New! “Sarah has changed my life forever. I went to Sarah after generic counselling and CBT wasn’t working for me. I suffer with extreme health anxiety and OCD and when I met Sarah, I was struggling and finding it harder and harder to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Through Havening techniques and hypnotherapy, I am now able to live again and not just live but feel alive. I am now in control, not my anxiety or intrusive thoughts. I wish I had met Sarah sooner and I know she’s only a call away if ever I need to check in again.” BW – Thame
New Testimonial
January 31, 2022 by
New! “I started my sessions with Sarah after feeling depressed, anxious and out of control from the past 2 years of the pandemic. Through Sarah’s help, she educated me on the way the brain functions when in panic and she taught me very useful techniques such as Havening. She also helped me address my perfectionism and past traumatic experiences which has previously contributed to my anorexia.
I was initially quite scared about getting help but Sarah has a really positive, enthusiastic approach, making you feel very welcomed and relaxed in the sessions and that progress is always possible! I quickly began to really look forward to going to the sessions, seeing it as a necessary investment in my own health and an hour of self care and growth – I would highly recommend Sarah’s services to anyone who is needing some extra help and support.” CS Princes Risborough
Testimonial
May 21, 2021 by
“I was introduced to Sarah when my marriage was going through a very bad patch. I was very nervous about what to expect, how to behave and what to say. Sarah immediately made me feel comfortable, welcome, and not alone. She guided me with professionalism and care, she was candid and very clear about what was going on, and she made me think hard about where I was.
The tools she used enabled me to support myself when not in the counselling sessions. She was very honest and made me see things more clearly – things that I had not done right, and she helped me address those areas.
Not only did Sarah help me understand what was going on in my relationship, but she also helped me understand ‘Me’, and what was really going on in my life, what I needed, what I wanted, and what I was not getting within my relationship. Most importantly she was not judgemental.
I have grown so much since our first session, I do understand my needs more clearly now, and whatever happens in the future, I feel that I am going to be a better and happier person. And I have also learned to love myself a little (lot) more.
Thank you for all you have done and how you have helped me ‘see’.”
SM Little Kimble, Princes Risborough
New Testimonial
May 10, 2021 by
“Working with Sarah has been quite a revelation. She has the experience and ability to get quickly to the root of an issue, however deeply buried it may seem. Her methods are very thorough, quick and pain-free.
One issue in particular I had been stuck with for years despite my trying ‘everything’ and having to spend a lot of money. I’m happy to say that after just a couple of sessions – I am now free from that and have noticed many other side benefits as a result of this.
There’s a wonderful mix in Sarah’s work of professional, scientific know-how ensuring you are in good hands, and down-to earth humour. Both of these were very much appreciated. Thank you, Sarah!” IJ Aylesbury
New Testimonial – Traumatic Grief
March 7, 2021 by
New! “I contacted Sarah in desperation. Having never dealt with or experienced any form of mental health issues, I was terrified. I was in an extremely bad way. A friend of a friend recommended Sarah and I obtained her telephone number. I rang the number, expecting to leave a voicemail for her to contact me in the morning, and to my surprised she answered. I couldn’t believe she answered me, and was so warm and calm whilst I was so vulnerable. She asked me to describe my issues briefly, which I did and she reassured me despite my initial inner cynic. (Having never experienced mental health issues).
I honestly felt as though there was something wrong with me, which was going to then be permanent for the rest of my life. I thought that no one would be able to help me and was at a point whereby, I didn’t want wake up in the morning.
I started working with Sarah. My first session, I remember my body language, and I was so closed. How a stranger can be so strong and trying to try their upmost to get me to open up; I look back now and think how amazing she was. Sarah got me to open up, and start talking about my issues and feelings. I was absolutely distraught and at my wits end with everything. I couldn’t function with day to day life through trauma and grief.
Sarah and I continued to work together, I believe for over a year. Sarah taught me and trained me to enable me to assure myself with BWRT Therapy and Havening Techniques. I have learnt to deal with my trauma and have processed it through her guidance and her patience. She hit the nail on the head with my issues extremely quickly and assisted me with processing them. This wasn’t just in weekly sessions, but whenever I needed.
