Somewhere safe for your child to feel heard.
I'm Sarah Pacelli, a psychotherapeutic counsellor specialising in working with children and young people. For over 8 years I have had the privilege of supporting young people, their families, and their schools. Whatever your child needs, I offer care and support in a safe environment where they are able to explore their concerns without judgement.
Consistent, warm, kind and accepting in my approach.
As an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP), I abide by the ethical framework. I establish a rapport by making my client the primary concern of the work we do together. I recognise that being trustworthy is essential to the relationship and that being empathic is the greatest aid to understanding the vast amount of differences.
I work within the limits of confidentiality, maintaining the professional boundaries. I stand by my principles with total commitment to my client.
My therapeutic approach is best described as integrative and draws from a range of therapeutic perspectives. Fundamentally, my approach is informed by attachment theory and schema therapy, which emphasises the developmental significance of early childhood experiences of security. Beyond this level of understanding I am person-centred and psychoanalytic to inform and guide me in my everyday work.
I use my interpersonal skills to assist my client in noticing and exploring the symptoms and triggers of their anxiety, panic attacks, depression and mood changes. I am a calm person with a warm loving nature, I am very driven, creative, playful and use my counselling skills and self-awareness to make my life fuller.
Children, young people and their families.
My approach is very much collaborative. I believe in working alongside young people, their families, and their schools to create a supportive environment that fosters growth and healing. Every child and family are unique, so I tailor my approach to fit the specific needs and circumstances of each individual.
School anxiety and EBSA
School trauma and anxiety can stem from bullying, academic pressure or social difficulties, and can make it hard for a child to feel safe at school. When a child feels so distressed that they begin to avoid school altogether, it is often a way of coping with underlying emotional pain. I look at the whole picture, the child, their feelings and the family, and work with the school on things like gradual reintegration plans.
Neurodivergent children
Neurodivergent children often experience the world differently, and what may seem like a minor stressor to others can be overwhelming for them. No two children experience neurodiversity in the same way. By recognising and honouring your child’s experience, we can work towards positive outcomes that respect their individuality and strengths.
Going at your child’s pace.
We start with a short conversation with you as parents or carers about what has been happening. Counselling then has a clear beginning, middle and end, and there’s no pressure to meet specific goals or timelines along the way.
Getting to know your child
I like to take the time to learn about what makes your child happy, what they enjoy doing and what captures their interest. Whether it’s sport, art, video games or time with family, these can become powerful tools in our sessions.
Led by them
I adopt a non-directive approach, so there is no set agenda. Whether your child chooses to talk, play, draw, or simply sit quietly, every form of expression is valid and respected. This is their space to use as they need.
Naming feelings
I help your child name their feelings, notice how they show up in the body, like a racing heart or a tight stomach, and see how they affect behaviour. This self-awareness is one of the first steps towards regulating emotions.
Change and growth
We then work on communicating assertively, meeting their own needs and understanding the needs of others. Towards the end we review what they’ve learned and plan for continued support at home and at school.
Support that carries on into school.
I work closely with schools and SEND teams so that the strategies we build in sessions are reinforced in the classroom. If your child hasn’t had an assessment with a Paediatrician, Child Psychologist or CAMHS, I can guide you through the process. A clear diagnosis helps the school understand your child’s needs and can open the door to an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
- Providing documentation and reports based on our sessions
- Collaborating with the SEND team and other professionals involved
- Attending EHCP meetings to advocate for appropriate support for your child
- Helping you understand each step of the process and what to expect
One hour, £65, in person or online.
Sessions are booked and paid for through the online calendar. We'll usually start with a short conversation about what you're hoping for, then agree how often to meet.
Life-Balancing Counselling
1 hour · individualNeurodiversity Affirming Counselling
1 hourTherapeutic-Based Approach
1 hourChildren & Young People
1 hour · initial call with a parent or carer first“Happiness, not in another place but this place, not for another hour but this hour.”
Walt Whitman
Choose a time that suits you.
Pick a slot below and pay securely when you book. If you'd rather talk first, send me a message and we'll find a time to speak.
What young people, parents and schools have said.
“I’ll always remember you and appreciate the fact that you have always been there when I needed you.”
“Thank you so very much for all your hard work with our young people. It is so great to have you on the team and supporting our pupils in facing troubles and trauma.”
“Thank you so much for all your help and support. They have really gained a lot from coming to you and I am so grateful they had a safe space.”
“I just wanted to say thank you for all you have done. You bonded when no one could, you helped gain his confidence. For that I will always be grateful. You truly are a wonderful person.”
The things people usually ask me.
If yours is not here, please do ask. I would much rather you knew what to expect.
Is what we talk about confidential?
Yes. I work within the limits of confidentiality and maintain professional boundaries at all times. The only exception is where there is a risk of harm, and I would always try to talk that through with you first.
How many sessions will we need?
There is no set number. Some people come for six or eight weeks with something specific in mind, others stay for longer. We decide together and we keep reviewing it.
My child will not want to talk. Is that a problem?
Not at all. A great deal of my work with children happens through drawing, play and storytelling rather than conversation. I help them name how they are feeling through the metaphor, and they get to set the pace.
Will you tell me what my child said?
Their sessions are their own, and that privacy is part of what makes the work possible. I will always keep you in the picture about how things are going in general terms, and I will tell you straight away if I have a concern about their safety.
How do I pay, and what if I need to cancel?
You pay when you book your slot in the online calendar. If something comes up, please give me 24 hours notice and we will simply move it.
Do you work online?
Yes, by video call, and it works well for most older young people and for parent sessions. In person sessions will be available as soon as my new room is open.
Get in touch
Any questions about how counselling works, or whether it's right for you or your child, just ask.
If you need help right now
I’m not a crisis service. These are free and available day and night.