Hi! I’m Sara and I’m a Clinical Psychologist.

​

Can you tell me a bit about your background?

I work in the NHS for most of my week and fill the rest of my time seeing children, young people and families privately. I completed a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of East London and during this I worked with children and adults of all ages. Since qualifying, I have worked mainly with children and families in the NHS in specialist trauma teams as well as in schools. Before becoming a psychologist, I spent two years training in cognitive behavioural therapy for children and families at the Anna Freud Centre. This has ben important to help my thinking, but I use lots of other types of therapy now too. 

​

What would it be like to meet me?

I think it's really important that we get to know each other to see if you would like working with me. My approach is warm, relaxed and friendly. I am interested in hearing about your strengths, skills and ways you have coped in the past and use these during our therapy process. I take time to get to know you, your family and the things you are having trouble with. We will work out together what sort of support could be useful for you and what to expect when we work together. For me, us having a safe, non-judgemental relationship is really important so I take time to build this with everyone I work with.

​

What type of therapies do I use and what types of problems do I work with?

I am an integrative therapist, which means I have training in lots of different types of therapies that I can use in our work together.  This means we can work in a way that suits you as an individual.  I mainly use narrative therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), systemic therapy (which means thinking about your family and wider world) and compassion focused approaches. I am also training in EMDR therapy at the moment which can help people who have experienced a traumatic event in their lives.

​

I like being creative in therapy and often include creative activities in sessions – if that is something you would enjoy. Some young people find it easier to talk while doing something creative, but other people don't like that at all! It's all about what feels right for you. Sometimes I will see children and young people on their own and other times I see them with their parent or carer.

​

I work with children, adults and families who are struggling with a range of difficulties including low mood, low self-esteem, relationships, life transitions, family issues, anxiety, loss and bereavement and coping with traumatic life experiences. I also have specific experience working with young people who have experienced sexual abuse or violence.  

​

What do I enjoy outside of psychology?

When I'm not at work I enjoy spending time with my friends and family.  I love travelling to new places in London as well as on holiday when I can! I like doing creative things and enjoy seeing live music, baking and dancing.