Welcome — I’m Sarah, a qualified and experienced Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor.

Based in Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, I offer in-person counselling for adults (18+) and clinical supervision for counsellors working with individual adult clients. For those across the UK, I also provide confidential online sessions via Zoom or telephone, allowing you to access support from the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Making the first step in seeking help can be a hard decision to make, especially if you have never had counselling before. This is why I have detailed as much information in my website as I can to give you an insight into counselling, who I am, how I work and how I can help you find emotional wellbeing.

First, there are many reasons why someone seeks counselling. Perhaps you are:

  • Stressed, anxious, feeling sad or depressed
  • Experiencing a loss, bereavement or trauma
  • Feeling angry all the time and struggling to manage your emotions in a healthy way
  • Having relationship difficulties
  • Trying to cope with family issues
  • Going through a personal crisis or life change
  • Caught in a cycle of overthinking that leaves you feeling overwhelmed
  • Wishing you felt more confident in yourself or your decisions
  • Feeling stuck and finding it difficult to gain clarity, motivation, or direction
  • Looking to gain a better understanding of yourself

It’s not always easy to talk to family or friends about your thoughts and feelings.  You may be worried about the affect of sharing these would have on them or they may be part of the problem. I can offer you a safe, non-judgmental, confidential space where you can say it how it really is and explore what is important to you.

About Me

I am an integrative counsellor, my core training being person-centred counselling and psychodynamic counselling. I also integrate cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques and elements of Transactional Analysis (please see ‘What types of therapy do you practice’ below for a description of these therapies). Working this way enables me to adapt the way I work to suit you, to ensure I am meeting your individual needs.

I undertook my own personal counselling as part of my training. I found it helped me overcome anxiety and grief that I had been holding on to and that had previously turned my world upside down. I was able to find more meaning and balance in my life. Having experienced counselling first-hand, I understand the sense of vulnerability and am very mindful of the need to feel safe enough to explore any difficulties you have in a non-judgmental and confidential environment.

I have experience of working  as a Counsellor and Psycho-educational Group Facilitator for an NHS Tier 3 weight management provider, where I received specialist training to work with obesity and patients with a high BMI, as well as an understanding of bariatric surgery. I have also worked for a residential rehabilitation programme offering counselling to those in recovery from drug and/or alcohol addiction, as well as volunteering as a Bereavement Counsellor for Cruse Bereavement Care.

I am an Accredited Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work within their Ethical Framework for Good Practice. Accreditation means that my “practice has been deemed to meet [the BACP’s] higher standard as a competent, ethical and independent practitioner”. In addition, I hold Accredited Professional Registrant status with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and adhere to their Code of Ethics. Fully insured and committed to best practice, I engage in regular clinical supervision and undertake ongoing professional development to enhance both knowledge and standards of care.

Training and Qualifications

BSc (Hons) in Psychology with Counselling, First-class Honours
Adv. Certificate in Clinical Supervision incl. Online and Telephone Working
CPCAB Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
Certificate in Couples Dynamics
CT Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling
TBC Certificate in Facilitating Psycho-Educational Groups
CPCAB Certificate in Understanding Substance Misuse
CPCAB Certificate in Counselling Studies
CPCAB Certificate in Counselling Skills
Ascentis Cruse Bereavement Awareness in Bereavement Care
UKATA Transactional Analysis 101
Accredited Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) – No.098208
Accredited Professional Registrant of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) – No.NCPS2502

Continuing Professional Development

Psychological Wellbeing Training – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cruse Bereavement Care – Sudden and Traumatic Death/Suicide
Kenward Trust – Drug and Alcohol Awareness
PODS – Relational Trauma/Disorganised Attachment/DID/Self-Harm
Dr Bessel van der Kolk’s Trauma Treatment Mastery Course
Janina Fisher – Healing Trauma
Mindbody Breakthrough – Generalised Anxiety/Panic Disorders
KCC – Safeguarding and Adult Protection Awareness
Christiane Sanderson – Shame/Internal Protectors and Saboteurs
Rosie Alexander – Let’s Talk About Sex
Professor Julia Buckroyd – Understanding Your Eating/Narcissism
Kent Psychotherapy Network – Learning Through Dreams
Kent Police – Connect 5 Ways to work with mental wellbeing
Counselling Tutor – Working with Personality Disorders/Inner Child

Counselling

Making the decision to engage in counselling can be a difficult one. The thought of sharing your private thoughts with a stranger can feel daunting. You may feel that you are “making a fuss about nothing” or fear that your problems may overwhelm anybody you choose to share them with. These feelings are natural.

