Therapeutic Counselling in Reading, Berkshire and online
Welcome to Thrive Counselling
A calm, supportive space
where you can reflect openly and feel truly heard
About Me
Hi, I’m Sarah Holmes, a qualified and experienced integrative counsellor with a strong commitment to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive space for clients. My work is grounded in a genuine interest in people and in helping individuals navigate the challenges they face. I offer a calm, steady presence and take a thoughtful, collaborative approach, encouraging clients to explore their experiences at a pace that feels right for them. I am dedicated to ongoing learning and reflective supervised practice, ensuring that the support I offer is ethical, informed, and focused on each person’s unique needs. It is a privilege to work alongside clients as they develop greater understanding, resilience, and confidence in moving forward.
My formal qualifications include:
- Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (BACP approved)
- Certificate in Counselling Studies (BACP approved)
- Certificate in Counselling Skills (BACP approved)
- Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health
- Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling
- MSc in International Relations
- BA (Hons) in Social Policy
My training, alongside ongoing professional development, gives me a solid grounding in counselling theory, practical skills, and ethical practice, helping me offer a safe and supportive space for clients. I also have a strong understanding of how personal experiences, family life, and wider social factors can shape someone’s wellbeing. This allows me to see each person as a whole and tailor my approach to what they need.
In addition to my counselling qualifications, I am fully insured, enhanced DBS-checked, registered with the Information Commissioners Office, and have up-to-date safeguarding training for both adults and children, as well as Prevent training, ensuring safe and professional practice.
I regularly work with clients in the following areas:
- Anxiety or stress that feels hard to manage
- Low mood or depression
- Relationship or family difficulties
- Loss or bereavement
- Low self-esteem or confidence issues
- Past experiences or trauma affecting daily life
- Work-related stress, burnout, or major life changes
- Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure about the future
- Struggling with boundaries or people-pleasing
- Wanting personal growth or a better understanding of themselves
Working With Me
A safe space to explore and connect
Counselling can help you connect more deeply with yourself, understand your feelings better, and feel more confident in who you are. It’s not about fixing you — because I don’t believe you’re broken — it’s about creating the right conditions for growth and change to happen naturally.
You lead the way and I follow at your pace
In our sessions, there isn’t a fixed agenda or predetermined set of questions. At times we may sit with complex emotions, and at others we may reflect on the smaller moments of daily life—each can offer meaningful insight. I will provide reflections, thoughtful questions, and support you in making sense of your experiences, always honouring the pace and direction that feels right for you.
Support to heal, grow and truly thrive
At the heart of my practice is the belief that every person deserves a safe and non-judgmental environment to talk openly and honestly. Together, we’ll work to uncover patterns, build resilience, and develop healthier ways of coping, so you can move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Integrative counselling means I draw on more than one therapeutic approach so our work can be shaped around your unique needs. I combine person-centred and psychodynamic ways of working.
The person-centred element creates a warm, non-judgmental space where you can explore your feelings at your own pace.
The psychodynamic approach helps us look at deeper patterns and how past relationships or experiences may be influencing your present.
An integrative approach that combines person-centred and psychodynamic ways of working is helpful whether you’re facing a specific challenge or want to gain a deeper understanding of yourself.
I can support a wide range of issues, this includes, but not limited to anxiety, low mood, stress, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, grief, trauma and life transitions.
Each session lasts 50 minutes.
There’s no set number of sessions. I follow your pace and your needs, so some people find a few sessions helpful, while others choose longer-term therapy. We can review things together at any point to make sure the process feels right for you.
Yes. Everything you share with me is confidential, except in rare situations where there is a risk of serious harm and I am legally or ethically required to act. I’ll explain these boundaries clearly in our first session.
In our first session, we’ll talk about what brings you to counselling and what you hope to explore. I’ll explain how I work and answer any questions you might have. It’s also a chance for you to get a sense of whether I feel like the right counsellor for you.
It’s completely normal to feel nervous. There’s no pressure to share anything before you’re ready. My role is to create a warm, safe space where you can move at your own pace. for you.
My Location
I offer sessions from a private, comfortable space within The Practice Rooms in central Reading. The Practice Rooms are easily accessible, just a 10-minute walk from Reading train station or any town-centre bus stop, with payable on-street parking available on Castle Street.
I also offer online counselling for those who find it more convenient or prefer to have sessions from the comfort of their own home. In addition to central Reading, I work with clients from the surrounding areas, including Henley-on-Thames, Twyford, Caversham, Sonning, and Theale.
Sessions and Fees
My aim is to take the time to get to know you and understand your individual needs. I recognise that finding the right counsellor is an important process, and the therapeutic relationship plays a vital role in the effectiveness of our work together. It’s important that you feel comfortable, at ease, and able to build trust with me over time.
I offer a complimentary 15-minute initial call to explore your reasons for seeking counselling and to give you a clear sense of my therapeutic approach. If you choose to book some sessions these last for 50 mins and cost £55 per session. Payments are accepted via cash or bank transfer.
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange a complimentary call. You can also contact me on 07813842714 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first.
I aim to answer all enquires within 24 hours and all contact is strictly confidential.