I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist with over 15 years of experience helping people with emotional and mental health needs. Whether you’re seeking support for personal struggles or relationship challenges, I offer a safe, confidential space where you will be listened to with compassion, respect and without judgement.
Together, we will work to overcome the obstacles in your life and find ways to move forward with clarity and confidence.
A little bit about me and my services
Sarah van den Brink
I offer both individual and couples therapy and have been trained in a variety of psychological approaches. I aim to create an open, exploratory conversation where we can work together to understand the emotional patterns that might be influencing your thoughts, behaviours and relationships. This process helps us get to the root of long-standing issues like depression, anxiety or relationship struggles, so we don’t just address the surface symptoms.
Psychological distress is often a reaction to life’s challenges—both past and present. It’s not something that can be “cured” with a quick fix, but therapy can provide the tools to manage difficult emotions, reduce distress and help you regain a sense of control over your life and well-being.
I have worked in both the NHS and private practice and am an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (BPS), in recognition of my years of experience and contribution to the field. I am also registered and regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Individual Therapy
In individual therapy, my approach is grounded in psychodynamic theory, which means we’ll explore how your past experiences, especially in relationships, may be shaping the way you feel and act today. This isn’t about focusing on the past for its own sake, but about understanding how old patterns and feelings might be influencing your life now. The goal is to gain insight into these patterns so that you can make real changes and feel more in control.
Our sessions are designed to be a space where we can have an open, ongoing conversation—approaching your thoughts and feelings with curiosity rather than judgement. We’ll work together to understand what might be keeping you stuck in certain emotions or behaviours. Whether you’re dealing with long-standing anxiety, depression or relationship issues, we’ll explore what’s really driving those difficulties.
Couples Therapy
For couples, I integrate psychodynamic exploration with Relational Life Therapy (RLT), developed by Terry Real, to help partners address negative communication patterns and emotional disconnection. Couples often seek help for:
- Chronic conflict, where the same arguments keep repeating without resolution
- Emotional disconnection, when one or both partners feel distant or unheard
- Trust issues due to past betrayals or ongoing behaviours
- Power imbalances, where one partner feels dominated or overshadowed
Fees and Insurance
- The cost of an individual 50-minute session is £100
- The cost of a 90-minute couples session is £170
- I am registered with the following insurers for individual work only: Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva
What to Expect from the First Meeting
Our first meeting is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and explore whether we’re a good fit for working together. For individuals, this initial consultation will last 50 minutes; for couples, it’s 90 minutes. I’ll ask you about the issues you’d like to work on and what you hope to achieve from therapy. We will also discuss your history, relationships and support systems.
This initial consultation will give us both a sense of whether the therapeutic relationship feels right. Sometimes, a further session may be needed before making a final decision or I might recommend another professional if I believe they would better suit your needs.
If we decide to work together after the assessment session(s), we’ll meet every week at the same time for 50 minutes (for individuals) or once a fortnight for 90 minutes (for couples).
Where to find me
If you have any questions or wish to book an initial consultation, please call or email me at the details below.
