Meet Sarah

My journey to becoming a therapist and living in different cultures, has shown me that home and belonging are more than just physical places; they are deeply personal experiences we carry inside ourselves. In our sessions, you will have the chance to connect with your true self, develop compassion for your past, and explore who you are becoming. I hope to support you in cultivating a strong sense of belonging, both within yourself and in the world around you.

— Dr Sarah Quinley

I grew up in the Bay Area of California, one of the most diverse areas in the United States. My sense of 'home' expanded when I moved to Scotland in 2014 to study counselling and psychotherapy alongside local and international students at the University of Edinburgh. Over the next six years, I had the opportunity to work in various clinical settings and private practice, supporting individuals and couples from many different backgrounds.

In 2020, I embarked on a new adventure by relocating to Spain, where I now live with my bilingual and bicultural family. Experiencing different cultures and connecting with people from all walks of life has significantly influenced my practice. I believe that celebrating human diversity is essential for healing and this informs my approach to therapy which is flexible and holistic, focusing on you as a multidimensional person. With the heart of my work embodying a relational and humanistic ethos that fosters curiosity, compassion, and self-agency, I want to get to know your unique experience of life.

Although I have extensive training and clinical experience, I believe quality therapy also comes from a commitment to actively doing my own inner work. I have been in personal therapy for over ten years and continue to take part in it, intent on practising what I preach. In my practice, I show up as a fellow human being rather than an expert with all the answers. I am dedicated to kindness, open communication, collaboration, and shared growth.

As a queer, neurodivergent immigrant, I am committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where every aspect of your identity is acknowledged and valued. In addition to my work as a therapist, I am also a singer-songwriter and researcher. My research has explored how vocal practices can facilitate healing and express feelings that are often difficult to put into words.

My journey to becoming a therapist and living in different cultures, has shown me that home and belonging are more than just physical places; they are deeply personal experiences we carry inside ourselves. In our sessions, you will have the chance to connect with your true self, develop compassion for your past, and explore who you are becoming. I hope to support you in cultivating a strong sense of belonging, both within yourself and in the world around you.

“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 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 counsellors, musicians, and, funnily enough, many devoted fans of Taylor Swift—an unexpected commonality that I truly 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.

  • I have experience working with a wide range of issues which I have listed here.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • I curate a blog where I reflect on topics that arise from my work, share information about therapy, and feature people’s therapy experiences. Click here to visit.