Sarah Finegan

At times living can be painful, complex, confusing and too much for one person to process. People usually begin counselling with me because they have become somewhat swamped with navigating their struggles alone.  If you feel stuck, anxious or out of control you might find yourself wondering “Am I going mad?” or thinking that nobody might understand.  This can be a frightening place to be in. I would like to come alongside you and understand life as you are experiencing it.  As you begin to let me know, I will gain a sense of the changes you want and the capacities and limits that you have to make them. You might know these already or we might make some discoveries together. 

My approach 

I trained to become a person-centred therapist after spending a substantial part of my life as a youth worker and community development worker.  I wanted something more stripped-back where I would be able to meaningfully support individuals, free from systems and structures and where my abilities to create trusting connections are of intrinsic value. 

A key principle of the Person-centred Approach is that every person has the inner resources and potential to change, grow and choose ways of being in the world that are more personally meaningful and satisfying. I will work together with you, bringing my knowledge and skills to help you find new ways of being in your world and in yourself.  We will go at your pace, co-creating a relationship where you feel more able to be as you really are. 

I like to think about the counselling relationship as two body-mind systems working together to understand, support and resource you as a person to manage with more ease and to flourish.  The relationship can become a place of strength, relief, rest and challenge. I have a straightforward, warm and relaxed manner and will bring my humour and humanness to our work together. 

About me 

I often find myself stripping life back to something essential and personally sustaining.  I seek out time alone in remote landscapes (the more desolate the better). My second language is music and I like immersing myself in sound.  As well as working, I am usually supporting my boys as they manage the ups and downs of childhood, feeding them(!) or drinking coffee. Life seems to have much more administration, maintenance and cleaning than I would design it to have.  I appreciate the sacred quality of conversations and friendships that meander the depths, heights, questions and absurdities of being human together.  

Location 

My private practice is based in West Lothian.  I work from a quiet and comfortable room at the front of my home accessed by the main door. There are 3 steps.  If you have restricted mobility please discuss this with me directly so we can assess how it is in practice for you.  I also have access to a room in a local counselling center if you use a wheelchair.

I also work part-time as a group facilitator and I have a Group Facilitation and Training Certificate from Persona Development and Training.

I have worked in counselling agencies, charities and private practice with clients and group participants exploring their experience of anxiety, depression, bereavement, trauma, relationships, fertility, stress, abuse, eating distress, loss of meaning, loss of ability and illness.     I am interested in all aspects of loss and have recently completed a bereavement specialist course for therapists.