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Connect Counselling Sarah Sampson MBACP, Dip.Couns Qualified Counsellor
Connect Counselling Person-centred counselling for adults and young people, including neurodivergent identity, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions and emotional wellbeing.

Inclusive & accessible therapy 
in Weston-super-Mare,
In person, online, or via the telephone.

Inclusive & accessible therapy in
Weston-super-Mare,
In person, online, or via the telephone.

        RHIAN NASH
COUNSELLOR BACP

Warm Professional Headshot.png

Sarah SampsOn
MBACP Dip.Couns
 

Warmly Smiling Professional Headshot.png

I specialise and support adults and young people exploring:

 

-Anxiety and depression

-Obsessive thoughts

-Neurodivergence

I offer dedicated support for adults and young people navigating:

-Neurodivergent identity
-ADHD, ASC, and AuDHD
-Grief, bereavement, and loss
-Anxiety and depressive states
-Significant life transitions
-General emotional wellbeing

 

connectcounselling.support@gmail.com

07895517396

SARAH SAMPSON
Dip.COUNS MBACP

Meet our team

Hello, I’m Sarah.

I’m a qualified counsellor and registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), offering a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental space where you can explore whatever is happening in your life at your own pace.

​

I hold a Level 5 Diploma in Counselling and have experience working with young people and adults in schools, colleges, charitable organisations and bereavement services. Throughout my practice I have supported clients exploring their neurodivergent identity, experiencing grief and loss,  anxiety, depression, emotional distress, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, trauma, self-harm, suicidal ideation and life transitions.

​

I believe that every person is unique, so there is no “one size fits all” approach to therapy. Together will tailoring your therapy to meet your individual needs and goals.

​

My work is human with our therapeutic relationship at the heart of the counselling process. Alongside this, I draw on Emotion-Focused Therapy, integrating Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused approaches when appropriate.

​

My particular interest is in grief and loss. Through my work with Cruse Bereavement Support and my research into the emotional impact of bereavement on both clients and therapists, I have developed a deep appreciation of the many ways loss can affect our lives. Grief is not limited to the death of someone close to us; it can also arise following relationship breakdown, changes in health, loss of identity, employment, hopes for the future, or other significant life changes.

​

I am neurodivergent and am especially drawn to helping others explore their neurodivergence, whether that’s examining their own identity, the impact on their mental health, relationships, societal expectations and discrimination.

​

Before becoming a counsellor, I spent many years in training and management and leadership roles. These experiences helped me develop strong communication skills, empathy and the ability to work collaboratively with people from a wide range of backgrounds. They also reinforced my belief that everyone deserves to be listened to with respect, kindness and without judgement.

​

As a counsellor, I aim to create a relationship and a space where you feel safe enough to talk openly about your experiences, whether you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, grieving, or simply trying to make sense of life’s challenges. My aim is not to tell you what to do, but to work alongside you, helping you develop greater self-understanding, resilience and confidence to make the changes that feel right for you.

​

Warmly Smiling Professional Headshot.png

connectcounselling.support@gmail.com

tel: 07895 517396

​

-Sessions from £50

-Concessions available 

​

-Weekly, fortnightly & single sessions    available upon request 

​

​

​

Training: 

I have completed training with :

RNIB (Royal National Institute for the Blind)

CRUSE Bereavement 

I have completed training on :-

Autism 

AuDHD

LGBTQIA+ 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and

Safeguarding

​

I have worked as a counsellor in secondary school, college, adult and grief work specific settings.

Meet our team

Hello, I’m Sarah.

I’m a qualified counsellor and registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), offering a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental space where you can explore whatever is happening in your life at your own pace.

​

I hold a Level 5 Diploma in Counselling and have experience working with young people and adults in schools, colleges, charitable organisations and bereavement services. Throughout my practice I have supported clients exploring their neurodivergent identity, experiencing grief and loss,  anxiety, depression, emotional distress, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, trauma, self-harm, suicidal ideation and life transitions.

​

I believe that every person is unique, so there is no “one size fits all” approach to therapy. Our work together will be bespoke, co-created and collaborative, tailoring therapy to meet your individual needs and goals.