Life can sometimes present us with challenges. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a difficult breakup, or unexpected changes like losing a job. These moments can shake us deeply. Maybe past experiences are affecting how we relate to others and face life’s hurdles. Sometimes we feel stuck, angry, or upset, but can’t pinpoint why.

Counselling can help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself: how you feel inside and how you interact with the world around you. It’s an opportunity to talk about what is troubling you, where you can let go, explore and feel safe in knowing that you are heard and understood.  Counselling is not about me telling you the answers, it’s about supporting and empowering you to find the answers and make positive changes in your life.

So where do I start? It is important to find the right counsellor for you – someone you can relate to, feel comfortable and safe talking to, trust and who understands you. So, I would like to invite you to a  FREE 20 minute introductory session, where we can begin to talk about what is bringing you to counselling, explore your expectations and any concerns you may have. If we feel that we can work with each other, we will then discuss how we are going to proceed.  There is no obligation to continue after this session.

Are sessions confidential?

As a professional counsellor, holding accreditation with both the BACP and NCPS, I offer a high standard of confidentiality. Confidentiality is a fundamental element within counselling in order to provide you with a safe and private space to talk. I will not give information to your doctor or anyone else without your permission. The only time I might break confidentiality is if there is a serious risk of harm to you or others, and in very rare cases where required by law.

How many sessions will I need?
It depends entirely on your situation, the difficulties you bring and your personal preference.  Counselling does not always offer an immediate solution to long standing and often, painful problems.  There is no upper limit to the number of sessions, you may continue for as long as you feel the sessions are of use to you.  We will review your progress together at regular intervals, usually after every 6 sessions, to help you with this.
How long is each session?
50 minutes
How often are sessions held?

Ideally, weekly or fortnightly (as agreed), at the same time and on the same weekday.  However, I do try to accommodate shift workers on a session by session basis where I can.

Will I need to agree to a contract?
In our initial session, we will discuss your expectations of counselling and I will also discuss my confidentiality, ethics, payment, holidays and cancellation policies with you. If we then decide to work together, this will ensure we can do so within safe and clear boundaries. This is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions if you are unsure of anything.
What types of therapy do you practice?

I am an integrative counsellor, having trained in both person-centred and psychodynamic counselling. I also use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques and elements of Transactional Analysis (TA), where appropriate:
Person-centred: A non-directive approach which believes in your ability to make the right choices and your potential to make the changes needed.

Psychodynamic: Looks at how early childhood experiences and unresolved conflicts may be influencing the present. 

CBT: Looks at how our thoughts affect our feelings and behaviour.

Transactional Analysis (TA): Helps to explain how we think, feel and behave in the way we do.

What if I don’t like it?
Sometimes counselling can be uncomfortable to start with, as there is no magic cure. Sometimes things can feel worse before they feel better but if you are prepared to examine your feelings, it may enable you to make more sense of the world around you.
Will you tell me how to solve my problems?
No, I will help you explore different ways of dealing with a situation, but the choice of whether or not you do anything about it is yours.
Will I have to talk about things I would prefer not to discuss?
No. I will encourage you to talk about many aspects of your life, and to express your feelings. Your wish not to discuss a particular matter will always be respected.
What should I do if I feel better and don’t want to see you again?
Discuss this with me and we will arrange an ‘ending’ session. You can choose to stop at any time you like. However for the therapeutic process to be most effective, it is best to give notice and to work towards an ending. This provides an opportunity to experience a positive ending and one that will help you end relationships well in the future.
What is supervision in counselling?

Working under supervision means that I use the
 services of another counsellor to review my work with 
clients and my professional development. Most professional bodies in the UK such as the British Association for Counselling
 and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) require supervision, but it is also seen by many as ethically necessary. Counselling supervision is considered important
 to protect clients and to improve the ability of counsellors to provide value to 
their clients.

