Sara Cookland Therapy

Hi, I’m Sara, a psychotherapist, based in Leeds. I am currently taking on clients for online work. I predominantly have availability on Tuesdays.

I have over a decade's experience supporting people with their mental health in multiple settings. I have worked as a therapist in Universities, sexual violence charities and within bereavement services. 

You may be visiting my page as you are wondering about starting therapy yourself, or perhaps supporting someone close to you. It might be useful to know how I can help? 

In my experience, therapy is a unique space to better understand yourself, or work through a challenge you’re finding difficult to manage alone. Having an opportunity to discuss your feelings and experiences in a confidential space, can help you make sense of life.

Each week, dedicating time for yourself in a warm, empathic and non judgemental environment, can enable you to feel heard and understood. In time, this can help you feel confident about working towards a goal, or think about how you can tackle experiences in the future. 

Sexual Violence and Discrimination

I am passionate about supporting people who have experienced sexual violence or discrimination of any kind. I use principles of trust, respect and feminism within my work to create an environment that hopes to empower clients.

I worked as a helpline volunteer, taking calls from women and girls who have experienced rape or sexual violence. I have also worked as a volunteer counsellor in a rape crisis organisation, delivering long term trauma informed therapy to victim-survivors. In my organisational work, for several years I have facilitated a peer support group for staff working with disclosures of sexual violence, and I offer specialist therapy to clients who have experienced sexual violence, discrimination or harassment of any kind.

Disability and Neurodiversity

I am keenly committed to upholding an anti-ableist approach in my therapy. This commitment is informed by my work within the disability and neurodiversity landscape. These roles involved delivering training, adapting University curriculum, and working 1:1 with disabled people with mental health difficulties. I have also facilitated social groups for autistic University students, and worked with large numbers of clients who are curious about exploring neurodiversity in adulthood.

I have received training from The ADHD Foundation, the National Association of Disability Practitioners and The National Autistic Society. I have also received training from BEAT Eating Disorders, relating to ARFID and eating behaviour which can be impacted by neurodiversity.

I am deeply interested in creating an inclusive environment for clients and I aim to do this by working with each client on an individual basis, exploring what their needs are in the therapeutic space, and understanding how we can adapt our sessions.

LGBTQ+ 

My practice is queer and trans welcoming. I have extensive experience working with LGBTQ+ people and have undertaken a number of training opportunities to extend my knowledge in this area. I am dedicated to working with clients from diverse backgrounds, relationships and those questioning their identity.