Sarah Grosso

We can meet online (via Doxy or Teams) or in person in central Montpellier, France.

I offer an integrative, humanistic, person-centred approach, tailored to you rather than a fixed method. My role is to provide a safe, warm space in which to explore what's troubling you, at your own pace.

Many of us carry the imprint of past experiences, including trauma, that shape how we cope today. Together, we can gently explore these influences and, where they no longer serve you, work towards new ways of responding, always following your rhythm, never forcing the pace.

I believe you hold an inherent wisdom about your own feelings. Much of my work is embodied: I help you tune into your body and nervous system as part of the healing process, and I work as a qualified Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner (SEP).

Self-compassion runs through my practice. Shame and self-criticism often deepen our suffering, and I support clients in building the kindness towards themselves that underpins real resilience and growth.

Couple therapy

For couples, I draw on the Gottman Method, a compassionate, evidence-based approach to strengthening communication and emotional connection. I create a safe space to explore difficulties and work towards a more fulfilling, harmonious relationship. All couples are welcome, whatever your sexual orientation, relationship status, or cultural, religious, racial or ethnic background. I work in English and French, so each partner can express themselves in the language that feels most natural to them.

Background

I'm a registered member of the BACP, hold an MA in Counselling and a PhD in Anthropology, and am a qualified Somatic Experiencing®  Practitioner (SEP). I'm a Professional Member of the American Counseling Association and an individual member of the Swiss Counselling Association, entitled to use the title "Counsellor SGfB". A native Brit married to a Frenchman, I have lived, worked and travelled across France, Switzerland, Germany, Argentina and Tunisia. I work bilingually in English and French.

Living abroad can be an exciting adventure. It can also bring real challenges: stress, anxiety, relationship strain, or the resurfacing of earlier trauma. For couples, building a life together in a new country can be thrilling, and sometimes overwhelming.

For individuals, counselling offers effective support in navigating life's difficulties and our responses to traumatic events. It can relieve distress, build coping skills and resilience, and support you in flourishing as a whole, healthy person.

I combine talk therapy with body-based techniques to help you feel calmer, stronger and more at home in yourself, wherever you are in the world. At the heart of my work is the creation of a warm, accepting and supportive therapeutic relationship, the foundation from which real change becomes possible.

In couples therapy, I use the Gottman Method, a research-based approach that offers practical tools for better communication, deeper understanding and lasting connection.

As an anthropologist, I also bring a particular insight into how culture and identity shape our relationships, both with others and with ourselves. This can be especially valuable if you're navigating life between cultures, languages or countries.

What to expect

Our first session is a chance to get to know each other and explore what's brought you here, with no pressure to have it all figured out. From there, we work together at your pace, drawing on the approaches that best suit you, whether that's gentle somatic work, talking things through, or both. Sessions are available in English and French, online or in person in Montpellier.

I offer a free initial video call, so you can get to know me and we can decide together whether we're a good fit, before committing to further sessions.

For individuals, the first session is an opportunity for us to start getting to know each other. I'll explore your needs with you, and together we'll identify some initial goals for therapy as we begin building our therapeutic relationship.

For couples, the first three sessions involve a deeper assessment of your relationship. We'll explore both its strengths and its challenges together. I'll ask about the history of your relationship as well as what's bringing you to therapy now, before spending time with each of you individually to understand your personal history and concerns. You'll also complete a detailed online questionnaire based on the evidence-based Gottman Method. Together, these help us set clear goals and build a firm foundation for our work.