Sara Rey

The therapeutic relationship is at the heart of Sara’s approach, and she sees it as central to the process of change and healing. Her sessions therefore prioritise creating a safe, non-judgemental space in which this can happen. As an integrative practitioner, she is able to draw on a wide range of theoretical perspectives to inform her work, including attachment theory, psychoanalytic theory, neuroscience, and body work. Sara uses the arts (including traditional art materials but also mediums such as the sandtray, puppets and drama) to support the exploration of feelings that can often be difficult to put into words. She is a trauma-informed practitioner and works mindfully with the body to support those who have experienced trauma to process their experiences so that they can learn to feel safe in their bodies again.

Sara has worked with children and families in many different capacities over the past fourteen years. She decided to train as a therapist after working as a play specialist at Great Ormond Street Hospital and witnessing the deep impact that play and art had on the children's ability to explore the psychological and somatic impact of their illnesses. Sara previously worked as a School Project Manager for the mental health charity Place2Be, where her work included providing one-to-one therapy work; group work; class workshops and training; reflective sessions for staff and management and support for trainee therapists on placement. A great deal of her work there involved providing support for anxiety, low self-esteem, and self-harm. As a result, she is experienced in understanding and working with the difficulties and disturbances of adolescence that can contribute to such struggles.

Sara also works in two other settings: Grief Encounter, where she provides therapeutic support for children, young people and families who are managing bereavement, and a cancer charity where she provides therapy for young people and their families dealing with the psychological impact of having a close relative with cancer.