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Trauma-informed counselling for lasting change and wellbeing
Offering neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed therapy , in Rayleigh and Southend, Essex, to support adults who want to feel calmer, more grounded and more connected in their relationships and everyday life. Wether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, low self esteem, stress or major life changes, I offer clients the support they need. I provide support to clients, wether diagnosed or exploring an ADHD diagnosis, to identify with identity and self esteem, as well as emotional overwhelm.
Past experiences can impact both our emotional and physical well-being and sometimes we need support to work through issues that may be impacting us on a day to day basis.
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If you're feeling depleted or unsure who you are anymore, therapy can help you rebuild a stronger sense of self and develop healthier ways of coping.
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Sessions available in person in Rayleigh and Southend or online across the UK, giving you the flexibility to choose what works best.
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"I finally feel like someone understands what I'm going through"-D. Rayleigh
Hi, I'm Sally.
As an humanistic, trauma-informed practitioner, I am acutely aware of the ways in which stress and anxiety can impact individuals and their lives. Working through a
trauma lense in therapy means understanding a persons thoughts, emotions, and behaviours as adapted responses to past overwhelming experiences, rather that as flaws or disorders.
As a Neurodiversity Affirming therapist I am aware that the Neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ community can often be exposed to frequent negative exposures, and or, traumatic events and I recognise the impact this has on personal wellbeing and resilience. These traumas can be short or prolonged but can be just as impactful. Events that can impact us can be anything from witnessing a traumatic event, such as an accident or being on the receiving end of prolonged bullying, toxic relationships, or growing up in an invalidating environment, and experiencing loss in its many forms.
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People tend to minimise the thing that has negatively impacted them and caused them poor mental health. They tend to think that just because someone else had experienced something similar, and they felt ok, then their story shouldn't be shared or processed, as they feel that it would be perceived as less important or impactful. Every persons experience and perception of events is different and can impact the nervous system differently. This is based on our upbringing our previous experiences of life and what resources and support we have, all this can massively affect how we deal with impactful events.
My approach prioritizes the establishment of a safe and supportive environment that facilitates healing. By acknowledging the complexities of trauma, and its effects I guide clients in their experiences and cultivating resilience throughout their recovery journey. Clients describe me as calming, warm, easy to talk to, understanding and grounding. In our sessions, there is no pressure, no judgement and no "right way" to be. You're welcome exactly as you are.
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In the absence of access to a trusted therapist, or a empathic caregiver, remaining in a state of fight or flight with unprocessed emotions can profoundly impact the nervous system, potentially resulting in long-term health complications.
As part of the therapeutic journey with clients, I am able to offer Rewind therapy which is a softer more gentle approach to EMDR, where feelings and images can be processed and stored away, without potentially re-traumatising the client by asking them to relay their story (see more on Rewind Technique on further pages).
​Effective healing often necessitates support through therapy, mindfulness, self-care, and the cultivation of safe relationships that foster emotional resilience recovery. With this in mind, I offer my clients an experience that nurtures connection and empowers healing, allowing them to face their challenges with hope, self-compassion, self-acceptance, and renewed resilience.​
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Find our more on my services page......
Areas of work
Anxiety
Overtime our work together will help calm feelings of anxiety to regain calm and confidence. Anxiety is there to serve a purpose but sometimes our anxiety can become overwhelming, leaving us unable to move forward in life.
Trauma
Trauma can have lasting impacts. Working together to build safety, utilising grounding and pacing tools to move towards repair at your own pace, with a feeling of being held on your journey.
Relationships
Focusing on patterns of toxic relationship, working on healthy boundaries, and issues with self esteem.
Supporting members of families that are neurodivergent or going through diagnoses.
How talking therapy works
In our sessions, we’ll explore how and where your challenges are impacting your life, uncovering the thoughts, emotions, and beliefs that may be holding you back. Often, the struggles we face are rooted in long-held beliefs or past experiences that affect us without us even realising it. Together, we’ll shine a light on these patterns, helping you understand what might be keeping you stuck. Many people find that even this exploration alone begins the process of change. I am fully aware that for some clients sitting in therapy can feel uncomfortable and encourage and open discussion as to movement breaks, tools and aids to help with nervous system regulation are openly welcomed and encouraged to create a relaxed supportive environment.
What clients say
Sue C
"It took me a long time to make the move towards counselling but I am now so glad I did it. I kept thinking to myself it will all pass and things will get better but they didn't. I know I will still get some off days but I will be able to cope better with them now. I'd like to thank Sally for getting me through and helping me to become me again"
Sharon H
"Sally is an understanding empathic listener. Her life experiences make her a very diverse therapist with a wealth of experience"
Beth H
"Sally's lived experience and understanding of neurodiversity and trauma is extensive. If you are looking for an understanding, empathic and direct therapist who gets in there and gets the work done then Sally is the therapist for you. Cannot recommend her highly enough".
My Credentials
I am a Trauma trained IARTT accredited Rewind practitioner (click button below), and hold an Advanced Practitioner Qualification NCPS (level 5 equivalent), CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, as well as Levels 2 and 3. As a member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), and The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) I adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards, ensuring that the care I provide is compassionate and confidential. I am committed to continuous professional development, allowing me to offer the best possible support to each of my clients on their mental health journey.
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Ready to take the first step?
Free Telephone Consultation
Finding the right therapist is important. I am able to offer a brief telephone discussion to help us get to know each other and determine if we’re a good fit. If however, you prefer to book an initial session face to face this will be what's classes as an assessment session.
Book Your Session
Once we’ve had our initial consultation, we can arrange suitability of session times that works for both of us. Whether you're looking for one off single support session or ongoing therapy, we can create a plan.
A Safe and Confidential Space
​I provide a safe, confidential, and supportive environment where you can speak freely, without fear of judgment. Whether we meet online or in person, my priority is making sure you feel heard and understood.