Counselling in Stevenage and online
Welcome to SB Counselling Practice
Hello, I'm Sarah, a counsellor working with adults online across the UK, and in person in Stevenage, North Hertfordshire. I support adults facing bereavement, life-limiting diagnoses, caring responsibilities and other life changes.
Counselling can support you when life becomes difficult. Perhaps someone you love has died, or you're living with the reality of a serious or terminal diagnosis. You might be caring for someone and feel worn down, unseen, or unsure of who you are outside that role. Perhaps you feel a pressure that won't lift, or unease since something changed, or you are carrying the weight of a situation or decision that feels impossible to live with.You might not have the words to describe what you're experiencing. I offer a calm and grounded space where we can explore your thoughts and feelings at your pace, and work through your concerns together.You can use the links here to find out more about how counselling works, my particular approach, and the people and experiences I work with. You are welcome to get in touch with any questions you may have.
Counselling for adults facing bereavement, a life-limiting diagnosis, caring responsibilities and other life changes.
About me
I'm Sarah Backhouse, a counsellor working with adults online across the UK, and in person in Stevenage, North Hertfordshire.
Finding a counsellor you feel comfortable with matters, and there are many to choose between. I hope this page gives you a sense of who I am and how I work, so you can decide what feels right for you.I am interested in the periods when life stops making sense: after a loss, a diagnosis, a birth, a big change or a long stretch of looking after someone else. I understand that these experiences deserve time and care, without being rushed or tidied up. I hope you'll find that I'm calm, unhurried and easy to talk to. I'm here to make room for whatever you're carrying, however messy or unfinished it feels.
MY PRACTICE
I bring curiosity, integrity, and experience as a volunteer counsellor for a hospice to my practice. I am trained in person-centred counselling, an approach built around your own experience. It starts from the belief that, given the right conditions, you can come to understand yourself and your concerns more fully, and find your own way forward.The relationship between us is central to the work. Feeling heard and accepted as you are can make room for new perspectives to emerge, at a pace that feels right for you. I will meet you with warmth and respect, valuing your individuality and autonomy at every step.You can use the links below to find out more about counselling and how I can help. You are very welcome to get in touch to arrange a free, no-obligation telephone chat.
QUALIFICATIONS and CREDENTIALS
Level 4 diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (CPCAB)
Level 2 certificate in Understanding Autism
Registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
Professional liability insurance
Enhanced DBS check
ICO registered
Regular professional development and training
Regular supervision with a qualified counselling supervisor
Bereavement, illness & caring: What I can help with
I have experience supporting people who are navigating significant loss, or living with or caring for someone with a life-limiting illness. I have seen how grief, sadness, anger, guilt, shame, loneliness, betrayal, loss of identity, and fear can arrive together, and how differently they can show up for each person.Perhaps someone close to you has died, and the world carrying on around you no longer makes sense. Perhaps you've been given a diagnosis — your own or someone you love's — and you're trying to keep going while everything inside you is changing. Maybe you're caring for someone day after day, and there's no space left for your own needs, or perhaps you care for others in your job and have had to make decisions that feel wrong. Perhaps there's a heaviness that you can't quite name, or a feeling that you've lost a sense of who you are. Whatever has brought you to seek counselling, you don't have to have the right words ready, and you don't have to be in crisis to deserve support.
I work with adults facing:
Bereavement and grief, at any stage — including grief that others feel you should have 'moved on' from
A terminal or serious diagnosis, either your own or a loved one's
Loss more broadly — of health, independence, a role, a relationship, or a sense of who you are
Caring responsibilities, and the exhaustion, guilt, and isolation that often come with them
Life transitions — parenthood, retirement, ageing, menopause, losing a spouse, relationship breakdown
Moral injury — the term used to describe the distress that can be experienced after being forced to make a decision, or not being able to prevent an action, that goes against someone's moral beliefs or values
Loneliness, including the kind that can appear even when you're surrounded by people
Identity and belonging — the sense of not quite recognising yourself, or not knowing where you fit anymore
Stress from family relationships or work
Trauma, anxiety, anger, shame and guilt that can sit alongside any of the above
If any of these feelings or experiences resonate with you, you are welcome to send a message and I will get back to you within 24 hours.
I welcome enquiries from adults aged 18 and over.In the rare instance that I feel unable to help with your concerns I will let you know, and will try to help you find an alternative counsellor.
Why have counselling?
