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Sara Hemsley Therapy logo

About me

I am an Integrative Humanistic counsellor, my main modality is The Person-Centred Approach. I value your autonomy so you can use the space as you wish – you are the expert of your own experiences – but I will make observations and ask questions I feel are helpful.

Whilst I work with many different issues, such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship issues, LGBTQ+ related issues, historical abuse etc., I am passionate about supporting clients who have experienced loss navigate their grief. I understand how your world can fall apart when you’re grieving, like you’re drifting at sea without a paddle. I help people work through their grief, explore their relationship with their loved one, and rediscover their drive to keep going, taking memories of their loved one with them.

As a counsellor from a mixed ethnic background, I’m also interested in supporting clients from different cultural backgrounds. I can help if you are questioning where you fit in, feel people don’t understand your personal experiences, if you've been impacted by discrimination or want to explore your identity.

Regardless of what has brought you to counselling, feel free to get in touch to see if counselling could help you.

I have therapy rooms in Shoreham-By-Sea and Hove. I am a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), meaning that I am professionally qualified, fully insured, and that I adhere to the BACP's code of conduct.

Sara Hemsley

Experience

I completed my Diploma at Varndean College and have a background in different areas of mental health: I have experience working in a medium secure mental health unit as a support worker, and have supported people with personality disorders in a group treatment service before moving into counselling.

Before opening my private practice I worked for several counselling agencies, including an LGBTQ+ service where I helped individuals with their feelings around transitioning, and a more general counselling service. I have also worked with clients of different cultural backgrounds, and recognise the difficulties clients from ethnic minorities can have when accessing therapy. I see the importance in recognising the impact different cultural upbringings has on our character.

 

Alongside my private practice I also work in a group treatment service as a recovery advisor with people with Borderline Personality Disorder, where the focus is working on interpersonal skills in activity groups and challenging learnt maladaptive behaviours.

 

I am also a volunteer counsellor for a local hospice where I support clients who are pre-bereaved or bereaved in processing their loss and navigating life outside of their grief.

Training and Qualifications
  • CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

  • CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies

  • CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills

  • CPCAB Introduction to Counselling Skills

  • Psychology BSc - The University of Sussex

  • Certificate of Proficiency - The BACP Accredited Register

  • How to do counselling online: a coronavirus primer

Other training courses

  • Grief and Bereavement training

Testimonials

"Over the course of a few months, Sara helped me immensely to sort out the tangle of family and relationship responsibilities that were overwhelming me. After spending the time in therapy, I have a much better understanding of what issues are problems that I have to deal with and which problems I can leave other people to deal with on their own without feeling guilty that I am not always available to help them out."

~ K

BACP Accredited Register mark
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