Sarah Portwine

Choosing to engage in counselling or psychotherapy 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 and discrete location on the Isle of Wight. I also provide online or phone sessions for clients throughout the UK. Counselling and psychotherapy sessions are available Monday to Friday throughout the day and early evening.  

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

From my own experience, I know how difficult it can be finding a GSRD affirmative therapist. My practice embraces and celebrates diversity. I believe that receiving acceptance and understanding from another can help to combat shame and distress, leading us to develop self-acceptance and the ability to overcome our issues.  I am passionate about supporting and improving the wellbeing of the LGBTQIA+ community, which is why I chose to specialise in gender, sexuality and relationship diversity. I identify as a bisexual cis-woman and know how important community can be for supporting GSRD/LGBTQIA+ folk.

I offer a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore your identity and experiences. Sadly, GSRD clients have often felt invalidated or ‘missed’ by therapists, or sometimes they are left feeling pathologized by therapists who tried to ‘cure’ them. In a culture that promotes heteronormative, cisgender and monogamous ways of being I passionately believe in supporting and empowering gender, sexuality, and relationship diverse people.

Gender, sexuality and relationships are relevant to everyone but this may not necessarily be the focus of counselling/psychotherapy 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 oppression. Being part of a marginalised group can result in issues around victimisation and bullying, isolation, trauma and hypervigilance, shame, substance misuse and body image. I offer an accepting and affirming environment for you to safely explore whatever issues you wish to work on.