Encompass

About Sandra

Hello, I'm Sandra. I am a qualified Integrative, Humanistic Counsellor and a Member of the British Association of Counsellors and Practitioners. I have recognition as a registered Child and Young Person's Counsellor and have accredited status with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society. I have also trained as a Family Counsellor at the Institute for Family Therapy in London. My private counselling is based at Unit 12 in Winchester, Hampshire, where I work alongside a group of other qualified counsellors. My aim is to enable growth and understanding in a warm, supportive environment by encouraging a deeply trusting relationship between the client and myself.

As well as having experience in private practice, I have counselling experience of working for organisations which support adults. I also have experience of working as a counsellor for charities, schools and colleges, providing counselling for young people from the ages of 6 - 25. I currently work for the organisation 'Off The Record' based in Havant, for whom I provide professional counselling for children, young people and also for families.

Before my career in counselling, I gained a PGCE and had experience of teaching adults, as well as many years of experience in teaching children and young people in both Primary and Secondary schools. Within counselling I enjoy enabling others to understand themselves better and I am therefore happy to work with an integrative, creative and flexible approach.

My approach to Counselling

I am an integrative counsellor and my counselling style is heavily influenced by Person-Centred values, encompassing a deeply empathic, genuine and non-judgemental connection with clients. By beginning to understand and value personal thoughts and self concepts, clients develop a positive sense of being. Clients become increasingly able to gain a greater sense of clarity in their lives and can move forward with more freedom in their thoughts.

Family Counselling

In addition to my counselling training, I have also completed a course of study at The Institute of Family Therapy in London and have developed wide ranging knowledge and experience of working with families (or groups from within a family) who wish to attend sessions together for group counselling. These sessions are more systemic in approach, allowing the exploration of structure and relationships, in order to strengthen family bonds.

Counselling for Children and Young People

Children and Young People can face an enormously wide range of challenges in today's world. As a specialist CYP counsellor I have a wealth of training and experience which enables me to interact in a very flexible and age-appropriate way, guided by clients themselves. Younger clients, as well as young clients with learning difficulties, often choose to use art, sand tray, music and other creative methods to express their emotions, where other young people respond well to simply being heard and understood in a fully non-judgemental and supportive environment.

Counselling for Adults

Grief, Depression and Anxiety are some of the most common and uncomfortable emotions that we can experience. Through Counselling, I aim to help you to recover your perspective and motivation.

Trauma can often lead to anxiety, fear and feelings of hopelessness. I can help you through the process of healing.

Connections. Counselling can be beneficial to people who are looking to strengthen their emotional connections, in all stages and types of relationships.

Differing Needs. Sandra is experienced in working with people with disabilities. She has had wide ranging experience of working with both adults (as well as children) who have learning disabilities, autism and varying types of neurodivergence.

Counselling for Families

Family Counselling requires a more systemic and solution foccused approach. My training at the Institute of Family Therapy in London has prepared me to work with entire families as well as with specific groupings within a family unit or blended family.

Family counselling works best in face to face work, where a carefully structured approach can be tailored to the unique needs of each family. This work includes a carefully considered focus on each individual and the interactions and reactions that are created within the family unit.

An Ethical and Professional Service

As a member of the British Association of Counselling I work in line with the Ethical Code of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. Personal information is therefore handled within the strict rules of confidentiality and set within BACP boundaries. Non-judgemental values are a key part of my counselling with all aspects of the Equality Act of 2010, particularly in embracing diversity and disability, being incorporated as an integral strength in my work. I am fully DBS checked with up-to-date certification.

Your Choice: Face to Face, Online or Telephone Counselling

Face to face sessions are available in a secure and private environments in Winchester. I prefer to work face to face with young people, although for clients over 18 who would prefer online counselling, sessions are available on Zoom. Online counselling has been a popular option for clients in recent times, particularly when Coronavirus has led to self-isolating. Telephone counselling is also available if clients wish to choose this option.