​

My work is grounded in a person-centred, relational approach, with our therapeutic relationship at the heart of the counselling process. Alongside this, I draw on Emotion-Focused Therapy, integrating Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused approaches when appropriate.

​

My particular interest is in grief and loss. Through my work with Cruse Bereavement Support and my research into the emotional impact of bereavement on both clients and therapists, I have developed a deep appreciation of the many ways loss can affect our lives. Grief is not limited to the death of someone close to us; it can also arise following relationship breakdown, changes in health, loss of identity, employment, hopes for the future, or other significant life changes.

​

I am neurodivergent and am especially drawn to helping others explore their neurodivergence, whether that’s examining their own identity, the impact on their mental health, relationships, societal expectations and discrimination.

​

Before becoming a counsellor, I spent many years in training and management and leadership roles. These experiences helped me develop strong communication skills, empathy and the ability to work collaboratively with people from a wide range of backgrounds. They also reinforced my belief that everyone deserves to be listened to with respect, kindness and without judgement.

​

As a counsellor, I aim to create a relationship and a space where you feel safe enough to talk openly about your experiences, whether you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, grieving, or simply trying to make sense of life’s challenges. My aim is not to tell you what to do, but to work alongside you, helping you develop greater self-understanding, resilience and confidence to make the changes that feel right for you.

​

I am committed to ongoing professional development, regular clinical supervision and working within the BACP Ethical Framework to ensure that I provide safe, ethical and effective counselling.

​

I have completed training with :

RNIB (Royal National Institute for the Blind)

CRUSE Bereavement 

I have completed training on :-

Autism 

AuDHD

LGBTQIA+ 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and

Safeguarding

​

I have worked as a counsellor in secondary school, college, adult and grief work specific settings.

Warmly Smiling Professional Headshot.png

connectcounselling.support@gmail.com

tel: 07895 517396

​

-Sessions from £50

-Concessions available 

​

-Weekly, fortnightly & single sessions    available upon request 

​

​

​

Hi I’m Rhian,

an Integrative Counsellor, offering a safe, compassionate, non-judgmental space for adults and young people aged 16 years and over.


My approach is rooted in empathy, acceptance and collaboration. I am a person-centred relational counsellor and also draw on a range of therapeutic approaches, to tailor our work to meet your individual needs, circumstances and goals.


With clients who wish to explore and change unhelpful thought patterns, I
incorporate elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Working
collaboratively, we can develop greater awareness of how thoughts, feelings and behaviours influence one another, and explore practical strategies to support positive and lasting change.


I have undertaken training in addiction and have experience supporting
clients who have been affected by addiction within their family. I aim to offer a compassionate, non-judgemental space in which clients can explore the impact of these experiences and feel heard and supported.


I also have extensive experience working with neurodiverse clients and understand that neurodivergence can shape the way we experience ourselves, our relationships and the world around us. I offer an understanding and flexible approach, adapting our work to suit your individual needs and preferences.


I also support people experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, phobias, menopause-related difficulties, suicidal ideation, relationship difficulties, or a general sense of feeling stuck or overwhelmed.


Together, we can gently explore what is happening in your life at a pace that feels right for you. Counselling can provide an opportunity to develop greater clarity, understand patterns in your thoughts, feelings and responses, and explore new ways of coping with the difficulties you are facing.


​

rhiancnash@gmail.com

tel: 01275 403044

 

-Sessions from £50

-Concessions available

​

​

Situated in a ground floor counselling room, with a ground floor disabled toilet. The room has adjustable lighting levels, please feel free to ask for any further accommodations you may require.

​

All of our counsellors are committed to:

-ongoing professional development

-regular clinical supervision

-working within the BACP Ethical Framework

-providing safe, ethical and effective counselling.

​

​

​

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An Inclusive and Accessible Space

Counselling room for person-centred counselling for adults and young people, including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, neurodivergent identity, life transitions and emotional wellbeing.

Location and Accessibility

Town centre location, a couple of minutes walk from Weston seafront. On street pay and display car parking available or Grove Park Car Park is a one minute walk (BS23 2AF)

​

Connect Counselling

The Stable, 3-6 Wadham Street, BS23 1JY

What3words location is

///belts.globe.grapes.

