Sara

As a Psychology graduate with a strong academic background and lived experience of anxiety and depression, I bring both professional and personal insight to my work as a Therapy Intern. My journey with mental-health challenges has shaped my empathy, resilience, and ability to connect authentically with individuals who may be struggling. It has also strengthened my commitment to creating safe spaces where people feel understood, validated, and supported without judgement. Alongside this personal insight, I have three years of professional experience supporting vulnerable individuals in high-pressure environments through my role at HMRC. In this position, I developed strong skills in active listening, de-escalation, conflict resolution, and managing sensitive disclosures while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism. I frequently worked with distressed individuals, helping them navigate difficult situations with calmness, patience, and compassion.  My involvement in workplace mental-health networks — including suicide-risk awareness training, bereavement support discussions, wellbeing events, and neurodiversity advocacy — has further deepened my understanding of how to support people experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties. These experiences have helped me build confidence in recognising signs of distress, offering appropriate guidance, and understanding the limits of my role.  As a Therapy Intern, I work under supervision to provide client check-ins, psychoeducation, and wellbeing guidance using evidence-based tools. I remain within ethical boundaries and do not deliver independent therapy. My goal is to combine my academic knowledge, lived experience, and professional skills to support clients with warmth, understanding, and psychological insight.