Sarah Portwine

Sarah Portwine


Registered Member MÍø±¬ÃÅ

Contact information

Phone number
07849 486828

Contact Sarah


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Therapist - BEMBRIDGE

BEMBRIDGE PO35
07849 486828
Sessions from £50.00

Features

  • Flexible hours available

Availability

I currently have availability for new clients, I work Monday to Friday offering in person, online or telephone sessions. I can offer morning, afternoon or evening sessions. 

About me and my therapy practice

Welcome to my profile, I am a professionally qualified counsellor and psychotherapist with over 6 years experience working with adults and young people (13+) in the charitable sector and in private practice. Choosing to engage in counselling or psychotherapy 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.

A free (optional) initial phone consultation is available to talk about what has brought you to therapy and answer any questions you may have. 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.

My qualifications and training are predominantly in person-centred psychotherapy (BA Hons) but I have additional training in several therapy modalities including GSRD (gender, sexuality and relationship diversities) therapy, mindfulness approaches, and CBT (Dip.HE). I describe myself as an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist, adapting my approach based on the needs of the client. 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. I became a therapist after experiencing the therapy process for myself. My perspective on therapy is based on personal experience as well as my training. I'm not a 'blank screen therapist', I bring who I am to sessions including the occasional swear. I describe myself as down-to-earth, respectful, non-judgmental, authentic, and compassionate. I have experience supporting clients with a range of issues including abuse, anxiety, depression, identity, sexuality, trauma, gender, relationship problems, stress, low self-confidence, and bereavement; helping them to develop self-acceptance and the ability to overcome their issues. 

Practice description

Research tells us that the most important aspect of therapy, leading to successful client outcomes, is the therapeutic relationship. It is so important to find the right therapist for you, someone you feel you can connect with in the therapy process. That is why I offer an initial phone consultation so you have the opportunity to chat with me and see if we might be a good fit. The therapeutic relationship can help you to explore your thoughts and feelings and develop new perspectives and insights. As a result, the relationship with yourself and others can become more authentic and enjoyable. Developing understanding and acceptance can lead to healing and recovery from emotional distress and experiences that have impacted your life.

GSRD & LGBTQIA+ Communities

From my own experience, I know how difficult it can be finding a GSRD affirmative therapist. My practice embraces and celebrates diversity. I believe that receiving acceptance and understanding from another can help to combat shame and distress. I am passionate about supporting and improving the wellbeing of the LGBTQIA+ community, which is why I chose to specialise in gender, sexuality and relationship diversity. I identify as a bisexual cis-woman and know how important community can be for supporting GSRD/LGBTQIA+ folk. 

In a culture that promotes heteronormative, cisgender and monogamous ways of being I passionately believe in supporting and empowering gender, sexuality, and relationship diverse people. I have a comprehensive understanding of diverse practices and identities. I am BDSM and kink knowledgeable, working with awareness of the dynamics of diverse relationships. I am wholeheartedly committed to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and empowering GSRD clients to be their authentic selves through non-judgmental, affirming and client led therapy. 

My first session

Before our first session, I offer an optional free phone consultation, around 30 minutes, which will give us time to talk about what has brought you to therapy and answer any questions you may have.  

It's OK to ask for help - it's not weakness, it takes courage to reach out to someone for help.

​Your problems are not silly or unimportant and you are not wasting anyone's time - your distress is valid. We all struggle at times with all sorts of issues and you deserve to be heard and supported no matter what the issues are. 

How can therapy help you?

Counselling and psychotherapy can facilitate genuine changes in your life in many different ways including:

  • Your relationship with yourself and others can improve.
  • You can develop greater understanding of yourself and what you need and want from life.
  • You can safely explore and process emotional distress, experiences and issues that affect your life.
  • You can develop personal insights that lead to improved well-being.

What I can help with

Abuse, Addictions, AIDS/HIV, Anger management, Anxiety, Bereavement, Cultural issues, Depression, Disability, Health related issues, Identity issues, Infertility, LGBTQ+ counselling, Loss, Menopause, Men's issues, Mood disorder, Neurodiversity, Obsessions, Post-traumatic stress, Redundancy, Relationships, Self esteem, Self-harm, Service veterans, Sex-related issues, Sexual identity, Sexuality, Spirituality, Stress, Substance Dependency, Trauma, Women's issues, Work related issues

Types of therapy

CBT, Creative therapy, Existential, Humanistic, Integrative, Person centred, Solution focused brief therapy

Clients I work with

Adults, Children, Older adults, Trainees, Young people

How I deliver therapy

Long term sessions, Long-term face-to-face work, Online therapy, Short term sessions, Short-term face-to-face work, Telephone therapy, Time-limited

Languages spoken

English