Photo of the Stable ,3-6 Wadham Street BS23 IJY, where Connect Counselling is located

Bookings and Services

Sarah Sampson MBACP, Dip.Couns — Qualified Counsellor,Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, with online and telephone counselling. Person-centred counselling for adults and young people, including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, neurodivergent identity, life transitions and emotional wellbeing. Smiling female counsellor, on a mobile phone

Free 20 Minute Phone call

Free introductory call, opportunity to ask any questions. A chance to get to know your counsellor, and discuss working together. 

50 Minute Counselling Session

Your choice of in-person, online or telephone session.
Length and regularity of sessions can be tailored with prior agreement.
 

Sarah Sampson MBACP, Dip.Couns — Qualified Counsellor. Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, with online and telephone counselling. Person-centred counselling for adults and young people, including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, neurodivergent identity, life transitions and emotional wellbeing. seated female counsellor holding a pen and paper, talking with a client.

Get in Touch

Reaching out for support can feel like a big step, and I understand that choosing a counsellor is a personal decision. If you decide to work with me, you can expect a compassionate,non-judgemental, collaborative and confidential space where you will be listened to, valued and supported throughout your therapeutic journey.

Please note, contact details are not manned 24 hours a day, this is not an emergency support contact.
If you or someone else is in danger call 999 or go to A&E now.
Or for urgent help for your mental health call 111.
Samaritans are open 24 hours , 365 days a year, 
Call 116 123 from any phone
Shout is a 24/7 text service . Text SHOUT to 85258.

Reflections

Was Oscar the Grouch AuDHD too? As a child Oscar the grouch from Sesame Street was always my favourite but I was never sure why. Realising now that Oscar's daily behaviors, communication style, and environment perfectly mirror the complex, often contradictory intersection of ADHD and Autism . The Contradictory Internal Conflict (AuDHD Dynamic)The hallmark of AuDHD is a constant internal battle between an autistic craving for routine and an ADHD drive for chaos and novelty. Oscar embodies this friction. Craving predictability vs. loving chaos: He keeps a rigid, fiercely guarded boundary around his physical space (his trash can). Yet, inside that space, he thrives on extreme clutter and unorganized junk, The "Organized Mess": To an outsider, his trash can looks like complete executive dysfunction and chaos. To Oscar, every piece of "trash" is a treasured collection that serves a highly specific purpose. Sensory Profiles & Regulation AuDHD individuals navigate highly unique sensory processing needs, alternating between sensory seeking and intense sensory overload. Hyposensitivity (Sensory Seeking): Oscar loves things most people find overwhelming. He seeks out loud clanging, heavy rain, and coarse textures. He is intensely overwhelmed and aggravated by typical "pleasant" stimuli. Bright, cheery, loud social environments cause him to immediately retreat into his safe zone (pulling the lid down) to prevent overstimulation. Hyperfixations and "Special Interests"A overlapping trait between both conditions is the tendency to hyper-focus on highly specific, unconventional interests like trash. Monotropic Focus: Oscar does not just like trash; it is his entire life, personality, and expertise.Unconventional Collection: Collecting objects that look like "junk" to neurotypical people, organizing them, and finding intense joy in things others discard is a common manifestation of autistic special interests. Communication and Social ExhaustionOscar’s legendary "grouchiness" heavily mimics the burnout, bluntness, and social traits of the neurodivergent experience. Rejection of Social Norms: He entirely bypasses societal expectations of "forced politeness" or masking. He says exactly what he thinks, values extreme honesty, and defaults to a flat, unenthusiastic tone. Demand Avoidance & "Scram!": His signature phrase, "Scram!", is a direct boundary-setting tool. When he has run out of social battery or executive function to process the demands of the neighborhood, he explicitly demands isolation. Selective Social Circles: While he claims to hate everyone, he forms deep, fiercely loyal attachments to select individuals who accept him as he is—such as his girlfriend Grundgetta, his pet worm Slimey, and young children who don't judge him. If only the world viewed AuDHD in the same way as the residents of Sesame Street who provided inclusion without "Fixing" him..The residents of Sesame Street never try to force Oscar to clean his can, change his hobbies, or stop being a Grouch. They fully accept his neurodivergence and, integrate him into the community exactly as he is, and meet his boundaries with grace

"The most common form of despair is not being who you are." 
                                             ~ Søren Kierkegaard

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