I believe one of the bravest things you can do is begin to understand your own story!

Sorayya Sainsbury

Specialist Psychotherapist

  • I believe that one of the bravest, most transformative actions you can take is choosing to truly understand your own story.

    Too often, we allow our lives to be shrunk by anxiety, the weight of past trauma, or deeply ingrained patterns that no longer serve us. You do not have to remain weighed down by these cycles. My practice is designed to provide an intellectually rigorous, deeply compassionate, and completely non-judgmental space where you can dismantle old defences, explore your inner world, and discover an authentic, empowered way of being.

    A Tailored, Evidence-Based Approach

    I do not believe in prescriptive, "one-size-fits-all" therapy. Your mind, your history, and your challenges are entirely unique, which means your therapy must be equally bespoke.

    As an integrative psychotherapist, I blend a deeply person-centred philosophy with advanced, evidence-based psychological modalities. By weaving together the distinct strengths of these frameworks, we don’t just talk about change, we actively build it.

    Ultimately, therapy with me is an active, supportive partnership. Together, we will look at the whole picture of who you are, honour your authentic self, and help you step into a life that feels resilient, purposeful, and beautifully yours.

    Neuro-Affirming & Culturally Sensitive Specialisms

    True therapeutic expertise requires a profound understanding of intersectionality. Your experience of the world is shaped entirely by your unique neurotype and your cultural heritage.

    I specialize in providing dedicated neuro-affirming care and culturally sensitive therapy. Whether you are a neurodivergent adult navigating a world not built for your brain, or an individual managing the complexities of cultural identity, systemic trauma, or major life transitions, you will find a safe al space here. This is a practice where your lived experience is honoured, and where you are safe to drop the mask.

    Confidentiality & Privacy

    Your safety and trust are the foundation of our work together. Everything we discuss in our sessions is strictly confidential, in line with the BACP Ethical Framework.

    I am fully registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and compliant with UK GDPR regulations. This means your personal information and any clinical notes are anonymised and stored using secure systems to ensure absolute privacy.

  • Academic Qualifications

    • MSc Behaviour Analysis and Therapy | University of South Wales (BACB Accredited)

    • BSc (Hons) Psychology | University of Glamorgan (BPS Accredited)

    Professional Accreditations

    • Accredited Member | British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP Accred)

    • Certified Member | UK Society for Behaviour Analysts (UK-SBA)

    Advanced Therapeutic Training & CPD

    I am committed to continuous professional development to ensure my practice remains evidence-based, inclusive, and ethically sound. My recent specialized training includes:

    Neuro-Affirming & Inclusive Practice

    • ADHD in Focus: Effective Treatment Strategies for Practitioners (BehaviorLive, 2025)

    • Neuro-affirmative Mental Health Training (The Autism Wellness Collective, 2024)

    • Assent under the Medical Model: Neurodivergent Affirming Practices (BehaviorLive, 2024)

    • Therapy in Colour: Anti-Racist & Intersectional Approaches (BAATN, 2023)

    • Working with Race, Identity, and Intersectionality (Birkbeck, University of London, 2023)

    Specialised Modalities (ACT, Schema & Behaviour Analysis)

    • ACT for Autism: A Neuroaffirming Approach (Russ Harris 2025)

    • Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) (Russ Harris, 2024)

    • ACT for Anxiety and Depression (The ACT Matrix Academy, 2023)

    • Schema Therapy: Beyond the Basics & Complex Presentations (Schema Therapy Wales, 2022)

    • Exposure Therapy for Anxiety (Behaviour-Behaviour, 2022)

    Professional Ethics, Values & Practice Excellence

    • Radical Values: Navigating Professional & Personal Value Misalignment (BehaviorLive, 2025)

    • Diversity and Burnout in Human Services (Bridget Taylor, 2025)

    • Maximizing Productivity and Work Enjoyment in Human Services (Dennis Reid, 2025)

    • Private Practice Pitfalls: Lessons from the First Year (Nicole Stewart, 2025)

    • Suicide Awareness and Response for Professionals (4 Mental Health, 2023)

    • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) (Advocacy Support Cymru, 2022)

  • I want this space to feel welcoming and comfortable for everyone. To support your physical and sensory needs, my practice includes:

    ​Mobility Access: A step-free, disabled-friendly entrance and lift.

    ​Sensory Tools: Fidget toys, colouring materials, and knitting supplies to help you ground yourself or focus during sessions.

    ​Comfort Control: Adjustable lighting, seating options and freedom to move or stretch during our time together.

    ​Flexible Sessions: The option to easily switch to an online session if a chronic illness flare-up or mobility issue makes traveling difficult.

    ​Have a specific need? Please let me know before our session, and I will gladly do my best to accommodate you.

  • Monday No Availability

    Tuesday Online AM/PM

    Wednesday Online AM/PM

    Thursday In person AM/PM

    Friday No Availability

    Saturday No Availability

    Sunday ‍ ‍In person AM

Move Past the Feeling of Being Stuck.

Step Into a Life of Purpose.

Therapeutic Approaches

  • ACT is a modern, action-oriented approach to psychotherapy. Unlike traditional therapies that may focus on eliminating "bad" thoughts or "fixing" difficult emotions, ACT suggests that struggling against our internal experiences often keeps us feeling stuck.

    In our work together, we focus on two main goals:

    1. Developing Psychological Flexibility: We use defusion and acceptance strategies to help you change your relationship with difficult thoughts and feelings. Instead of letting them drive your behaviour, you learn to observe them without being overwhelmed by them.

    2. Living a Values-Led Life: We identify what truly matters to you, your core values. We then work on "committed actions," taking practical steps to build a life that feels meaningful and authentic, even in the presence of life’s inevitable challenges.

