Hi, I'm Sarah Oakley

I came to counselling through both training and lived experience.

Several years ago, my life changed abruptly when serious illness affected those closest to me.

I found myself stepping into a caring role I had never imagined, navigating uncertainty, responsibility, exhaustion and grief while trying to remain steady.

From the outside, I coped.

Inside, my world had changed.That experience reshaped how I understand strength, identity and emotional resilience. It taught me that being capable does not protect us from feeling overwhelmed, particularly when life asks more of us than we ever expected to give.

It also deepened my understanding of what it means to keep going when others are depending on you.

How I Work

A space built around you.

I offer thoughtful, compassionate counselling for people navigating periods of pressure, change or uncertainty.

Our work is personal and collaborative, shaped around your circumstances, your pace and what matters to you.

Some people arrive because life has become difficult to manage. Others come because something quieter no longer feels sustainable.

My role is to listen carefully, offer perspective when useful, and create a space where you can explore what may be difficult to say elsewhere. So that, over time, you can understand yourself more deeply, feel more grounded and confident, and create a life that feels more fulfilling, balanced and truly your own.

My Approach

Thoughtful, integrative and grounded in you.

My work is informed by evidence-based psychology and integrative counselling, drawing on different therapeutic approaches according to what each person needs.

Where helpful, I may also introduce mindfulness, meditation and reflective practices to support greater steadiness and awareness in everyday life.

I am also open to exploring themes of faith or spirituality, always guided by your own values and beliefs.

Training & Professional Practice

My practice is grounded in formal training in integrative counselling, psychotherapy, psychological coaching and stress management.

I work under professional supervision and continue to develop my practice through ongoing training and professional development.

Alongside my clinical training, I have longstanding experience in meditation and embodied practice, including advanced training in Yoga Nidra.

This informs my understanding of resilience, emotional regulation and the effects of sustained pressure.

A Private Space to Begin

You don't need to have everything figured out before reaching out.

A first conversation is simply an opportunity to talk, ask questions and see whether working together feels right.

Arrange a Private Conversation