People come to counselling for many different reasons.You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure about something in your life. You may be experiencing anxiety, low mood, grief, or changes in relationships — perhaps following a bereavement, a diagnosis, or a shift in caring responsibilities. Sometimes there isn't a clear reason, but a sense that something doesn't feel right, or that life has become hard to manage.Counselling offers a space to slow things down and begin to make sense of what's going on. To talk things through, to be heard without judgement, and to explore whatever feels important for you — whether that's a specific loss or change, or something harder to put into words. You don't need to have a clear reason for coming — we can start wherever you are, and work at your own pace.If you're considering counselling, you're welcome to get in touch to arrange an initial telephone chat to discuss your needs and ask any questions.
The counselling process
I aim to be open and transparent about how counselling works, so you can make informed choices about your support.
What can I expect from our sessions?
Our sessions will take place at the same time, each week. When we first meet we will discuss whether you'd like to work towards a particular short- or long-term timeframe, or take an open-ended approach, and can revisit this as we go. Whether you’ve experienced counselling before or not, we will also discuss your expectations during our initial session.I will have no expectations about what you bring to your sessions, they are a space that belongs to you. Regardless of the reasons you sought counselling, you are free to decide what feels important to talk about at any given time, whether that’s something specific, something general, or simply how you are feeling in the moment. It is quite common to not know what you want to talk about each week; our sessions will follow your pace and process.
HOW I WORK
My role is to listen carefully and stay alongside you without advising or directing you — I respect that you are the expert on your own life. We will gently explore your feelings to make your inner experiences clearer and more manageable. I may reflect your words, ask questions, or invite you to explore something more deeply. There may also be silences, which we can explore together, because what happens in the session between us can reflect your experiences outside of it.By slowing down and noticing what is happening, emotions can begin to feel less overwhelming and more tolerable, and patterns in our thoughts and behaviours become clearer. Over time, this can strengthen our self-awareness, increase our resilience, and support our emotional wellbeing.
How do I know if it's working?
Counselling is most effective when you feel heard and accepted as you are. My hope is that the relationship we build will create trust and safety that allows you to access and express your feelings more freely — perhaps in ways you haven’t felt able to before. I believe that, given the right conditions, you can find your way forward.Healing and change don’t often look like sudden breakthroughs or getting clear answers. You might begin to notice small shifts, such as feeling more able to put things into words, asking for what you need, responding differently in situations that used to feel difficult, or speaking more kindly to yourself. Perhaps you find a way to grieve that feels right for you, or you begin to feel moments of relief and joy without it feeling like a betrayal. You may begin to notice greater openness with your feelings, less overwhelm, and the ability to sit with difficult feelings and uncertainty in a new way. Perhaps you are able to sleep better, concentrate a bit more, or feel less irritated by people around you. You may start to rebuild a sense of yourself, and recognise your place in the world once more.Being listened to and understood can, over time, create space for change — often bringing greater clarity, resilience, and self-trust. The process is gradual, and what feels helpful will be different for each person.
What if it isn't working?
Doubt and uncertainty are part of the process — both are welcome, and we can explore these together.In some circumstances, counselling may not be the right support at this time, or there may be certain issues I'm unable to help with because of my level of qualification. If any of these become apparent during our initial session or soon afterwards, we can discuss this and agree how to move forward.In counselling, the relationship we build is the biggest contributor to healing or change — but as with any meeting of two individuals, the relationship might not fit. If you feel this way, I would welcome your honesty without judgement, and I will help you in whatever way I can as you continue your journey.
Final thoughts
Counselling is a process — it’s not always linear, it takes time and it can sometimes be challenging.Talking about difficult experiences or feelings can bring them closer to the surface, especially if they have been held in for a long time. Feeling unsettled or emotional after sessions is a natural part of the process, and doesn’t necessarily mean that something is going wrong — it can be part of making sense of things more fully, and building emotional capacity and resilience. If this happens, it can be helpful to bring it into the next session so we can think about it together and make sure the work continues in a way that feels safe and manageable. If anything feels too much between sessions, you're welcome to let me know — we can talk about the best way to support you.If you’re considering counselling, you’re welcome to get in touch to see whether working together feels right for you.
Clinical disclaimer
This website is for information only, and does not replace professional therapy. No counsellor-client relationship is formed until formally agreed between us, with your explicit consent.
LOCATION
You can choose between meeting in person or online.
