Sonja Saaiman

I have availability for new clients and will get back to you as soon as possible. Kindly use email if possible as I am not always able to answer the phone. I have young children and often do not work during half- term and some of the longer holiday periods. 

You don't have to keep pretending you're fine.

Hello, and welcome. I'm glad you're here.

Perhaps you've been holding things together for a long time, putting others first or feeling overwhelmed by things you can't quite put into words. Maybe you're struggling with anxiety, low mood or experiences from the past that continue to affect you. Or perhaps you simply don't feel like yourself.

Whatever brings you here, you don't have to wait until things feel unbearable to seek support.

I'm a person-centred counsellor offering a warm, relaxed and non-judgemental space where you can be yourself, take off the *“I'm fine”* mask and talk openly about what's going on.

I understand that opening up can feel daunting, especially if you're used to managing things alone. You don't need to know where to start or have everything figured out. We'll work together at a pace that feels right for you, exploring your experiences, making sense of what's difficult and finding a way forward that feels right for you.

I'm trauma-informed and comfortable sitting alongside the difficult parts of life. You don't have to minimise what you're feeling or compare your struggles with anyone else's. **What you're experiencing matters, and you deserve to be heard.**

If you're ready to give yourself the space you've been needing, I'd welcome the opportunity to work alongside you.

I have experience working with vulnerable adults from different backgrounds, cultures and sexual orientations. It is important to me that you feel accepted for who you are without judgement and prejudice. I have experience working with a range of issues, such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship and family issues. I have found inner-child therapy to be a powerful resource for clients dealing with attachment and trauma difficulties.

I hold an Advanced Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy. I offer integrated Person-Centred counselling. I am also an MBACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) registered member which means I adhere to their Codes of Ethics ensuring safe and professional practice.

 I am also in the process of qualifying as a child and adolescent counsellor. 

I offer a no-obligation, free 20-minute session phone call to discuss what is bringing you to counselling and to see if I am the right therapist for you. 

In our first session we will discuss the working agreement briefly and then work at your pace with what you feel safe to start unpacking. There is no right or wrong way to be in therapy. You do not have to be 'put together' here. Therapy is a place for you to just be as you are.