What does supervision mean to confidentiality?
Client confidentiality is still safeguarded because individually identifying information such as full names is not given. Also my supervisor is covered by the 
same code of ethics with regard to confidentiality as myself.
Do you keep notes?

I am obliged to make some notes after sessions. These notes are brief, factual and kept in a secure place.

Continued Professional Development
I regularly undertake further learning in the form of workshops and seminars, with a view to maintaining continued professional development.
Who are the BACP and NCPS?
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) are professional bodies that regulate and support counsellors and psychotherapists in the UK. Both organisations are committed to ensuring that their members adhere to strict ethical codes of practice, maintain up-to-date knowledge through continued professional development, and work to high professional standards. They also serve to protect clients by promoting safe, ethical, and effective therapeutic practice, and by providing accountability through complaints and regulatory procedures.

Supervision

I hold an Advanced Certificate in Clinical Supervision including Online and Telephone Working, which is aligned with the supervision competencies established by the BACP, NCPS and ACTO.

What is my therapeutic approach and experience?
I am an integrative counsellor with over 12 years’ experience, 10 year’s in private practice, working mainly long term with clients aged 18+. My theoretical approach is person-centred at its core. However, I have been trained in and draw upon both psychodynamic and CBT modalities. Outside of private practice, I have worked as a consultant counsellor for an NHS provider delivering short-term CBT based therapies via psychoeducational groups and individual counselling, both face-to-face and online, as well as undertaking psychological assessments. I have also volunteered for both a national bereavement charity and a residential rehabilitation centre for drug and alcohol misuse, counselling both face-to-face and in group settings.

What supervision model do I use and what can I offer you?
I use the Seven-Eyed Supervision Model developed by Hawkins and Shohet (1985), which enhances clinical practice by exploring your client’s experience, reflecting on your interventions, and examining the therapeutic relationship. It encourages self-reflection and personal development, while considering the supervision relationship and wider cultural, social, and environmental contexts. The model aims to deepen self-awareness, improve practice, and provide supportive supervision for professional growth.  I can offer you:

  • A Warm, Supportive Environment: My goal is to create a safe space where you can explore your feelings, doubts, and challenges without judgment. Whether you’re facing a tough client presentation, experiencing difficult emotions in your work, or simply need a sounding board, I’m here for you.
  • Personalised Feedback: I’ll provide constructive, compassionate feedback on your work, helping you refine your skills, build confidence, and find your own voice as a counsellor.
  • Reflective Practice: You’ll have time to reflect on what’s going well in your work and where you might need to adjust. Reflection is key to developing a deeper understanding of both your clients and yourself.
  • A Focus on Your Growth: This isn’t just about the clients you’re seeing; it’s about you as a counsellor. We’ll look at how you’re growing and how you can continue to build your skills, knowledge, and emotional resilience.

Fees:
Sessions are either 60 or 90 minutes (However, if preferred, 90 minutes can be split into 2 x 45 minute sessions per calendar month)

Qualified Counsellors £60/£90
Trainee Counsellors £40/£60

Please email me at sarahpearcecounselling@hotmail.com if you are interested in supervision and we can arrange a no obligation introductory meeting either face-to-face, via Zoom or telephone, whichever you choose.

Counselling Fees

Free 20 minute Introductory Session

Thereafter, Fees per 50 minute Counselling Session for Individuals (18+): £60

Payment:
Fees are per session and are payable via bank transfer 24 hours in advance.

Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Thursday from 10am until 8pm, last session at 7pm each day.

Length and Frequency of Sessions:
50 minute sessions usually held on a weekly or fortnightly basis.

Arriving for Sessions:
I do not have a waiting room, so please could you arrive at your appointment time. Sessions will start on time and so if you are late for a session, the session will still end at the normal time.

Contact Me

If you would like more information or wish to enquire about counselling sessions, please text or email. me:

t: 07895 044714
e: sarahpearcecounselling@hotmail.com

If I am with a client, I am unable to answer the telephone, so texting or e-mailing is the quickest way to receive a reply.
However, if you do call, please leave a message and I will aim to get back to you within 24 hrs (Mon-Fri). I will not return missed calls, i.e. where no message has been left.

My counselling practice is based in Suite 7, 30 Churchill Square, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4YU.
The room is on the ground floor and there is ample free parking.