https://sarahcanning.counselling.online/

My Story 

My journey began with a simple idea: to support people navigating mental health challenges. Having faced similar struggles in my youth, I experienced the difference the right support can make. That experience inspired me to offer the same compassion and understanding to others. I know how overwhelming life can feel when you need someone to talk to.

I am dedicated to creating a warm, nurturing, and supportive space for people with a range of concerns. I am here to listen, and together we can explore and challenge limiting beliefs—the thoughts that may be holding you back—while working towards positive change in your life. We can also incorporate mindfulness into your healing journey.

My passion for psychotherapy was sparked by its gentle yet powerful approach. It seeks to address the root causes of difficulties while empowering you to move forward in life with greater confidence and clarity.

My training and experience have taught me how to support clients in finding a greater sense of peace, contentment, and resilience. I help clients manage life’s challenges, feel empowered, believe in themselves, and overcome fears that may have previously held them back from experiencing joy and confidence.

I value every interaction with my clients. Each person’s journey is unique, and I feel privileged to be part of it.

Training and Knowledge

Before completing three years of study at Chrysalis, I earned a BSc in Psychology through the Open University, a journey that spanned six years. The programme included a range of modules and case studies exploring counselling practices and their impact on mental health and wellbeing. I studied a variety of therapeutic approaches, as well as the complex relationship between mental and physical health. My learning also explored how attachment styles influence development, alongside theories of belief formation and group dynamics. This was supported by analyses of social experiments, personal narratives, and case studies within counselling and mental health services.

I hold a Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy, recognised by the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society. I trained with Chrysalis, a well-established and highly regarded training provider. My training included 100 hours of in-person and online work with volunteer clients, supporting people with a range of concerns, including low self-esteem, weight management, improving general health, fears, and feelings of loneliness. Together, we explored the challenges they faced and reflected on their experiences throughout the process.

As part of my professional development, I volunteered with Mind, the mental health charity. There, I supported clients with a diverse range of needs and experiences, including neurodivergent people and people with physical disabilities.

I currently volunteer with Cruse Bereavement Support, offering support to individuals experiencing loss. It is incredibly fulfilling to help people navigate these difficult life transitions by providing a compassionate, confidential, and welcoming space in which they can express themselves.

                                               How We Work Together

It Starts with a free Introductory call of 15 to 20 mins were we get to know each other and see if you would like to go ahead and book a consultation. I send you the contract and pay details to read over and familurise yourself with.

In the Consultation I go over the key aspects of the contract with you and answer any questions you might have. We then talk about your timeline and how your feeling with differnt aspects of your life. We might do some grounding where we relax after the session with deep breathing or engaging the senses to regulate your nervous system. This can help you to feel calm at the end of the session. We would then book in your next session either weekly or fortnightly whichever suits best.

Then going forward we have sessions at a set time each week  or fortnightly.  Sometimes I might provide resources for you to read or practice in your own time as a choice to support you. From time to time we will do a reflection and a short questionnaire to check in with how you feel your progressing. Sometimes we would go over things we have done in previous sessions or move onto a differnt area that you might choose is important for you to bring to the session. Together we unravel and come to make sense of issues your facing. Perhaps by accepting them while challenging thinking patterns and developed limiting beliefs preventing you from managing as well as you would like .

Individual therapy sessions provide a supportive, nurturing space for you to explore your thoughts and emotions.

Using a person-centred approach, I work collaboratively with you, recognising you as the expert in your own experience. Together, we can develop practical coping strategies through CBT to help you navigate current challenges while exploring new perspectives.

There is no fixed timeline. Your journey unfolds at a pace that feels right for you, with each session tailored to your individual needs and preferences.

When you feel empowered and ready, we can bring our sessions to a close.