Meet Sarah
“Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”
― Brene Brown
I grew up in California’s diverse and lively Bay Area, surrounded by many different stories, backgrounds, and ways of being. Growing up in such an environment taught me how rich human experience truly is. Over time, my curiosity about how people live, relate, and find their place in the world deepened—this curiosity is what inspired me to become a therapist. I wanted to create a space where people could explore their stories safely and discover their true selves.
In 2014, I moved to Scotland to study counselling and psychotherapy at the University of Edinburgh. Supporting people from many different backgrounds during those six years helped me see just how powerful human connection is, and how embracing diversity can open the door to understanding and growth. Later, in 2020, I started a new chapter in Spain, where I now live with my bilingual, bicultural family. Living between two worlds has shown me that our differences—our beliefs, abilities, stories, and cultural backgrounds—are what make us human and connect us all. When we accept and celebrate these differences, we can learn from each other, grow beyond our limits, and build more meaningful relationships.
My approach to therapy reflects this understanding. I believe each person is a complex, layered individual, and I use a flexible, holistic style that respects that. At the heart of my work is building a trusting, genuine relationship—one that encourages curiosity, compassion, and a sense of true empowerment. I want to hear your story and support you as you explore who you are at your deepest level, walking alongside you as you find your way.
Even with many years of training and experience, I believe that real growth comes from more than just learning techniques; it also requires ongoing inner work. That’s why I’ve been in personal therapy for over ten years, constantly learning and evolving alongside my clients. I see myself as a fellow traveller on this journey—someone who works on kindness, honesty, and trust, just like you.
As a queer, neurodivergent immigrant, I’m committed to creating a space where all parts of who you are are valued and accepted. When your whole self—your background, identity, and story—is welcomed, you can find deeper self-acceptance and build genuine connections. This, in turn, helps you grow into the person you’re meant to be. Outside of therapy, I’m also a singer-songwriter and researcher, exploring how sound and singing can help us express feelings that are often hard to put into words.
Living across cultures has taught me that home and belonging aren’t just places—they’re inside us, waiting for us to rediscover them. With me, you’ll have space to reconnect with your true self, be gentle with your past, and explore who you’re becoming. My goal is to support you in feeling a deep sense of belonging—within yourself and in the wider world around you.
«Hay un hogar al que solo se puede acceder a través del portal de nuestra vulnerabilidad».
- Toko-pa Turner
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I warmly welcome people from all cultures, identities, abilities, and backgrounds. I have a special passion for supporting fellow immigrants, expatriates, international students, and members of the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities. Additionally, I have experience working with undergraduate and graduate students, trainee and qualified counsellors, musicians and singers, and, funnily enough, many devoted fans of Taylor Swift—an unexpected commonality that I appreciate!
Throughout my practice, I have supported many individuals navigating significant life transitions. These may include moving to a new country, coping with the loss of a loved one, adjusting to job changes, entering parenthood, leaving a religion or church, or managing shifts in personal relationships. I have also helped clients in untangling the complexities of their identities, including cultural, sexual, and gender identity, as they cultivate a sense of belonging.
In addition, I specialise in addiction and recovery, working closely with individuals affected by their own substance use or that of a loved one. My practice addresses a wide range of emotional challenges such as depression, anxiety, overwhelming stress, self-criticism, and trauma. I have guided many individuals in or emerging from abusive relationships, assisting them in reconnecting with their inner trust, autonomy, and self-worth.
In couples therapy, I work with partners to address various issues including infidelity, intimacy challenges, communication barriers, and the emotional complexities that often arise during times of separation or divorce. Below, you will find a non-exhaustive list of the issues I have experience with.
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I have experience working with a wide range of issues which I have listed here.
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My approach to therapy is pluralistic, meaning I draw from various schools of thought on growth and healing. These include person-centered therapy, experiential therapy, psychodynamic therapy, Systems Theory therapy, Cognitive Analytic Therapy, Transactional Analysis, Internal Family Systems Therapy, and Emotion-Focused Therapy. This approach allows me to combine the most suitable ideas and tools tailored specifically to your needs. Learn more here.
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Certificate in Introduction to Cognitive Analytic Therapy (2022): Sussex Mindfulness Centre, Online Training
Certificate in Transactional Analysis 101 (2021): Physis Scotland, Online Training
Certificate in Couples Counselling (2020): Relationship Scotland, Edinburgh, Scotland
Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy (2019): The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
PG Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy (2016): The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
Counselling Children and Young People Introductory course (2015): The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
Liberal Studies Teacher Preparation BA (2014): San Jose State University, San Jose, USA
Associate Degree of Arts (AA) (emphasis in social sciences) 2011, San Jose City College, San Jose, USA
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I am registered with The British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP 377377), meaning that I have been approved for gaining appropriate training and experience. My work is deeply grounded in the ethics of care, respect, safety, and confidentiality, which is embedded within the code of ethics and conduct of the BACP. My practice is also insured and regularly supervised per the BACP requirements, so you can be confident about the help I provide.
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As a life-long learner in my profession, I regularly attend workshops, trainings, conferences, and other CPD courses. I am also an avid reader and research themes and socio-cultural contexts to deepen my understanding and support my clients therapeutically. You may find a list of my CPD here.
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