Sarah Leonard

BACP

United Kingdom

Supportive counsellor focused on client-led change

Continue with Sarah

At a glance

Credentials

BACP

Registration

BACP, United Kingdom / 380354

Experience

18 years

Languages

English

Location

United Kingdom

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp.

1. • Motivational interviewing
   • Mindfulness practice
   • Practical goal work

   About Sarah

   Sarah Leonard is a counsellor who draws on Motivational Interviewing alongside person-centred and cognitive approaches. She practises in the United Kingdom and brings 18 years of clinical experience to help people navigate stress, anxiety, depression and major life changes. Sarah also supports people facing ADHD, addictions, relationship strain, eating concerns and career or parenting pressures.

   Her work emphasises listening first and helping clients find their own direction. Sessions are collaborative - she asks questions, reflects back what she hears, and helps people clarify goals. This practical style aims to make small changes feel manageable and realistic.

   Over nearly two decades she has worked with a wide range of concerns, including gender dysphoria, multicultural issues, compulsive behaviours, mood disorders and difficulties linked to trauma or dissociation. That background informs how she tailors tools and pace to each person.

   Sarah is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP. She blends evidence-informed techniques such as cognitive behavioural strategies and DBT-informed skills with mindfulness practices and motivational methods.

   People who choose Sarah can expect a straightforward, calm approach that focuses on practical steps. She aims to create an inclusive space where clients can make decisions at their own speed and build coping skills that fit their daily life.

2. How motivational and person-centred approaches work online

   Motivational Interviewing helps people identify what they want to change and find their own reasons for doing so. It uses open questions and reflective listening to build commitment and clearer choices. Client-Centred Therapy places the person at the heart of the work and emphasises empathy, acceptance and working at the client’s pace. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings and actions are linked and offers practical strategies to test and shift unhelpful patterns.
   
   Finding the best approach is part of the therapy. The therapist will talk with clients about their goals and preferences and try methods that fit those aims. Together they review what helps most and adjust the plan as needed, keeping the process collaborative and straightforward.
   
   The practical benefit of online sessions is that they can fit into a busy life more easily. Please confirm which session formats are available before booking, as the biography does not list specific options. Online work can make it simpler to schedule shorter check-ins, avoid travel time, or choose quieter surroundings for a focused session. Registered or accredited professionals can still teach skills, guide behavioural experiments and use motivational techniques effectively through remote sessions.

4. Areas of expertise

   Primary focus

   Stress, AnxietyLGBTDepressionCoping with life changesADHD

   Also works with

   AddictionsRelationship issuesEating disordersParenting issuesCareer difficultiesCoaching

   Additional focus areas

   Antisocial personalityAvoidant personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily problemsFirst responder issuesGender dysphoriaInfidelityMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDParanoiaPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexualityWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

   Therapeutic approaches

   Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic Therapy

   Experience

   18+ years

   Listed in

   United Kingdom

   Languages

   English

5. Frequently asked questions

   What concerns does Sarah help with?

   She works with stress, anxiety, depression and coping with life changes. Other focus areas include ADHD, addictions, relationship and eating issues.

   What is Sarah's therapeutic style?

   Her style is collaborative and person-centred, using Motivational Interviewing to help people find their own motivation. She also draws on cognitive and DBT-informed strategies as needed.

   How much clinical experience does she have?

   Sarah has 18 years of professional experience working with a broad range of mental health and behavioural concerns.

   What professional credential does she hold and where is she based?

   She is accredited with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP, and practises in the United Kingdom.

   Can I work with her in other languages or from abroad?

   Sessions are offered in English. She is not currently accepting international clients.

   Which session formats are used?

   The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.

   How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?

   Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.

   How do I begin working with Sarah?

   Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

6. Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

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