Sandra Hawes
MBACP, MNCPS (Acc).
Welcome to my Website
A Humanistic approach within a Person-Centred framework, incorporating aspects of Nature-Based Therapy, TA, Existential Therapy, Creativity and Mindfulness.
Sessions are held in a beautiful therapy room in the heart of the
Knepp Estate.
I also offer Walk & Talk Therapy, in the stunning re-wilded landscape.
People seek therapy with me for a range of issues and reasons including
anxiety, low mood, loss & grief, life transitions, and low self esteem.
Not all clients pin point a specific reason, they just know that they need to talk, and that the time is now.
Whatever your reason for choosing to meet with me, whether it be rooted in the past, present or future, we can look at ways of how life may be experienced differently and hold in mind the future you hope for.
I offer an initial 6 sessions, remaining transparent and working in your interests throughout our time together, checking in on hopes, expectations and progress.
I'm an accredited member of NCPS, and a registered member of BACP.
I abide by their code of ethics and high standards of practice.
My Location
I hold in-person sessions from a converted Bothy, in Spring Wood on The Knepp Estate. A peaceful room nestled in ancient woodland where you can experience the beauty of the rewilded landscape alongside your unique therapeutic journey.
The tranquil setting of Spring Wood offers a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Parking is free
Walk & Talk Therapy
Being outside in the elements offers the opportunity for connection with our natural surroundings and ourselves. The changing seasons provide a beautiful backdrop for reflection and growth, as each brings its own unique energy and lessons; nature's ever-changing beauty mirrors the ebbs and flows of our own lives. The Knepp wildlife is abundant and is often a wonderful addition to this holistic therapeutic experience.
Animal Assisted Therapy
Moth, my Lurcher is quietly present in sessions and has a comforting, gentle energy which enables clients to relax and be present. AAT can be especially helpful when working through traumatic events.
Studies have shown that having a therapy dog in the room helps clients feel calmer and more connected, enhancing and complimenting the benefits of traditional therapy. You are welcome to meet Moth at your initial consultation.
Memberships, Qualifications & Experience
MBACP - Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
MNCPS - Accredited Member of the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
Person-Centred Counselling Foundation Degree (4-5)
Integrative Counselling Skills (1-3)
Transactional Analysis (TA 101)
Animal Assisted Therapy Diploma
Introduction to Walking Therapy
Supporting Maternal Mental Health
Play Therapy Course
The Ben Raemers Foundation: Counsellor’s Awareness Course
Advanced Safeguarding for DSL's
ASIST Suicide Intervention Skills Training
MHFA England
Enhanced DBS Certificate
Consistent and continued professional development (CPD) in line with ethical practice
Previously worked in secondary schools and colleges, as well as charitable organisations and private practices
Session Fees
Please reach out through the contact form to schedule a free 30-minute Face to Face, Zoom, or Phone consultation.
As we move forward, regular fees will be charged & sessions will be extended to 50 minutes.
Payments can be made via BACS or Cash
50 minute Therapy Sessions are priced at £55.00
90 minute Single Session Therapy (plus 30 minute follow up) £120
Session fees are reviewed annually
Types of Therapy
Face to Face
Walk & Talk at Knepp
Animal Assisted Therapy
Seasonal Check-ins
Online or Telephone
Short Term (6-12 session)
Long Term / Open Ended
Single Session Therapy (90 minutes followed by a 30 minute follow up appointment)
How to Connect
Please contact me below to arrange an initial appointment. We can talk through the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to support you on your journey.
Enquiries are usually answered within 48 hours, Monday - Friday
All contact is strictly confidential using secure phone and email services
Frequently asked questions
Counselling is usually a good way to help with a current issue; something that can be discussed and hopefully resolved within a limited number of sessions. Clients can explore their feelings and thoughts in a safe and supportive environment, gaining insight and coping strategies to deal with their challenges. Over a certain number of weeks the understanding of the issue improves and a way forward becomes clearer. Psychotherapy often describes work that goes a bit deeper, towards more substantial issues that continue to have a profound effect on the client’s life. Psychotherapy often uses a long-term approach, so the number of sessions can be open-ended. Which option is most suitable depends on the client and the difficulties they are facing. Both are offered at my practice, according to client need.
How long a period of counselling lasts will vary from person to person and depend on the depth of the issues they are facing. For some people a few sessions help to bring their issues into focus, and they feel ready to move forward; other issues may require more of an open-ended approach. Before we begin any work, we will agree on the number of sessions we’ll undertake.
Nearing the end of that number, we will review our progress. As long as we both agree further therapy will be of benefit to you, sessions may continue.
I provide a free 30 minute introductory session either in person, on Zoom, or over the phone within 2 weeks of your first contact wherever possible. We will then schedule regular counselling sessions at a time that works for you, and where I have a free space.
Everything that is said within the counselling room is private - this is one of the main ways counselling and psychotherapy differ from talking to a friend or relative. Once you are comfortable with the format of weekly sessions and the safe space they provide, you will find the freedom to speak in confidence is of great value. Note that there are some situations where you may be a risk to yourself or others, and there the law requires that I notify an authority; in these cases I may not be able to keep total confidentiality. Breaking confidentiality is very rare though, and only happens after the person concerned has been informed.
Usually I am asked this question by people who are worried or nervous about entering into counselling, or when they are looking for support in coming to see a therapist. This anxiety is completely understandable, however a key aspect of therapy is that you should feel free to talk about any issues you feel are important to you. Having someone else with you who can be connected to those issues makes this opening-up more difficult, so for this reason I do not usually see clients accompanied by friends or family.
© Sandra Hawes
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