Sara Paolini

My availability is flexible, please enquire. My office hours are 5pm till 9pm during the week and 9am till 5pm at weekends. 

I am an MBACP-registered counsellor and psychotherapist with a Postgraduate Diploma in Transactional Analysis counselling and psychotherapy. My experience includes private practice, voluntary counselling services, and third-sector work, supporting adults with a wide range of emotional, relational and psychological difficulties.

At the heart of my work is the belief that meaningful change happens within a safe, authentic therapeutic relationship. I work in a warm, collaborative and down-to-earth way, offering both compassion and honest reflection as we explore whatever may be bringing you to therapy.

My practice is integrative, grounded in Transactional Analysis and informed by approaches such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, compassion-focused work, and other evidence-based therapeutic ideas when helpful. This allows our work to be tailored to your individual needs, whether you are looking for deeper self-understanding, support through a difficult period, practical ways of managing overwhelming emotions, or help making sense of patterns in relationships.

I work with adults experiencing anxiety, low mood, trauma, emotional overwhelm, self-criticism, relationship difficulties, life transitions, identity questions, and the impact of past experiences on present-day life.

Therapy with me can be short-term and focused, or longer-term and open-ended, depending on what feels right for you.

Whatever brings you here, you are welcome.

Not just the parts of you that seem put-together, coping, or easy to talk about, but also the uncertain parts, the overwhelmed parts, the angry, ashamed, grieving, confused, hopeful, messy, guarded, tired parts, too. I believe therapy is a space where the whole of you is welcome, safe, and met with curiosity, compassion and respect.

I have a genuine interest in meeting you as you are, and in understanding how your unique story has brought you to this point in your life. My aim is to offer a warm, relaxed and non-judgemental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, relationships and experiences at your own pace, without pressure to be anything other than yourself.

Whether you are going through a difficult time, feeling stuck, struggling to make sense of things, questioning old patterns, searching for meaning, or simply needing a space where you can be heard, therapy can offer room to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. It would be a privilege to walk alongside you in that process.

My way of working is collaborative and tailored to you. Some sessions may involve deeper exploration and reflection, while others may be more practical, focused, or gently challenging. Together, we can find an approach that feels supportive, honest, and meaningful for where you are right now.

I offer therapy both online and face-to-face, with the option of walk-and-talk sessions where appropriate.

Reaching out for therapy can feel like a big step, and you do not need to have everything figured out before making contact.

I offer a free 20-minute phone or video consultation, giving us an opportunity to briefly connect, talk about what is bringing you to therapy, and explore whether working together feels like a good fit. There is no obligation to continue after this conversation.

If we decide to arrange a first session, this will be a space for us to begin getting to know one another more fully. We can explore what has brought you here, what feels important in your life right now, and what you may be hoping for from therapy, whether that feels clear or is still taking shape.

I may ask some gentle questions about your background, current circumstances, relationships, supports and wellbeing, so I can begin to understand your world more fully and ensure I can work with you safely and ethically.

Just as importantly, this is also an opportunity for you to get a sense of me, how I work, and whether the space feels right for you. Finding the right therapeutic relationship matters.

Afterwards, if we decide to continue working together, we can think collaboratively about what support might feel most helpful, and at a pace that feels manageable for you.

Reduced-rate sessions (£45) may be available for students or those on a lower income, where possible and at my discretion.