I cannot recommend Sarah enough. Sarah saved me life, my relationship and my sanity. Thank you Sarah. They’re no amount of words that will ever be able to describe what you did for me and I will be forever grateful.” RM Northamptonshire
Coronavirus Update: Should I See My Therapist Face-to-Face?
August 10, 2020 by
In March 2020 when the country went into lockdown, I stopped seeing clients face to face and promptly moved all of my client sessions online using Zoom. Complying with government policies and health & safety guidelines for the COVID-19 crisis.
To date most of my clients have found it easy and convenient using a secure video platform and it is working very well. Whilst there are a few disadvantages over seeing clients in person, it is a very good alternative. Some of my clients have even told me that they now prefer online and a few clients feel they prefer a more personal approach.
Why Telehealth might be the best way for social-distancing practices for now.
I have been asked when I will be going back to face to face work and as it is a complex situation, so I really do not know yet.
The government has not provided any guidance specific to mental health, or therapists using hypnotherapy, counselling or psychotherapy. The accredited bodies are still recommending that we use Telehealth video or phone calls and continue to urge caution before returning to face to face work. I continue to actively follow updates from the government and also my four professional associations and my insurer.
Why is it so complex?
It will require a detailed risk assessment, the implementation of some new health & safety procedures, all of which will have a considerable impact on my practice and client work. Some examples:
- We will be required to use PPE (such as face masks), face shields are inadequate without the mask etc. Your face and facial expressions are very important in therapeutic process.
- Issues of ventilation including the impact of noise pollution vs confidentiality concerns.
- Length of time in a session of a minimum of 60 minutes which increases viral load concerns.
- Issues in implementation of a robust cleaning schedule at the start of each day, and the time out of my work schedule to clean in between sessions in the clinic room, hallway and toilet. This would halve the amount of appointment capacity.
- The Risborough Therapy Clinic room is not suitable as the required social distance and ventilation cannot be achieved.
- The Therapy Re-imagined Clinic room has the capacity to keep a social distance of 2 metres at all times but it is in my own family home.
- Issues relating to clients getting upset, tearful, angry and removing their face covering.
- Use of Tissues… disposal of tissues relating to the droplets increasing the transmission of the virus.
Personally, I also have to consider the increased risk of contracting the virus myself, or passing it on to others. I am self-employed and have not received financial support from the government, will not receive any sick pay, or receive any income if I need to take time off or self isolate for weeks.
I do apologise to those clients who especially would like to come and see me in person. I am safeguarding both myself, my clients and particularly as my clinic setting is part of a home shared with my family. However, for the time being I am taking the current advice for my professional bodies and Insurance company.
I am keeping a watching brief and commit to update my clients on my decisions about returning to face to face work, which I hope may be possible in 2021.
Please do contact me with any queries.
Take care and stay safe,
Sarah
Updated November 2020
CoronaVirus COVID-19 Advice
March 8, 2020 by
Safeguarding my Therapy Clients
Updated on 24th March, 2020
Unfortunately both my clinics are now closed for face to face work the foreseeable future.
However, whilst I am well I am able to offer therapy services online by Skype, FaceTime, Zoom or phone calls only. This may impact the types of therapies I can offer as they are not all suitable for this platform. BrainWorking Recursive therapy (BWRT), Havening Technique, Counselling and some types of Hypnotherapy are available. I am offering a discounted C-19 fee of £40 per session available to all. Payment options by Credit Card, Debit Cards and Bank Transfers. Please do contact me by email sarah@sarahbrambleby.com or text me on 07734 104421 if you would like to discuss any aspect of my safeguarding plan.
I am suspending my 24 hour cancellation policy during this time, if you are feeling unwell then please cancel at no charge. The rest of my Standard Terms and Conditions will still apply.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
There is plenty of advice available:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
DO
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wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
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always wash your hands when you get home or into work
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use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
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cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
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put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards
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try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
DO NOT
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do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
- If you have any symptoms to protect yourself and others, do not go to a GP, pharmacy or hospital non-urgent see website NHS 111 or call 111 or for urgent cases call 999.
Thank you in advance for your co-operation whilst we are experiencing such challenging times.