IN PERSON
In-person sessions take place in calm, comfortable and confidential rooms on Stevenage High Street (Old Town):92B Stevenage High Street
Stevenage Old Town
SG1 3DWPlease note, the rooms are located on the first floor via a staircase — there is no lift available. If stairs are difficult for you, online sessions might be a good alternative.There are toilet facilities but no waiting room; please arrive at the time of your session.You can find out more about the rooms, including photos, here:
Stevenage High Street is accessible from many locations in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.By car:
Stevenage High Street is within a 20 minute drive from Knebworth, Hitchin, Letchworth Garden City, Baldock, Welwyn Garden City, and many villages in between.There is plenty of free parking on Stevenage High Street (limited to 3 hours). There are also several carparks nearby:
- Primett Road South (Primett Road, SG1 3EE), 3 minute walk away, parking charges apply - no disabled spaces available
- Primett Road North (Primett Road, SG1 3EH), 3 minute walk away, parking charges apply
- Gates Way Car Park (opposite Gate Hotel, Gates Way, SG1 3HG), 7 minute walk away, parking charges applyPublic transport:
Stevenage train station is a 15 minute walk away, with direct trains to Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock, Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield, most stopping at every station.Bus routes stopping along Stevenage High Street service the local area, as well as surrounding towns and villages, including Luton, Stopsley, Letchworth, Hitchin, Little Wymondley, Great Offley, Lilley, Welwyn, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield, Knebworth and St Albans.
ONLINE
I welcome online clients from across the UK. Online sessions can take place in a private, quiet space of your choosing.You will need a laptop, desktop, tablet or smartphone with a camera, microphone and speaker (many devices have these built-in), and a stable internet connection. I use Microsoft Teams, a secure video call platform which runs from most web browsers (Chrome, Edge or Safari). There is no need to install the Teams app or to have a Microsoft account — I will send you a link in advance that you can join as a guest.
Fees & Availability
Session length: 50 minutes, usually weekly
Fee: £55 per session
Reduced fees: Available — please ask if payment might be difficult
Location: In person in Stevenage, or online via Microsoft Teams
Format: Short-term, long-term, or open-ended, depending on your needs
Payment: Bank transfer in advance of each session, or cash on the day
Cancellations: I ask for 72 hours' notice where possible, as it helps me hold your space. I know that life with grief, illness or caring can be unpredictable, so if something unexpected happens, please let me know and we can talk it through.
Availability:
I have availability for weekday and some evening online and in-person sessions.Please contact me for current availability, or if you have any questions about fees or arrangements.
What happens next?
When you get in touch, I will reply to your message and if requested, will offer you an initial telephone call lasting around 20 minutes.This call is free and carries no obligation to begin counselling with me or take any next steps — it is an opportunity for you to get an idea of whether counselling with me feels right for you. I will ask about your hopes and concerns about counselling, any previous experience of counselling, and practical things like your availability, access needs, and anything relevant to your health and wellbeing.If you decide to go ahead, we will book in an initial 50-minute session together. During this session we will create a contract for how we will work together, and discuss whether you'd like to agree a number of sessions or work on an open-ended basis. I hope to be able to set out expectations and boundaries for our work in a transparent and collaborative way, and you are welcome to ask questions at any point during this process.Occasionally, it may become apparent during our telephone call or first session that I will not be able to help with your concern, for example because of my level of qualification, or because online work may not be suitable for your particular concern, if that's your preference. In this instance I will let you know, and if appropriate I can help you find an alternative counsellor or service.Any information I gather about you, regardless of whether we continue working together, will be handled sensitively and confidentially, in line with GDPR regulations.
Contact
If you are wondering whether counselling might be helpful, or would like to find out more about the process or arrange a free initial telephone chat, you can contact me below or by emailing:
An initial telephone chat can be a simple way to get a sense of whether counselling feels right for you, and whether I might be a good fit as your counsellor. It gives you the chance to ask any questions and to get a feel for how I work, without any obligation to continue.Send me a message here, and I will get back to you within 24 hours.
Support is available if you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis or emergency, no matter what you're going through. If you are in crisis or feel at risk, counselling may not be the right support right now — please contact your GP and ask for an urgent appointment, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option, or in an emergency call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department. 24-hour support is also available from Samaritans, call 116 123. A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one; you will not be wasting anyone's time.
