Dr Sarah Quinley
“My journey to becoming a therapist has taught me that home and belonging are not just about physical places; they are also about the personal experiences we feel inside. In our work together, you will have the opportunity to connect deeply with yourself, have compassion for who you have been, and explore the person you are becoming. Through this process, my hope is that you will cultivate a sense of belonging both within yourself and in the wider world around you.”
I grew up in the Bay Area of California, surrounded by a diverse community. My understanding of what 'home' means expanded when I moved to Scotland in 2014 to study counselling and psychotherapy at the University of Edinburgh. Over the next six years, I worked in various clinical settings and private practice, helping individuals and couples from a wide range of backgrounds.
In 2020, I embraced a new adventure by moving to Spain, where I now live with my bilingual and bicultural family. Living in different cultures and connecting with people from all walks of life has deepened my awareness of the uniqueness and complexity of each person’s story. To honour this, I take a flexible and holistic approach to therapy, drawing on various methods that support you as a whole person—body, mind, emotions, and culture. I see myself not as an expert with all the answers, but as a supportive companion, dedicated to kindness, honest communication, collaboration, and shared growth.
My practice is grounded in extensive training, clinical experience, and over a decade of personal therapy (and counting). At its heart, it is relational and humanistic, nurturing curiosity, compassion, and empowerment. As a queer, neurodivergent immigrant, I am passionate about cultivating an inclusive and welcoming space where every part of your identity is acknowledged and cherished.
In addition to being a therapist, I’m also a singer-songwriter and researcher. My doctoral research explored how singing can facilitate healing and express feelings that are often difficult to put into words.
My journey to becoming a therapist has taught me that home and belonging are not just about physical places; they are also about the personal experiences we feel inside. In our work together, you will have the opportunity to connect deeply with yourself, have compassion for who you have been, and explore the person you are becoming. Through this process, my hope is that you will cultivate a sense of belonging both within yourself and in the wider world around you.
“Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”
― Brene Brown
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I warmly welcome people from all cultures, identities, abilities, and backgrounds. I have a special passion for supporting fellow immigrants, expatriates, international students, and members of the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities. Additionally, I have experience working with undergraduate and graduate students, trainee counsellors, musicians, and, funnily enough, many devoted fans of Taylor Swift—an unexpected commonality that I truly appreciate!
Throughout my practice, I have supported many individuals navigating significant life transitions. These may include moving to a new country, coping with the loss of a loved one, adjusting to job changes, entering parenthood, leaving a religion or church, or managing shifts in personal relationships. I have also helped clients in untangling the complexities of their identities, including cultural, sexual, and gender identity, as they cultivate a sense of belonging.
In addition, I specialise in addiction and recovery, working closely with individuals affected by their own substance use or that of a loved one. My practice addresses a wide range of emotional challenges such as depression, anxiety, overwhelming stress, self-criticism, and trauma. I have guided many individuals in or emerging from abusive relationships, assisting them in reconnecting with their inner trust, autonomy, and self-worth.
In couples therapy, I work with partners to address various issues including infidelity, intimacy challenges, communication barriers, and the emotional complexities that often arise during times of separation or divorce. Below, you will find a non-exhaustive list of the issues I have experience with.
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I have experience working with a wide range of issues which I have listed here.
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My approach to therapy is pluralistic, meaning I draw from various schools of thought on growth and healing. These include person-centered therapy, experiential therapy, psychodynamic therapy, Systems Theory therapy, Cognitive Analytic Therapy, Transactional Analysis, Internal Family Systems Therapy, and Emotion-Focused Therapy. This approach allows me to combine the most suitable ideas and tools tailored specifically to your needs. Learn more here.
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Certificate in Introduction to Cognitive Analytic Therapy (2022): Sussex Mindfulness Centre, Online Training
Certificate in Transactional Analysis 101 (2021): Physis Scotland, Online Training
Certificate in Couples Counselling (2020): Relationship Scotland, Edinburgh, Scotland
Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy (2019): The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
PG Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy (2016): The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
Counselling Children and Young People Introductory course (2015): The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
Liberal Studies Teacher Preparation BA (2014): San Jose State University, San Jose, USA
Associate Degree of Arts (AA) (emphasis in social sciences) 2011, San Jose City College, San Jose, USA
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I am registered with The British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP 377377), meaning that I have been approved for gaining appropriate training and experience. My work is deeply grounded in the ethics of care, respect, safety, and confidentiality, which is embedded within the code of ethics and conduct of the BACP. My practice is also insured and regularly supervised per the BACP requirements, so you can be confident about the help I provide.
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As a life-long learner in my profession, I regularly attend workshops, trainings, conferences, and other CPD courses. I am also an avid reader and research themes and socio-cultural contexts to deepen my understanding and support my clients therapeutically. You may find a list of my CPD here.
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