Best wishes,
Sarah Brambleby
New Testimonial
November 16, 2019 by
“After struggling for many years about coming forward with certain problems with previous councillors, I had essentially thrown in the towel and had a downer on Therapy. This only hindered me more until I was at the point of mercy with my own emotions. I finally reached out to Sarah in desperation and for the first time I had a clear understanding of what Therapy really is about. I was apprehensive at first, but over the next few months Sarah helped me in ways I didn’t even consider before. Using BWRT amongst other techniques and she explained how exactly the mind itself works and building from there.
Fast forward a little while later and I feel like a fresh version of myself, who has come an enormous length in terms of emotional well-being and general life improvement. I am very happy to have found Sarah Brambleby and would definitely recommend her services. Thank you Sarah.” JC Nr Reading
Testimonial
January 27, 2019 by
New testimonial
“Sarah provided me with an invaluable tool box of strategies to deal with my anxieties when they were particularly acute. I found her approach of one to one sessions backed up with notes to take away and refer to when I was struggling at home really helped me get back on track and keep a lid on my anxiety.” LS Thame
Goal setting & Remove your old blocks
January 6, 2018 by
This time of year many people suffer from Seasonal Depression (see SAD below) or low moods, lack of energy. Maybe waiting for longer days and signs that Spring has arrived. But what we miss is the opportunity to reflect on the past year and build our future. By taking control, each little step can help you towards your life goals (Personal and Business) and can give your life purpose and direction, boost your motivation, focus, energy and self- confidence. So if you lacking energy, feeling depressed or just not sure how to boost your motivation I’ve got some suggestions…
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern. SAD is sometimes known as “winter depression” because the symptoms are more apparent and tend to be more severe during the winter. The symptoms often begin in the autumn as the days start getting shorter. If you think you suffer from SAD you can take a test at www.sad.co.uk/en-UK/do-i-suffer/
Between October and March, the sunlight in Britain is not strong enough to make enough vitamin D (Vitamin D3) and up to a quarter of the population has low levels of it in their blood. Vitamin D is naturally found in oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel and sardines, eggs, fortified fat spreads, fortified breakfast cereals and powdered milk. However, it is hard to get enough of it just from food alone.
Signs you may have a vitamin D deficiency include: Being over 50, having darker skin, obesity, achy bones, feeling blue, head sweating, and gut trouble. Increasing levels of vitamin D3 among the general population could prevent chronic diseases that claim nearly one million lives throughout the world each year. By optimizing your vitamin D levels it may help you prevent cancer, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, infections, mental health conditions, and so much more.
Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency
- Feeling low, depressed? Serotonin, the brain hormone associated with mood elevation, rises with exposure to bright light and falls with decreased sun exposure.
- You’re 50 or Older? As you get older your skin doesn’t make as much vitamin D in response to sun exposure. At the same time, your kidneys become less efficient at converting vitamin D into the form used by your body and older adults tend to spend more time indoors.
- You’re Overweight or Obese (or Have a Higher Muscle Mass)? Vitamin D is a fat-soluble, hormone-like vitamin, which means body fat acts as a “sink” by collecting it. If you’re overweight or obese, you’re therefore likely going to need more vitamin D than a slimmer person — and the same holds true for people with higher body weights due to muscle mass.
- Your bones ache? Aches and pains, especially in combination with fatigue, can end up being misdiagnosed as having fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Head Sweating?
- You Have Gut Trouble? Remember that vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means if you have a gastrointestinal condition that affects your ability to absorb fat, you may have lower absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D as well. This includes gut conditions like Crohn’s, celiac and non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Quick Goal Setting Exercise
Reflect on what happened last year. How has your year been?
· Did you achieve your goals?
· What worked well & what do you need to repeat this year?
· What didn’t go well & need to ditch this year?
· What surprised you this year?
What were your last year’s biggest achievements?
Goals
1.
2.
3.
To make sure your goals are clear and reachable, each one should be SMART:
- Specific (simple, sensible, significant).
- Measurable (meaningful, motivating).
- Achievable (agreed, attainable).
- Relevant (reasonable, realistic and resourced, results-based).
- Time bound (time-based, time limited, time/cost limited, timely, time-sensitive).
Want to do more? There are many free templates for goal setting however I can recommend this website from Brain Mayne.