Sarah Portwine

I have had the privilege of working with clients for over 6 years and in that time I have supported clients with a range of issues including abuse, anxiety, depression, identity, sexuality, trauma, gender, relationship problems, stress, low self-confidence and bereavement; helping them to develop self-acceptance and the ability to overcome their issues. 

It's OK to ask for help, it is not weakness, it takes courage to reach out 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. 

How can therapy help you?

Counselling and psychotherapy can facilitate 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

Gender, sexuality and relationships are relevant to everyone but this may not necessarily be the focus of therapy unless it is something you wish to explore. You may have specific issues you wish to work on such as navigating life in a heteronormative society, family alienation or internalised oppresion. Being part of a marginalised group can result in issues including victimisation and bullying, isolation and loneliness, trauma and hypervigilance, shame, substance misuse and minority stress. I offer an accepting and supportive environment for you to safely explore whatever issues you wish to work on. 

Choosing to engage in therapy 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 location on the Isle of Wight. I also provide online and phone sessions for clients throughout the UK. Counselling and psychotherapy sessions are available Monday to Friday throughout the day and early evening. A free (optional) initial phone or online consultation is available 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 a goal in  mind or don't know what you would like to achieve. We will focus on whatever feels helpful for you.