SARAH SIVASUNDARAM | INTEGRATED PSYCHOTHERAPIST | COUNSELLOR
+44 7773 303142| sarah@spacetochangecounselling.co.uk
My Story: From 'Repeat' to Relief
I entered the world of counselling because I needed to understand why I was so punishing of myself.
On the outside, I was high-achieving, looked well, and came from an "intact" family. On the inside, I was drowning in self-loathing, neglecting my own needs, disrupting relationships, and constantly swinging between intense anger and deep sadness. I lost count of the number of times I asked myself, “What’s wrong with me?”.
BREAKING THE CYCLE
Throughout our lives, we unconsciously absorb learned behaviours, beliefs, and defence mechanisms. Until we have the dedicated space to unpack and unlearn them, we live in a constant state of "repeat."
My goal is to give you that space. Much like I did, you might not yet know what your internal drivers are—and that is exactly what we will explore together, safely and without judgment.
By deepening my self-understanding and healing old patterns, I rebuilt a sense of inner trust. This allowed me to finally reconnect with myself and others in a way that feels quiet, steady, and authentic.
You don't have to keep repeating the same painful cycles. I offer a way for you to reconnect with yourself and the people around you.
Is this you?
If you recognise yourself in any of the following, I think we can work together:
1.
The High Achiever Fighting an Inner Critic: You are successful at work or in your day-to-day life, but you are plagued by self-loathing, perfectionism, or the constant feeling that you are secretly "broken."
2.
The "Chronic Searcher" Who Feels Stuck: You’ve read the self-help books, tried the meditations, and made the resolutions, yet you find yourself trapped in a constant state of "repeat"—sabotaging relationships or getting in your own way.
3.
The Late-Discovery or Suspected ADHDer: You have recently been diagnosed with ADHD (or strongly suspect you have it) and need a neuroaffirmative space to process what this means, unlearn years of masking, and gather practical, real-world tools.
4.
The Person Overthinking Every Interaction: You lie awake at night micro-analysing everything you said or did, driven by a harsh inner critic and a deeply ingrained habit of people-pleasing.
5.
The Survivor of "Invisible" Childhood Wounds: You came from a family that looked "intact" on paper, but you grew up with emotionally unavailable dynamics. You might have deep attachment wounds or past trauma that you can’t quite put your finger on, but you know it’s ruling your present.
6.
A survivor of domestic abuse, childhood sexual abuse, or gender-based violence: Have you recently left an abusive partner or are you a survivor of complex childhood or adulthood trauma I offer a space and robust strength-based therapeutic approaches to help process multi-layered trauma, deconstruct shame and blame and reclaim autonomy & identity.
You don’t need to have hit rock bottom to deserve support. Most of my clients are high-functioning, capable individuals who look completely fine from the outside, but are quietly exhausted on the inside.
Shaping Our Sessions: Examples of My Support
Whether you are navigating a single major transition or managing layers of long-standing distress, my focus is on providing structured, non-judgmental support. Below you will find the specific frameworks and difficulties we can focus on together
PERSONAL GROWTH
Taming the Inner Critic & Reconnecting If you battle a harsh inner voice, feel disconnected, or carry buried anger, you are not alone. In our sessions, I can offer you ways to build self-esteem, heal your inner child, and move past the emotional numbness that keeps you isolated.
NEURODIVERSITY & ADHD
ADHD, Executive Dysfunction & Burnout Support Whether diagnosed or self-suspected, I provide practical strategies for chronic overwhelm. In our sessions, I can offer you validating tools to manage your capacity and regulate your nervous system without shame.
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Navigating Family Dysfunction & Ruptures Family dynamics can be incredibly complex. I support adults navigating dysfunctional upbringings, estrangement, divorce, or growing up as an adult child of an alcoholic. I can offer you ways to get in touch with embedded feelings and offer tools to understand these relational patterns and establish clear boundaries.
ANXIETY & MOOD
Moving Beyond Anxiety, Rumination & Stuckness Anxiety and depression often manifest as feeling completely "stuck" in loops of panic, OCD, or health anxiety. In our sessions, I can offer you concrete techniques to interrupt these cognitive patterns, calm your mind, and safely address the fears driving the cycle.
WORK & STRESS
Workplace Stress & Burnout Recovery Work should not cost you your mental health. If you are facing toxic environments or professional burnout, I can offer you a structured stress-recovery plan designed to restore your professional boundaries and protect your mental capacity.
GRIEF & COMPLEX LOSS
Specialised Support for Loss & Life Transitions Grief is rarely straightforward. Alongside traditional bereavement, I support those facing ambiguous loss and major life ruptures like miscarriage, living with cancer, or menopause. In our sessions, I can offer you the dedicated space and validation often not available with friends.
TRAUMA & RECOVERY
Healing from Interpersonal Trauma Recovery from profound violations requires an exceptionally safe, trauma-informed space. I have developed specialised skills in supporting survivors of childhood sexual abuse, domestic/gender-based violence, post-separation abuse, and Boarding School Syndrome. In our sessions, I can offer you a careful, deliberate pace that always respects your autonomy.
My Clinical Experience & Training
Growth requires both shedding and building. Based in Barnet, North London, I support adults ready to leave behind outgrown habits and past constraints to make room for their true potential. Deeply relational, my approach is rooted in unconditional positive regard and enriched by lived experience.
THIS ENABLES ME TO MEET MY CLIENTS WITH GENUINE EMPATHY, DEEP UNDERSTANDING, AND CLINICAL INSIGHT
Offering trauma-informed, ADHD strategic support and integrative therapy, I provide a sophisticated framework to help you reconnect with yourself and cultivate healthier dynamics. Available for in-person or secure online sessions.
CLINICAL BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
With extensive clinical experience spanning the NHS, Mind, private practice, and specialist charity sectors, I bring a robust, multi-layered background to our work together. My professional history includes:
NHS high-intensity frameworks
Specialist Charity Sectors
National Early Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Interventions
Independent Private Practice
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & ACCREDITATIONS
To ensure the highest standards of clinical safety and efficacy, my practice is backed by recognised professional training and institutional accreditations including core credentials:
NHS Talking Therapies Accredited, Metanoia Institute
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, West Herts College
Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills, Mary Ward Centre
Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills, City Lit
ADVANCED CLINICAL SPECIALISMS
Trauma & Complex Mental Health Training for PTSD and CPTSD
Professional clinical training in De-escalation for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).
Advanced clinical training in Domestic Abuse & Relationship Recovery
Neuroaffirming Practice & Specialist training in neuroaffirming therapy for adults with ADHD and Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC).
Crisis & Safety Management
What my clients say
"I’m deeply grateful for everything I’ve gained through my work with Sarah".
"I’m so grateful I took the leap to begin therapy. It’s made such a meaningful difference in my life".
"Sarah is a fantastic therapist, she truly understands me, knows how to communicate with me and how to support me".
"There was an ebb and flow to the sessions that made me feel like I was being heard for the first time. Thank you".
"I noticed I was speaking to myself with more compassion".
Drop me a line
Space to Change Counselling is open Mon - Fri from 9 am - 5 pm, including some evenings 6 pm - 9 pm. I get back to all enquiries within 24 hours.
Telephone: +44 7773 303 142
Email: sarah@spacetochangecounselling.co.uk
Address: 169 High Street, Barnet, EN5