Sarah Comerford BSc (Hons), QCG, AdvDip, MBACP
It is essential that your counsellor is someone you feel safe with, someone you can share important parts of your life without fear of judgment. I understand that seeking counselling can sometimes be an incredibly difficult and daunting process.
My aim is to support you whether you have something specific you'd like to address or feel uncertain about where to start, we will explore this together. This will be part of what we talk about in our first session, there is no obligation to commit to further sessions after our initial session.
Additionally, I offer clinical supervision to qualified and trainee therapists and counsellors. If you're looking for professional supervision, you can find more details here.
Over the years, I have worked with people experiencing a wide range of emotional, relational and life challenges. While this list is not exhaustive, this can give you an idea of some of the reasons people approach me for counselling:
Emotional Wellbeing
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression and low mood
- Stress and overwhelm
- Low self-esteem and self-worth
- Loneliness and isolation
- Self-harm
Relationships and Family (Please note, I only work with individuals not couples)
- Relationship difficulties
- Family issues and conflict
- Communication challenges
- Separation and relationship breakdown
Loss, Grief and Life Changes
- Bereavement and grief
- Life transitions
- Career difficulties
- Women's issues and perimenopause
Trauma and Difficult Experiences
- Trauma
- Emotional, physical and sexual abuse
- Bullying
- Discrimination
Identity and Personal Growth
- Exploring identity and sense of self
- Sexuality and sexual identity
- Gender identity
- LGBTQIA+ affirmative counselling
I am an LGBTQIA+ ally and affirmative counsellor, providing a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space for people to explore their experiences, relationships and identity.
You may not relate to just one of the areas listed above, you may not be able to name exactly what feels difficult right now. The examples below offer a sense of some of the experiences I work with and can bring people to counselling:
Low self esteem and self worth Do you often feel not good enough, unworthy, unlovable. Low self-esteem can affect how you see yourself, your relationships, and the choices you make. Counselling can help you understand where these beliefs come from and develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself.
Depression You may be experiencing a persistent low mood, lack of motivation, feelings of emptiness. Depression can make everyday life feel overwhelming and exhausting. Counselling can provide support, understanding and space to explore these feelings.
Anxiety Anxiety can show up as constant worry, racing thoughts, panic attacks, difficulty relaxing, feeling on edge. It can affect your confidence, relationships and daily life. We can explore what lies beneath your anxiety and find ways to help you feel more grounded and secure.
Loss, grief and bereavement Grief is not limited to the death of a loved one. It can arise from the loss of a relationship, job, identity, health, hope, security or a future you had imagined. Grief can feel isolating and overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate it alone.
Trauma and Abuse Trauma is not only about what happened to you, but also the impact those experiences continue to have on your life. Therapy can offer a safe space to process these experiences and support healing at your own pace.
