

Professional Associations

I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

I adhere to the ethical framework of this membership body.

I have professional liabilities insurance and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate. I attend regular supervision with a qualified counselling supervisor to ensure I am working ethically and in the best interests of my clients.

I have a Level 3 Certificate in Safeguarding Children and undertake regular continuing professional development courses to keep my training and knowledge current.

Therapies offered by Sarah Portwine

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Humanistic Therapies, Person Centred, Existential, Integrative

How therapy is delivered

In Person Therapy, Online Therapy, Therapy via Phone

Sarah deals with the following issues

Languages spoken by Sarah Portwine

English

Email Sarah Portwine in confidence

(All emails are encrypted for confidentiality and no data is stored)

Member Organisations and Accreditations

Sarah Portwine is a member or accredited with the following organisations
Sarah Portwine - Therapist

Location

Bembridge
Isle of Wight
England
PO35 5UL