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.