Sarah Mac Farlane, BACP

Sarah Mac Farlane is a counsellor based in the United Kingdom who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression and life changes. She works with people dealing with trauma, low self-esteem, grief and anger, and also supports those managing ADHD and concerns around eating and body image. Sarah is a BACP counsellor with nine years' experience in the field.

Sarah uses a flexible, person-focused way of working. She draws on approaches such as cognitive behavioural techniques and acceptance and commitment methods. Sessions aim to make thinking patterns clearer and help clients set small, realistic steps that fit their life. She encourages people to build on strengths they already have.

In practice she listens first and then adjusts tools to suit each person. That might include skills to manage overwhelming emotions, practical ways to reduce anxiety, or exercises to notice and move through unhelpful thoughts. The aim is to make therapy practical and relevant day-to-day.

Sarah has worked across a range of concerns including trauma and abuse, compassion fatigue, chronic health issues and relationship difficulties. Her experience also covers attachment and communication problems, caregiver stress and ageing-related worries. She frames the work as collaborative, helping people find approaches that feel useful.

People who choose to work with Sarah are often looking for clear steps and steady support through a difficult period. She invites a straightforward conversation about what matters most and what small changes might help. The first session focuses on what the person wants to achieve next.

How therapy approaches translate to online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and focus on actions that reflect their values. It is often used for anxiety, low mood and life transitions because it emphasises small steps and meaningful goals.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, focuses on spotting patterns in thinking and behaviour and trying alternative ways of responding. It can be useful for anxiety, phobias, intrusive thoughts and depression by offering practical strategies to test and change habits.

Finding the right approach is part of the process and will be explored together. The therapist works collaboratively to decide which methods suit the person's goals and preferences, and may adapt techniques over time if something isn't working.

If you are considering online sessions, check the current session options before booking so you know what is offered. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy around daily life, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also help people keep momentum between face-to-face appointments, though exact formats should be confirmed with the service.