Sarah Anderson, NCPS

Sarah uses client-centred work to keep sessions focused on what matters to each person. This means the counsellor listens closely and follows the client’s lead, helping them explore feelings and priorities at their own pace.

She also uses mindfulness techniques to help with stress and grounding. These are simple breathing and attention exercises you can practise during a session and at home to reduce anxiety and improve sleep. Motivational interviewing is another tool she draws on to support behaviour change, for example when someone wants to cut down on drinking or build healthier routines; it focuses on small, achievable steps and the client’s own reasons for change.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work together. Sarah will talk through options with each person and shape sessions to match their goals, needs and preferences. That collaborative process helps decide what to try and when to change direction.

Online formats make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives. Video calls are close to face-to-face and work well for longer conversations. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and suit days when being on camera is difficult. Live chat and text messaging are useful for short check-ins, ongoing support or if typing feels more comfortable. These options give flexibility to use the style and timing that work best for the individual.