Therapists
At The Sanctuary, we understand that everyone's journey in counselling is unique and so is the therapeutic relationship. Finding the right therapist for you helps to build the therapeutic alliance which is a primary factor in successful outcomes in counselling. Research shows that a strong, trusting relationship with a therapist is often more important for success than the specific type of therapy practiced. A good fit fosters trust, safety, and comfort, which are essential for opening up, ensuring effective treatment, and achieving personal growth.
At The Sanctuary we have five therapists, each with their own approach, specialties, and areas of expertise. Take a moment to explore each therapist's profile to find the one who feels like the right fit for you. Alternatively the founder of The Sanctuary is happy to offer a free 20 minute phone call to discuss which therapist may fit your needs.
Laura Miller, Ba (Hons)
Integrative Counsellor, Psychotherapist & Founder of The Sanctuary
Modality: Integrative
Qualifications: Ba (Hons) Integrative Counselling
In Training: Person Centred Experiential Counselling for Depression
Member: British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
Rate:
Solo: £55 per 50 Minute Session
Couples: £75 per 60 Minute Session & £95 per 90 Minute Session
Specialises: Trauma, historical sexual abuse, domestic violence, depression and anxiety
A little from Laura
" Hi, I’m Laura — a qualified and insured Integrative Counsellor, Psychotherapist, and Founder of The Sanctuary.
I know that being human can feel incredibly challenging at times. Our emotions can be confusing, overwhelming, or even exhausting, and it isn’t always easy to navigate them alone. Your mental and emotional wellbeing is just as important as your physical health, and reaching out for support is a strong and meaningful step.
If you feel ready to talk to someone impartial, I’m here to offer a calm, confidential, and non-judgemental space that is entirely yours. A space where you can speak openly about whatever is troubling you, at your own pace. My aim is to build a therapeutic and trusting relationship that supports you in exploring your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with compassion and curiosity.
I have experience working with a wide range of concerns, including low self-esteem, anxiety, anger, OCD, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, grief, challenging relationships, and trauma. Whatever you’re facing, you don’t have to face it alone.
I offer both short-term and long-term therapy, available online via video call or in person, depending on what feels most comfortable and accessible for you. "
Claire Watts, Ba (Hons)
Integrative Counsellor & Psychotherapist
Modality: Integrative
Qualifications: Ba (Hons) Integrative Counselling
Member: British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
Rate: £50 per 60 Minute Session & £30 per 30 Minute Session
Specialises: Chronic illness, FND, gender questioning.
A little from Claire...
" I work in a relational, holistic, and spiritual way, believing that meaningful change is supported through the therapeutic relationship we build together. I am trauma-informed and experienced in working with both PTSD and complex PTSD (CPTSD).
I am an LGBTQIA+ ally and have lived experience of supporting and understanding the experiences of trans, gay, lesbian, and asexual individuals.
I also enjoy working with children and young people, supporting those experiencing anxiety, school avoidance, low self-esteem, and helping neurodivergent children and their families better understand and navigate their world.
Where appropriate, I use creative therapeutic approaches such as clay, sand tray, drawing, and games to help clients express themselves in ways that words alone sometimes cannot. I have a strong connection with nature and am happy to offer walk-and-talk sessions where suitable.
A little about me: I am a keen gardener and volunteer with Brandon in Bloom. I also enjoy attending music festivals and volunteer within festival welfare hubs, supporting the wellbeing of those who need a safe space or a listening ear. "
Tracy Stafford, Ba (Hons)
Integrative Counsellor & Psychotherapist
Modality: Integrative
Qualifications: Ba (Hons) Integrative Counselling
Member: British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
Rate: £55 per 1 Hr Session
Specialises: Substance use, Anxiety, Depression, Guilt & Shame
A little from Tracy...
" Hello and welcome. Finding yourself seeking a therapist can feel daunting for many, it can be however the first step towards gaining the support that may prove incredibly valuable on your life journey. I offer short- and long-term therapy depending on your individual needs, this may be negotiated throughout our work together.
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Life throws many surprises at us, and while we cannot predict the outcome of any situation, we can be supported to process and integrate our experiences. Within the therapeutic relationship you have the opportunity to learn about yourself, express your experience and be with whatever life may throw at you.
I am trauma informed, compassionate and dedicated therapist with extensive experience in supporting individuals through challenging life situations.
