Sarah James

Counsellor & Psychotherapist
Talking therapy for adults and young people

Talking Therapy 
Life is too short to be stuck in an unhappy place. There are always choices and ways forward to be discovered. I have spent my professional life helping people to find ways to thrive and be the best version of themselves. There is support available for you too. 
About me
I am a counsellor and a psychotherapist, which means I am equipped to draw on a wide range of theories to deliver a quality talking therapy experience. Accredited by the British Association of Counsellors & Psychotherapists (BACP) I adhere to their ethical framework. I have been a working in this profession for over 13 years and everything I have learnt along the way I bring to what I do now. Helping people is at the heart of my work, motivating me to deliver an effective and compassionate service. Many years as clinical lead for a large team of therapists in the charity sector has broadened my expertise and enriched my practice with collaborative learning and creativity. I continue to be endlessly curious about life, what makes people tick and the unique ways in which individuals overcome adversity. 

Talking therapy can help with....


  • Anxiety, stress, panic
  • Low mood, depression, lack of motivation
  • Low self-esteem, low confidence
  • Coping with life circumstance changes
  • Moving on from traumatic events
  • Relationships
  • Bereavement, loss, grief
  • School/work anxiety, pressure, perfectionism, overwhelm

Some people arrive feeling overwhelmed, having tried everything they can think of. Others use the sessions as a creative space to explore thoughts and emotions. Some people come because they find themselves unable to let go of past experience. I am wondering what brings you here?... Shall we explore it together?


F.A.Q

Do you provide a free initial telephone session ?

Yes. I offer a free 20 minute introduction phone call, booked at a mutually convenient time.  I have years of experience of talking to potential clients to see if their needs are a good match for counselling, so I am happy for you to contact me to start this conversation. If I am not the right therapist for you perhaps we could think together about alternatives.

What are your qualifications?

PG (dip) Counselling & Psychotherapy - York St John University 2012
Certificate in Adolescent Counselling - Mcr Institute for Psychotherapy
Diploma in Clinical Supervision - CPCAB L5 
Registered and Accredited member of the British Association of Counsellors & Psychotherapists (BACP)

Do you do CBT?

I am not a CBT practitioner. However I am trained as an integrative therapist which means I integrate useful elements of CBT and other modalities into my practice. The base of my training was in the humanistic person centred approach, which means I trust that you will start our conversations based on what is most important to you, then I use my skill to guide our exploration.  

Tell me more about clinical supervision?

I work with Leeds & York Universities to provide supervision to their trainee counsellors. I enjoy this work as it keeps me up to date with latest thinking, training and research. I also offer supervision to qualified practitioners. I meet with supervisees in person and online Monday to Thursday. 

Tell me more about therapy for young people..

I have worked 1:1 with young people age 12+ for over a decade. I have been a school counsellor, supporting staff and students, and worked with young people at risk of harming themselves. Young people often tell me that they like talking to someone outside their situation, someone trained to listen and provide help. Talking doesn't make problems go away, but through understanding themselves better and putting words to their experiences I have seen young people find a more hopeful way forward. 

What people say....

I've had feedback from 100's of counselling clients, their comments have been interesting and might be useful to you. 'I always felt welcome and listed to.'  'These sessions helped me to ...'understand myself and my patterns of behavior.' 'develop new ways of thinking.' 'develop healthier coping strategies.' 'feel more confident.' 'look after myself better.' 'improve my relationship with myself and with others.' 

Services

Counselling/Psychotherapy for young people age 12+

Young people can struggle to cope with overwhelming emotions and circumstances leading to unhappy coping mechanisms that negatively impact them and the whole family. Talking therapy can really help. A young person might want to be accompanied by a parent to their first appointment, after that the sessions are just for them.

Counselling/Psychotherapy

Your choice of in person sessions in comfortable surroundings within Wetherby, West Yorkshire, or remotely by video / telephone call.

Supervision

Professional Clinical Supervision for student and qualified Counsellors & Psychotherapists. Sessions are usually monthly for 1.5 hours.

Contact / fees

  • Wetherby, England, United Kingdom

In person appointments available in Wetherby, West Yorkshire: Wednesday afternoon/evening and Saturday morning. Online appointments available to UK residents at other times. Sessions last for 50 minutes, and are £60 each.