PRIVACY POLICYPractice Name: SB Counselling Practice
Practitioner: Sarah Backhouse
Effective Date: July 2026
Website: sbcounsellingpractice.co.uk
Email: [email protected]INTRODUCTION
I aim to protect your privacy and handle your personal data with sensitivity, care and respect. I adhere to the ethical standards of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.As a counsellor, I have a legitimate interest in processing personal data in order to provide safe and effective counselling services. This Privacy Policy explains what personal information I collect, why I collect it, how long it is stored, and your rights in relation to your data.I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), registration number ZC194595. I am the Data Controller responsible for your personal data.INFORMATION I COLLECT
When you contact me, I will collect personal information to respond to your enquiry and, where appropriate, provide counselling services. This information may include:
- Your name
- Email address
- Phone number
- The content of your message
- Your availability
- Other relevant personal information including healthIf you share sensitive personal information (including health or emotional wellbeing information), it will be handled with strict confidentiality and in accordance with data protection law.I also use Google Analytics to collect anonymised information about how visitors use my website, such as:
- Pages visited
- Time spent on pages
- Device/browser type
- General location dataThis information does not identify you personally and is used to improve the website.HOW I USE YOUR INFORMATION
I collect and use your personal data to:
- Respond to enquiries
- Communicate with you about counselling services
- Provide counselling services
- Maintain appropriate professional clinical notes and records*
- Improve my website and servicesI will only use your data for the purpose for which it was collected.*I may record brief, factual and relevant notes following sessions. This acts as an aide-memoire for me, and supports my clinical supervision.LAWFUL BASIS FOR PROCESSING
Under UK GDPR, I rely on the following lawful bases:
- Consent – you are giving me consent to process your data when you contact me or provide information voluntarily
- Legitimate Interests – to respond to enquiries and manage my practice
- Legal Obligation – where I am required to retain recordsWhere I process sensitive personal data (such as health information), I do so under your explicit consent for the provision of counselling services.CONFIDENTIALITY & ETHICAL PRACTICE
As a member of the BACP, I work in accordance with its Ethical Framework.Confidentiality is a fundamental part of counselling. All information shared is kept confidential, with the following exceptions:
- Where there is a legal requirement to disclose information
- Where there is a risk of serious harm to you or others
- Where information is discussed in professional supervision (in anonymised form)Confidentiality and its limits will be discussed in more detail if we begin working together, and will form part of our counselling agreement.DATA SHARING
I do not sell or share your personal data for marketing purposes.Your data will not be shared with any other person or organisation without your knowledge and consent, unless there is a legal, ethical, or safeguarding obligation to do so as outlined above.Limited data may be processed by third-party service providers (such as website hosting, analytics providers, video conferencing platforms) who are required to handle your data securely and in accordance with data protection law.I do not use AI tools to record, transcribe, or analyse sessions, and I do not enter identifiable client information into AI systems.COOKIES
This website uses cookies to:
- Ensure proper functionality
- Collect anonymous usage data via Google AnalyticsYou can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings.DATA RETENTION
Website Enquiries:
Personal data from enquiries is kept only as long as necessary to respond and for short-term follow-up.CLIENT RECORDS
If you become a client, your records will be retained in line with professional, ethical, and insurance requirements.Typically:
- Records are kept for 7 years after counselling ends. After this time, all personal data and data regarding sessions will be securely destroyed.
- This may vary depending on legal, safeguarding, or insurance requirements.DATA SECURITY
I take appropriate steps to protect your personal data and to prevent loss, misuse or unauthorised access. These include:
- Secure storage of records (both electronic and paper)
- Password-protected devices
- Encrypted email communication where possible
- Encrypted video consultations
- Limited access to personal informationWhile I take reasonable steps to secure communications, I cannot guarantee that all electronic communications will be completely secure or free from viruses.YOUR RIGHTS
Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:
- Access your personal data
- Request correction of inaccurate data (i.e. change of address, misspellings)
- Request erasure (where applicable)
- Restrict or object to processing
- Withdraw consent at any timeTo exercise your rights, please email me at [email protected]
If you have any concerns about my use of your data, I encourage you to contact me first so I can try to resolve the issue. You also have the right to complain directly to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).CONTINUITY OF CARE
I have a clinical will in place. This is a plan to make sure your information is protected and that you are looked after if something unexpected happens to me, such as my death or a serious illness that means I can no longer work.Who will be responsible:
I have appointed a clinical executor, who is a qualified, BACP-registered counsellor, and is bound by the same standards of confidentiality that I am. They have agreed to act in this role, and they are only authorised to access your information for the purposes described here.What they will do:
- Contact you. They will discretely let you know what has happened, using the contact details you gave me, so that you are not left wondering why sessions have stopped. If you wish, they can help you find another counsellor or support service.
- Keep your records secure. They will take over the safe storage of my client records. They will only access the information necessary to inform you of the situation, carry out the tasks outlined here, respond to your requests, or where the law requires it.
- Keep records for the retention period. As set out in this policy, records are kept for 7 years from when we finish counselling, or I am unable to continue work in the event of my death or incapacity. My executor will hold your records for the remainder of that period and then destroy them securely. Records are not destroyed early because of my death.
