Hello and welcome!

My name is Sarah Houldsworth BSc, PhD and I am a graduate HG Dip P (trainee) dedicated to helping people to overcome mental health challenges in a world where our cultures and societies do not always support our mental well being. HG stands for the “Human Givens” a solution focused form of brief psychotherapy. It is a practical, holistic and evidence based scientific approach, focusing on what people need to live mentally healthy and fulfilling lives. The Human Givens approach draws on the latest insights from neuroscience and psychological research, and combines this knowledge with proven therapeutic techniques from a wide range of approaches to provide highly effective interventions (you can read more about it in the articles page).

As a trainee therapist I am working towards my final (part 3) Practitioner Level Qualification of the Human Givens brief psychotherapy & counselling diploma. I have already passed the first two parts of the  Diploma (with distinction) in a class of wonderful and inspiring colleagues. Part 3 is a bit like a pilot working on their “flying hours” for their full license, gaining experience for their full solo license. For me this which includes working with clients and taking continuing professional development! I work with a supervisor (a senior mentor and trainer for the Human Givens College) between sessions to make sure I am offering you the best support with whatever challenge you are facing. Whilst I am in this phase I can help you with mild to moderate mental health challenges and the really good news is there is no charge for therapy sessions (although a room hire fee may be applicable). I work face-to-face mostly in the Edinburgh area and I can offer an online service for those further afield, unable to travel, or for other reasons unable to meet in-person. 

Previous to working in mental health I enjoyed a 30yr career as a professional Earth Scientist in industry. Qualified to PhD level I have worked in many different roles in a very technical and demanding field. I understand the demands of the workplace, the stress this can cause and how these demands change with our life journey; for example becoming a parent juggling family and career; experiencing sudden loss, long term illness and the general twists, turns, ups and downs of life. Psychotherapy is a later life calling for me and I feel privileged to be able help people through times of need, to regain control of their lives, reconnect with what brings joy and nourishes them so they can feel more fulfilled and thrive. We all need a little help at times and the first step is being courageous enough to ask for it.

I have a deep love and respect for the natural world, a connection that sustains me even in this times of climate anxiety. This is a resource we can draw on to support you in our sessions together. I have studied ecopsychology with some of the most respected authors in that field for a certificate in Ecopsychology from the Pacifica Graduate Institute and a certificate in Ecotherapy from the Ecopsychology Initiative and I am also a certified Resilience Practitioner. I weave all these threads into “walk and talk therapy” using the Human Givens approach as the therapeutic framework which may be beneficial for anyone wishing to work with me.

Interested?

Use the free discovery call button to get in touch and lets talk in free no obligation call.

Curious about the Human Givens approach to mental health? Find out more below…

Read More Here

Memberships

Trainee Member of the Human Givens Institute

Member of the European Therapy Studies Institute