    ACT is particularly effective for those navigating anxiety, depression, and the unique stresses of being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world. It is not about becoming "perfect" or "happy" all the time; it is about becoming flexible enough to live a rich and purposeful life.

  • It is a compassionate, evidence-based approach that looks at the relationship between your environment, your actions, and your well-being. Rather than looking at symptoms as "broken" parts of you, we view them as learned responses to the world around you.

    In our sessions, we use these principles to:

    • Understand the "Function": We look at the patterns in your life to understand what your current coping mechanisms are trying to achieve for you. Even "unhelpful" habits usually start as a way to find safety, comfort, or connection.

    • Identify Environmental Barriers: We explore how your physical and social environment, impacts your mental health.

    • Build Workable Skills: Instead of just talking about problems, we focus on practical, measurable change. We work together to develop new skills and habits that help you navigate your world more effectively and reduce the "burnout" that comes from struggling against unworkable patterns.

  • Schema Therapy is an integrative, depth-oriented approach designed for individuals who find that their problems are long-standing or that certain "themes" keep repeating in their lives and relationships. We all develop "Schemas", deeply ingrained patterns or lenses through which we view the world, often as a result of unmet emotional needs in our early lives.

    While these patterns may have once helped us survive or cope, they can become "maladaptive" in adulthood, leading to chronic feelings of low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, or a sense of being "stuck" regardless of how much we try to change.

    A Commitment to Deep Change Unlike brief or solution-focused interventions, Schema Therapy is a long-term therapeutic pathway. Because we are working to reshape core beliefs and healing deep-seated emotional wounds, this approach requires a consistent commitment to regular, weekly sessions over an extended period.

    In our work together, we will:

    • Identify your "Modes": Understand the different parts of your personality and how they show up in your daily life.

    • Heal the Core: Move beyond managing symptoms to addressing the root causes of your emotional pain.

    • Reparenting the Self: Work on meeting those original emotional needs in a healthy way, allowing you to move from a place of survival to a place of genuine thriving. text goes here

  • If you are looking for support that is forward-facing, practical, and time-efficient, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy is a wonderful fit.

    Unlike traditional therapies that spend a lot of time analyzing past problems or exploring where a challenge originated, SFBT focuses firmly on your present and your future. We start from a place of deep respect for your natural resilience: I believe you already possess unique strengths and resources, even if they feel completely out of reach right now.

    Together, we will shift the spotlight away from the problem and focus heavily on the solution. We will clarify exactly what you want your life to look like, identify the small steps needed to get there, and map out your preferred future. It is an active, collaborative, and highly empowering approach designed to help you make meaningful, noticeable changes in a shorter period of time.

Challenges I Can Help You Navigate

  • Anxiety can feel like a constant state of "high alert," making it difficult to relax or focus on the present. It often manifests as racing thoughts, restlessness, a pounding heart, or a sense of impending dread. My approach focuses on building psychological flexibility, learning to move toward what matters to you even when anxious thoughts are present, rather than being paralysed by them.

  • Often, behaviours that we find difficult are actually learned responses to internal or external distress. Common signs include feeling out of control, impulsive reactions, or repetitive patterns that cause conflict. Together, we look at the "function" of these behaviours to understand what they are communicating, allowing us to develop more workable and healthy ways of responding.

  • Living with a long-term physical condition is as much a psychological challenge as a physical one. It often involves navigating grief, fatigue, and a loss of identity. We work together to help you process the emotional impact of your illness and use ACT to find ways to live a rich, meaningful life within the boundaries of your physical health.

  • Navigating life in a new country or living as a "Third Culture Kid" can lead to deep feelings of isolation, identity confusion, and mourning for your home. I provide a culturally sensitive space to explore these transitions, helping you bridge the gap between your heritage and your current environment while finding a sense of belonging within yourself.

  • Depression is more than just sadness; it can feel like a heavy fog that strips away motivation, energy, and interest in life. Symptoms often include persistent low mood, changes in sleep or appetite, and feelings of worthlessness. I use an integrative approach to help you reconnect with your values and gradually re-engage with the activities that bring a sense of purpose.

  • Navigating a world that actively discriminates against your identity, whether due to race, gender, neurodivergence, or sexuality; carries a heavy, exhausting psychological toll. This systemic stress can lead to hyper-vigilance, chronic self-doubt, and a deep-seated feeling of unsafety.I offer an anti-racist and intersectional space where your lived experience is validated. We work on processing the impact of systemic harm and rebuilding a resilient sense of self.

  • Being a neurodivergent adult (ADHD, Autism, AuDHD, Dyslexia, etc.) in a world built primarily for neurotypical brains is profoundly exhausting. This often leads to "masking," burnout, and feeling misunderstood. My practice is strictly neuro-affirming, meaning we don't try to "fix" your neurobiology. Instead, we work on understanding your unique wiring, managing sensory needs, and building a life that accommodates your authentic self.

  • Navigating your identity as a person of colour or someone of mixed heritage involves unique complexities. Your cultural heritage and racial identity profoundly shape how you move through the world, but handling intersectional identities, systemic racism, microaggressions, or the pressure to assimilate can create an exhausting layer of trauma. Whether you are dealing with internalized racism, the pain of exclusion, or the search for a cohesive identity, I provide a Trauma-informed, Therapy in Colour approach to help you explore your heritage and identity with pride and clarity.

  • Low self-esteem operates like a harsh internal critic that constantly narrates your life, pointing out your flaws and dismissing your achievements. It convinces you that you are a burden, that you aren't "enough," or that you are constantly on the verge of being exposed as a failure. We work on creating a perspective that values your worth and recognises your strengths.

  • I work with a broad range of issues. If what you are looking is not included above then please drop me an email.

Get in touch.