My approach is integrative, drawing from various therapeutic modalities to tailor my support to each client’s unique needs."​​​​​
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Free self-help resources created by Tracy
These resources are available to use, either by donation or free of charge.
Survival Guide- Loving someone experiencing addiction.
Introduction to Understanding and Releasing Shame - A self help booklet. PDF
Dan Taylor
Person-centred, Integrative Counsellor
Modality: Person Centred
Qualifications: Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling
Member: National Counselling & Psychotherapist Society
Rate: £50 per 50 Minute Session
Specialises: Long-Term health conditions, carers, grief & adoption.
A little from Dan...
"I believe that meaningful, human connection lies at the heart of effective therapy.
Throughout my life, I’ve had the privilege of working in several different fields, most recently as a registered nurse before moving into counselling. These experiences have allowed me to support a wide range of people - those living with long-term health conditions, carers, healthcare professionals, and individuals navigating grief. I bring all of this with me into my therapeutic work, and I consider it a strength to be able to sit alongside people during complex and emotional moments.
I also work with clients facing many of life’s challenges, including anxiety, fear, low mood, and depression, as well as those seeking clarity or a deeper understanding of their thoughts and feelings. Fostering and adoption is an area especially close to my heart; with lived experience in this field, I have a particular passion for supporting others on that journey.
In addition to counselling, I am now pleased to offer life coaching. This service is designed to help you set goals, build confidence, and create meaningful change in your personal or professional life. Whether you're looking for direction, motivation, or a fresh perspective, coaching can support you in moving forward with intention and purpose.
My approach is centred on you. I tailor the way I work to meet your individual needs, offering guidance, compassion, and steady support as you move through your counselling journey at your own pace.
Outside of my professional life, I find joy in gardening, cooking, walking in the forest, and spending as much time in nature as I can.
I currently offer both online and in-person sessions. In the future, I hope to introduce walk-and-talk therapy, giving clients the option to explore their therapeutic journey while connecting with the outdoors."
Jacob Andrew, Ba (Hons)
Modality: Integrative
Qualifications: Ba (Hons) Integrative Counselling
Member: British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
Rate: £50 per 50 minute session
Specialises: Neurodivergent
A little from Jake...
"I provide a compassionate and supportive space where you can gently explore yourself, your relationships, and the unique circumstances that shape your life. My approach balances validation with thoughtful, constructive challenge - helping you navigate both everyday experiences and the more difficult moments you may be facing.
Drawing on my integrative training, I tailor therapy to you as an individual, offering meaningful exploration and clear psychoeducation to deepen your understanding of yourself and your world. Throughout our work together, I hold empathy, respect, and your humanity at the centre of the process.
I offer an introductory session that includes reflective exercises to help us get to know one another and begin building a foundation of trust. You’ll find a judgment-free space where you can take things at your own pace as you explore who you are, how you move through the world, and the relationships that emerge within it."
Mel Garcia
Bereavement Group Facilitator
Modality: Person Centred
Qualifications:
Foundation Course with Living Well Dying Well
Member: End of Life Doula UK
Rate: Free - Bereavement Group
Specialises: Grief, living and dying
A little from Mel...
"Hi, I’m Melissa. Founder of Graceful Transitions, certified life coach, and end-of-life doula. I walk beside people through the in-betweens, the messy, meaningful, soul-stretching parts of life and death we’re not taught how to talk about, let alone move through with grace."
In partnership with The Sanctuary, Mel from Graceful Transitions is the facilitator of our monthly bereavement group.
Areas of support we offer
Abandonment issues
Abortion
Abuse
ADHD
Adoption counselling for adults
Affairs and betrayals
Alcohol use
Anger management
Anxiety
Attachment disorder
Autism
Baby loss
Bereavement
Bullying
Burnout
Cancer
Career counselling
Careers support
Childhood bullying
Chronic illness
Depression
Discrimination
Dissociation
Domestic abuse
Emotional abuse
End of Life support
Family issues
Feeling sad
Grief
Health anxiety​
Historical Sexual Abuse
Infertility
Loneliness
Low self-confidence
Low self-esteem
Mental health
Miscarriage
Narcissistic abuse
Panic attacks
Paranoia
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Postnatal depression
Pregnancy and birth
Psychosis
Relationship problems
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Self-harm
Separation and divorce
Sexual abuse
Sexual assault
Social anxiety
Spirituality
Stress
Substance use
Suicidal thoughts
Trauma​