Meet Sarah
“I believe everyone’s story matters. We all come from different places, carry different parts of ourselves, and want to feel like we truly belong. My aim is to offer a warm, honest space where you can feel accepted as you are, explore what’s shaped you, and grow into the person you’re becoming—with more connection, clarity, and self-trust.”
― Sarah Quinley
I grew up in the Bay Area of California, where I was surrounded by people from all walks of life. Being around so many different stories and ways of living really shaped how I see the world—and taught me just how layered and meaningful human experience can be. Over time, I became more and more curious about how people connect, cope, and come to understand themselves. That curiosity is part of what led me to become a therapist. I wanted to offer a space where people could feel safe to be real, explore what matters to them, and come home to who they really are.
In 2014, I moved to Scotland to study counselling and psychotherapy at the University of Edinburgh. I spent six years working with people from all sorts of backgrounds, which only deepened my respect for how powerful connection can be—especially when we feel accepted for who we are. In 2020, I moved again, this time to Spain, where I now live with my bilingual, bicultural family. Living between cultures has shown me how our differences—our beliefs, bodies, identities, and stories—can be a source of strength and growth, not something to hide or fix.
That belief shows up in how I work. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. We’re all made up of different parts and shaped by different experiences, so I use a flexible, compassionate approach that meets you where you are. At the heart of what I do is building a real, trusting relationship—where you feel supported, understood, and free to be yourself. I’m here to be alongside you—not to lead the way, but to help you gently notice the different paths that might be possible.
Even with years of training, I know that being a good therapist isn’t just about tools and theories—it’s also about doing my own work. I’ve been in personal therapy for over ten years and continue to grow and learn through that. I see myself as someone on the journey too—learning how to be kind, honest, and steady, right alongside my clients.
As a queer, neurodivergent immigrant, I care deeply about creating a space where identity, experience, and background are respected and included. Whether you’re navigating questions of belonging, working through past pain, or just feeling stuck, there’s room here for all of that. Outside the therapy room, I’m a singer-songwriter and researcher, exploring how sound and creativity can help us express what words sometimes can’t.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned from living between cultures is that home isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling we can grow inside ourselves. I hope therapy with me can be part of that for you. A place to feel steady, to get to know yourself more deeply, and to build a life that feels true to 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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