Sarah Clarke
Graduate Diploma of Counselling and Integrated Psychotherapy (Spiritual)
Hi, I’m Sarah a counsellor with a particular focus on anxiety and church hurt.
I understand that reaching out for counselling can feel difficult, especially when you are already overwhelmed, anxious or unsure where to begin. You do not need to arrive with the right words or have everything figured out. My role is to meet you where you are and create a space where you can slow down, feel heard and begin making sense of what has been happening beneath the surface.
I support people experiencing anxiety, grief and loss, emotional overwhelm, low self-esteem, difficult family dynamics and church hurt. Sometimes you may know exactly what you want help with. At other times, you may simply know that something does not feel right. We can begin there.
My approach is warm, collaborative and person-centred. This means counselling is shaped around you - your experiences, values, needs and goals - rather than following a one size fits all formula.
Together, we will explore the thoughts, emotions and patterns that are keeping you feeling stuck. We can look at how past experiences and family relationships have shaped the way you respond to situations today, while also developing practical tools to help you manage what is happening in the present.
I draw particularly from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), helping you understand your inner experiences, respond differently to difficult thoughts and emotions, and take meaningful steps towards the life you want to live. I also integrate approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy and Family Systems work.
Counselling with me is more than simply talking about what has happened. It is a supported process of building insight, developing practical strategies and creating meaningful change. We will identify what matters most to you, establish goals together and work towards them at a pace that feels manageable.
how I work
therapy that respects your values and beliefs
For some people, faith and spirituality are an important part of how they understand themselves, their relationships and the challenges they are facing.
I offer a space where your beliefs can be thoughtfully included in counselling when this is important to you. This may involve exploring questions of faith, identity, purpose, church experiences or spiritual wellbeing.
You do not need to be a Christian or hold any particular beliefs to attend Willow Wellness. Clients from all backgrounds are welcomed and respected, and faith will only be included in your sessions if you would like it to be.
you don’t have to work it all out alone
Whether you have been struggling for some time or something has recently brought you to counselling, you are welcome to begin exactly where you are.
Your first session gives us time to explore what has brought you to counselling, understand how it has been affecting you and identify what you would like to be different.