Sarah Portwine

I currently have availability for new clients, I work Monday to Friday offering in person, online or telephone sessions. I can offer morning, afternoon or evening sessions. 

Choosing to engage in counselling or psychotherapy can be a daunting prospect, my aim is to make you feel at ease by using a non-judgmental and empathetic approach in a safe and confidential space. For in person clients, my comfortable therapy room is in a quiet and discrete location on the Isle of Wight. I also provide online or phone sessions for clients throughout the UK. Counselling and psychotherapy sessions are available Monday to Friday throughout the day and early evening. I have several years experience working with adults and young people (aged 13+) in the charitable sector and in private practice.

It's OK to ask for help - it's not weakness, it takes courage to reach out to someone for help. Your problems are not silly or unimportant and you are not wasting anyone's time - your distress is valid. We all struggle at times with all sorts of issues and you deserve to be heard and supported no matter what the issues are. 

Qualifications and training

BA (Hons) in Person-Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy - Middlesex University (BACP Accredited Degree)

Diploma of Higher Education (Open) including Understanding Counselling and Psychotherapy: exploring fear and sadness, Death and dying, Challenging ideas in mental health, Investigating Psychology and Science of the mind - Open University 

Certified Cyber Therapist - Online Therapy Institute

Pink Therapy Training CPD courses including Diverse Sexualities, Practices & Lifestyles and Essentials in GSRD Therapy 

I specialise in gender, sexuality and relationship diversity (GSRD) and have several years experience working with GSRD clients. I have a comprehensive understanding of diverse practices and identities. I am BDSM/Kink knowledgeable and work with awareness of the dynamics of diverse relationships. I am wholeheartedly committed to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and empowering GSRD clients to be their authentic selves through non-judgmental, affirming and client led counselling and psychotherapy. 

How can counselling and psychotherapy help you? 

Counselling and psychotherapy can facilitate genuine changes in your life in many different ways including:

• Your relationship with yourself and others can improve.
• You can develop greater understanding of yourself and what you need and want from life.
• You can safely explore and process emotional distress, experiences and issues that affect your life.
• You can develop personal insights that lead to improved well-being.

My qualifications and training are predominantly in person-centred psychotherapy but I have additional training in several therapy modalities including GSRD therapy, mindfulness approaches, and CBT. I describe myself as an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist, adapting my approach based on the needs of the client. I do not believe in a ‘one size fits all’ approach to therapy. I have worked with a diverse range of clients and recognise the needs of each client are unique. Counselling and psychotherapy are a collaborative endeavour. You may have one issue you wish to explore or there may be several things you wish to bring to therapy. I have experience supporting clients with a range of issues including abuse, anxiety, depression, identity, sexuality, trauma, gender, relationship problems, stress, low self-confidence, and bereavement.

From my own experience, I know how difficult it can be finding a GSRD affirmative therapist. Sadly, GSRD clients have often felt invalidated or ‘missed’ by therapists, or sometimes they are left feeling pathologized by therapists who tried to ‘cure’ them. My practice embraces and celebrates diversity. I believe that receiving acceptance and understanding from another can help to combat shame and distress, leading us to develop self-acceptance and the ability to overcome our issues. I am passionate about supporting and improving the wellbeing of the LGBTQIA+ community. I identify as a bisexual cis-woman and know how important community can be for supporting GSRD/LGBTQIA+ folk. 

Before our first session, I offer an optional free phone consultation, around 30 minutes, which will give us time to talk about what has brought you to therapy and answer any questions you may have. You might have something specific you wish to work on, or it may be more abstract. It's also OK if you do not have any goal in mind or don't know what you would like to achieve. We will focus on whatever feels helpful for you. I will be alongside you to listen, reflect, empathise and gently question, working as a facilitator to safely explore emotional distress, experiences and issues that are impacting your life.