Welcome to

Sarah Kirrane Counselling

Counselling in Ruislip and Online (UK only)

My name is Sarah Kirrane (MBACP, Dip.couns.) and I am a qualified counsellor based in Ruislip, North West London

What has brought you here today? Are you grieving for someone or something? If you have lost a significant other, are you struggling to cope with the idea of living in a world without them?

The notion of never experiencing their presence again comes with a longing and a physical sensation that words simply cannot describe. In my experience of loss, the word ‘sad’ came nowhere close to describing that pain.

Have you been unwell for a prolonged period of time and now have a diagnosis? I've been there too and I understand the complex feelings that come as a result of physical suffering and a new, scary diagnosis.

I am registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and have experience in supporting people as they try to come to terms with a loss they are facing. I also work with those living with, and managing, chronic illness, with a particular interest in hidden disabilities.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Qualifications & Experience

  • Level 4 diploma in therapeutic counselling
  • Levels 2 and 3 counselling skills
  • Certificate in online and telephone counselling
  • Helpline Counsellor - Vita Health Group
  • Counsellor - Place2be
  • Bereavement Visitor - Bereavement Care (Harrow)
  • Volunteer Counsellor - Childline
  • Ongoing continued professional development

​Being able to identify and name life experiences as losses worthy of grief can be an important part of healing. Yet often, we tend to identify death as being the only life event worthy of grief.

In today's fast-paced world, our experiences of loss are quickly pushed aside as we are forced to 'get on with it' or 'get over it'.


For some, the source of their grief may be clear, for example, the end of a relationship, the end of a career, retirement, children leaving home, the end of a dream or future plans such as having children, or the loss of good health.

For others, when faced with certain challenges, intense emotions may be felt but it may be less clear that these feelings actually stem from grief or the loss of their world as they knew it.

Talking about how you are feeling can help you to gain clarity and understanding, increase self-awareness and people often say that, although talking doesn't fix or solve the problems, it makes it easier to face them.

If you feel that you might benefit from having the support of a counsellor, please contact me to find out more about how I work and to talk about your needs at this time.


About counselling

Counselling is a talking therapy where an individual is able to talk to a trained professional about problems they are facing and emotions they are experiencing. Talking can be a good way to help maintain your emotional and mental health needs just as exercise and a healthy diet can help to maintain your physical health.

A counsellor can provide you with a safe, supportive, non-judgemental and confidential place where you can talk about anything that is troubling you, free from opinions and advice.

The counselling relationship aims to give you the time and space to explore what is happening in your life and support you to make changes that will be right for you.

We all face difficult, stressful and sad situations at some point in our lives and it can be hard to truly express ourselves to those closest to us for fear of judgement or causing pain to others.

Talking to someone who is trained to listen confidentially and without judgement, and who is outside your friendship and family network, can be helpful during what may feel like a lonely time.

The power of being listened to and understood is often underestimated. When we feel heard and supported, whatever situation we are up against can feel more bearable and less isolating.

You can find a more in-depth explanation of what counselling is on the BACP website:

“'Asking for help isn't giving up' said the horse, 'It's refusing to give up'.” - Charlie Macksey


What issues can counselling help with?

People come to me for help with a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through counselling:


  • Abuse
  • Bereavement
  • Cancer
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome / ME
  • Disability
  • Health related issues
  • Identity issues
  • Infertility
  • Loss
  • Menopause

  • Pregnancy related issues
  • Redundancy
  • Relationships
  • Self esteem
  • Sexual identity
  • Stress
  • Vegan allied
  • Women's issues
  • Work related issues

Counselling for bereavement

“Death steals the future we anticipated and hoped for, but it can't take away the relationship we had.” - Julia Samuel

When someone close dies, the world can seem like a lonely and empty place. It can help to talk with someone who will listen without judging or telling you what to do.

What does grief feel like?

To lose a loved one is probably one of the hardest things we will experience in our lives. There is no 'normal' way to respond to grief and no timescale, despite what society may want.

Grieving is natural and normal and although it is painful, distressing and can make us feel unwell, it is not an illness. It cannot be fixed and we cannot make it go away. Over time, the pain will usually feel less intense and many people will adapt to a life without the person who has died but this will be different for everyone.

It can help to know that, as different as it is for everyone, many bereaved people have reported some of the following similar feelings: Shock and numbness, pain, anger, guilt, depression, relief, seeing and hearing the person who has died, sadness, lost, exhausted, anxious, frightened, cheated, lacking in purpose, confused, worried, overwhelmed.

Whatever you are feeling at this time, it is important to do what is right for you and know that when it comes to grief, there is no right or wrong way. Your grief is as unique as the relationship you had.

How does bereavement counselling work?

Bereavement counselling gives you the time to talk about the person who has died and how their death is affecting you. It allows you to look at ways of coping and to talk about your feelings. A counsellor will listen without judging or forcing their opinions on you. They will work to understand you and the relationship you had with the person and will be able to sit with you in your pain, not try to make it go away.


Bereavement counselling is different from the more solution focused therapies because for many, the only solution would be to bring their loved one back. I would also like to point out here that I understand this may not be the case at all for many.


Sadly, even though death is such a huge part of life, society continues to impose its expectations and judgements on people by telling them how long their grief should last, by making comparisons to its own experiences or by completely avoiding the subject. Society does not mean to be harmful, it just does not like to talk or think about death and dying.

It is important to remember that grief is a natural process and many will have some form of support from friends and family which can sometimes be enough. However, more often than not, the amount of time a friend has to offer will be limited and isn't always enough for the person in need of support. Family members may be trying to process their own grief and be unable to support one another. Sharing your true feelings with those closest to you can feel risky and can come with unhelpful opinions, feeling judged, unheard or misunderstood and this can have a negative impact on your grief and healing.

If you think you might benefit from bereavement counselling and would like to ask me any questions, please contact me.


My location

I work from a welcoming, tranquil room which has been built and designed specifically for therapy to take place. I am based in Ruislip Manor and the closest station is West Ruislip. There are various bus routes and on street parking is available. WC available and there are steps that lead up into the therapy room.

Online counselling has grown in popularity in recent years. I currently offer sessions via Zoom. Offering many of the benefits that in-person counselling offers, it is also flexible and convenient for those less able to travel or with busy lifestyles.

For some, it may feel safer to attend counselling in this way as it allows you to engage with a counsellor from the comfort of your own space. This familiar environment can promote a sense of security making it easier to discuss sensitive topics.


Sessions & fees

Each session is 50 minutes long and costs £65.00. Payment can be made by bank transfer before the session.


As a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), I am bound by, and adhere to, its ethical framework for good practice in counselling and psychotherapy and I am subject to the BACP professional conduct code.

For your protection and reassurance, I am fully insured, hold an enhanced DBS (criminal check) and am registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).


Confidentiality is central to the therapeutic relationship and I will work to ensure that it is fully preserved both during and after our work together. However, there are some limitations which I will explain clearly during our first session.


Get in touch


Making contact with a counsellor can be a scary first step. It is normal to feel unsure, nervous or anxious about opening up to a stranger.

When you are feeling ready to contact me, please be assured that I am qualified to practise and, most importantly, I am just another human who has experienced loss and has also had the support of a counsellor.

You can submit an enquiry using my contact form, or call me on 07792005366 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an appointment.

All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.

“We think we listen, but very rarely do we listen with real understanding, true empathy. Yet listening of this very special kind, is one of the most potent forces for change that I know.” - Carl Rogers


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