About Me
Welcome to my website, my name is Sarah Portwine (she/her), I am a professionally qualified and experienced counsellor and psychotherapist based in Bembridge on the Isle of Wight. I have several years’ experience working with children, young people and adults in the charitable sector and private practice. I am passionate about supporting and improving the wellbeing of the LGBTQIA+ community, which is why I chose to specialise in gender, sexuality and relationship diversity. I identify as a bisexual cis-woman and know how important community can be for supporting GSRD/LGBTQIA+ folk. I am Chairperson of Isle of Wight Pride where I get to volunteer with an amazing team and community on the island.
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From my own experience, I know how difficult it can be finding a GSRD affirmative therapist. My practice embraces and celebrates diversity. I believe that receiving acceptance and understanding from another can help to combat shame and distress, leading us to develop self-acceptance and the ability to overcome our issues.
The therapeutic relationship can help you to explore your thoughts and feelings and develop new perspectives and insights. Whatever difficulties or emotions you are struggling with, therapy can help to facilitate a fuller realisation and acceptance of where you are now. As a result, our relationships with ourselves and others can become more authentic and enjoyable. Counselling and psychotherapy have the capacity to facilitate genuine change in our lives. In sessions I provide the opportunity to offload and safely explore whatever you are experiencing. Therapy offers a safe and non-judgmental environment to sensitively reflect on experiences and feelings that impact your life
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I describe myself as down-to-earth, respectful, non-judgmental, authentic, and compassionate. I am passionate about my work and volunteering. I love walking and taking time out in the countryside or by the beach and I'm a big fan of fantasy novels.
Qualifications & Training
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BA (Hons) in Person-Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy - Middlesex University (BACP Accredited Degree)
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Diploma of Higher Education (Open) including Understanding Counselling and Psychotherapy: exploring fear and sadness, Death and dying, Challenging ideas in mental health, Investigating Psychology and Science of the mind - Open University
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Bereavement Support Certificate - Cruse Bereavement Care
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Certified Cyber Therapist - Online Therapy Institute
Pink Therapy Training - Continuing Professional Development Courses
Bisexuality in GSRD Therapy
Coming Out
Dimensions of Sexuality
Faith, Religion & Spirituality
Gender Identities
Defining GSRD Therapy
Intimate Partner Violence & Minority Stress
Parenting outside heteronormativity
Shame & Internalised Oppression
Substance Use & Misuse
Understanding Kink/BDSM
Intersectionality
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Additional Continuing Professional Development Courses
Understanding Trauma
Keeping Children Safe Online
Working Together to Safeguard Children
Existential Contributions to Counselling and Psychotherapy
Professional Associations
I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and I adhere to the ethical framework of this membership body.
I have professional liabilities insurance and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate. I attend regular supervision with a qualified counselling supervisor to ensure I am working ethically and in the best interests of my clients.
I have a Level 3 Certificate in Safeguarding Children and undertake regular continuing professional development courses to keep my training and knowledge current.