- Destroy my client records securely. Paper records will be shredded and digital records permanently deleted. My executor will keep a note that this has been done, but will not keep any of your personal details beyond the retention period.
- Respond to your rights. During the retention period you can still ask to see your records, ask for corrections, or ask questions about how your information is used.What they will not do:
My executor will not use your information for any other purpose, share it with anyone who does not have a legitimate need to see it, or discuss the content of our sessions beyond what is necessary to carry out the tasks above. The only exceptions are the limits to confidentiality already explained in this policy and my Counselling Agreement, such as where there is a serious risk of harm or a legal requirement to disclose.CHANGES TO THIS POLICY
This policy may be updated periodically. The most current version will always appear on this page.
WEBSITE TERMS & CONDITIONS OF USEINTRODUCTION
These terms and conditions govern your use of this website. By accessing and using this website, you accept these terms in full. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, please do not use this website.ABOUT THIS WEBSITE
This website is owned and operated by Sarah Backhouse / SB Counselling. The content provided is for general information about my counselling services and related topics.Use of this website, including contacting me through it, does not establish a counsellor–client relationship. A therapeutic relationship is only formed once we have agreed to work together and appropriate consent and assessment processes have been completed.The information on this website is not intended to replace professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing distress or require immediate support, you should contact your GP, NHS 111, or emergency services where appropriate.WEBSITE CONTENT
While I aim to ensure that all information is accurate and up to date, I make no guarantees regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content. Content may be updated or changed without notice.You agree to use this website only for lawful purposes. Please do not:
- Use the website in any way that causes, or may cause, damage to the site or impairment of access
- Use the website for fraudulent or harmful purposes
- Attempt to gain unauthorised access to any part of the websiteThis website may include links to external websites. I am not responsible for the content or availability of these sites and do not endorse them.INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
All content on this website, including text, design, images and layout, is the property of Sarah Backhouse/SB Counselling, unless otherwise stated. You may view, download, or print content for personal use only. You must not reproduce, distribute, or use content for commercial purposes without permission.LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
To the fullest extent permitted by law, I disclaim all liability for any loss or damage arising from your use of this website or reliance on its content.PRIVACY & DATA PROTECTION
Your use of this website is also governed by the Privacy Policy, which explains how your personal data is collected and used. My full Privacy Policy is available upon request, or can be accessed via the link on this website.CHANGES TO THESE TERMS
I may update these terms from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page, and continued use of the website indicates acceptance of those changes.CONTACT INFORMATION
If you have any questions about these terms, please contact:
Sarah Backhouse
WEBSITE ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENTI aim to make this website accessible for everyone, and am continually working to improve its accessibility and usability.While I strive to ensure accessibility, there may be some areas of the website that are not fully accessible. This may include third-party content or embedded features that are outside of my control.If you have difficulty accessing any part of this website or would like information in a different format (for example, large print or a simplified version), please feel welcome to contact me. I will do my best to provide the information in a way that meets your needs.If you experience any accessibility barriers or have suggestions for improving accessibility, please get in touch. I welcome feedback and am committed to making reasonable adjustments to improve access wherever possible.Sarah Backhouse / SB Counselling Practice July 2026
INCLUSION & EQUALITY STATEMENTI aim to offer a space where you can feel welcomed, respected, and accepted as you are. I work in a way that values your individuality and the different aspects of your identity and lived experience.I recognise that people are shaped by many factors, including culture, race, gender, sexuality, disability, religion, and social context. I aim to remain open, curious, and respectful of your experience, and to work alongside you without judgement.I am aware that my own background and experiences influence how I understand the world. I am committed to ongoing reflection, learning, and supervision, in line with the BACP Ethical Framework, to support an anti-discriminatory and ethical practice.I welcome and respect all gender identities and pronouns, and will always aim to use language that feels right for you.I recognise and value neurodiversity, understanding that people experience, think, and communicate in different ways.I offer both in-person and online counselling and will do my best to consider any access needs. If there is anything that would help you feel more comfortable or supported, you are welcome to let me know.Sarah Backhouse / SB Counselling Practice July 2026
COMPLAINTSPart of my commitment to you is to be honest and transparent about the therapeutic process. My practice is guided by the Ethical Framework of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), the professional body to which I belong.Sometimes things go wrong. If you have any concerns or are unhappy with any aspect of our work, I encourage you to raise this with me so we can try to work it through together. If you feel unable to do this, or if the issue remains unresolved, you have the option to make a formal complaint through the BACP: