Fairwinds team members

Having worked in our local NHS commissioned (IAPT) talking therapies service between 2008-2020, I developed a wealth of knowledge around mental health issues, clinical assessment, treatment, service delivery and gained excellent experience both clinically and as part of a senior management team.

Service Development

I have good experience at developing and leading on projects both privately and in NHS commissioned primary care mental health services. I am currently working with various partners to provide and promote mental health and wellbeing support to our local fishermen, farmers and their families in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.

Clinical Experience 

I am a dual trained clinician – I am an experienced psychodynamic counselling therapist and BPC accredited Dynamic Interpersonal Therapist (DIT) When required I am also guided by other counselling principles including evidenced-based CBT techniques, single session therapy techniques, solution focused techniques, ACT techniques and motivational interviewing skills.

I am also a trained psychological wellbeing practitioner (PWP) which means I can deliver low intensity evidenced based psychological interventions for common mental health problems.

My work varies from client to client, I can offer short and longer term psychotherapies to adults on an individual basis, who may be suffering with a range difficulties/ presentations including stress, depression, anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, adverse childhood experiences, relational difficulties past and present, work related issues, substance abuse, as well as other problems and challenges.

Supervisor

I have been a clinical supervisor for 14 years , and have supervised a broad range of therapists at different levels of their clinical practice, this has been via both individual, group or team supervision.

I have 17 years of experience working in primary care mental health services which has refined my ability at assessing individual clinical need and deciding collaboratively how we can best work to meet your needs and goals in a way that is helpful and meaningful using evidence based research to inform our treatment plan.

Mental Health & Wellbeing Lead for the Farm Fit Project

Sarah Counter is founder of Land to Sea CBT and is a BABCP Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist.

Land to Sea CBT is working in partnership with Fairwinds Cornwall since 2020 to deliver targeted mental wellbeing support to rural communities in Cornwall.

Sarah is an experienced mental health practitioner who has over 20 years’ experience of working in the NHS across a range of mental health services ranging from severe and enduring to primary care including NHS Talking Therapies.

Sarah also has experience of working in Higher Education in support services for Students from Falmouth and Exeter Universities.

Sarah is the Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead for Farm Fit. Delivering one to one therapy, Sarah adopts an integrative approach to her work.  She provides holistic and constructive support to her clients, to help identify and manage stressors and build resilience in a way that is right for them.

Sarah brings much experience to Fairwinds as an experienced senior clinician, supervisor, as well as providing CBT and third wave CBT approaches such as Compassion Focussed Therapy, ACT and Polyvagal Informed Therapy.

Sarah also has extensive interest in nature-based therapy and women’s health.  She enjoys walking the Southwest Coast Path, open water swimming, art and crafts, reading and spending time in nature.

Where appropriate Sarah can offer a nature-based approach to her work alongside ‘walk and talk’ sessions.

I am a fully BACP registered counsellor providing both long- and short-term therapy to adults, either face to face, online or by telephone. A person-centred approach informs my practise, which means there is a focus on building a trustworthy, accepting and empathic relationship between myself and the client, however I may also integrate tools from other approaches, such as CBT, solution focused therapy or Transactional Analysis, that may be helpful.

As well as my own private practice, I have worked in various settings, including for charitable organisations, college counselling and EAP companies.

My counselling experience is diverse and includes working with people who have anxiety, depression, or relationship issues. I have helped people in overcoming issues such as disordered eating, low self-esteem, and the emotional trauma caused by abuse. I also volunteer with a bereavement charity, so have had extensive experience of supporting people through the loss of a loved one.

I am a BABCP accredited cognitive behavioural therapist with 10 years’ experience working with adults in NHS primary care mental health services, private healthcare services as well as previous experience working in substance misuse services within the prison and community. As well as CBT, I also incorporate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into my sessions. I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), a therapy used mainly to treat trauma.

I have experience in working with individuals experiencing a range of mental health disorders including depression, stress, low self-esteem, PTSD and a range of anxiety disorders such as OCD, social anxiety and generalised anxiety disorder.

My approach is intuitive, empathic, collaborative and non-judgemental. I aim to provide a space for you to feel safe and empowered to make positive changes in your life.

Currently working as a cognitive behavioural therapist (CBT), Jen specialises in working with individuals who might be struggling with difficulties including low mood and depression, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, obsessive disorders and trauma. Jen has also worked as a life coach – providing support for individuals who are dealing with sudden or transitional changes in their lives.

Jen is accredited with the BABCP as a CBT therapist and clinical supervisor, and currently works in corporate mental health and private practice.

Outside of work, Jen loves to explore the Cornish countryside and coastline with her dogs, and enjoys reading and growing her own vegetables.