My Story

It's always a struggle knowing where to start! Anyone who has done online dating may understand my pain of writing about yourself. I will try and keep it brief. I was born the youngest of 4 siblings, and my parents remained married until 'death do us part'.  We moved around and after going to 5 primary and 3 secondary schools, meeting new people was part of life.  Add neurodivergence and alcohol within that family dynamic and you may have a brief insight into family life.

​

From as young as 7, I always had a question about my sexuality, but never knew anything about any relationships other than 'straight'.  Regardless of this, at 22, I married the father (not because I wanted a sperm donor which is the story my youngest always finds hilarity in telling anyone who will listen) of my 2 children. We separated when they were around 6 and 4 years old.

​

Alongside being a single mum, I also had a demanding job working for the police, mostly within partnership roles with Probation (National Offender Management Services (NOMS), youth offending services, His Majesty's Court Services (HMCS), prisons, drug and alcohol support agencies. For me, most importantly, it was working with people who were struggling. This is where I found my first passion of being a person who could allow their story to be heard without fear or judgement.  

​

After 13 years, I left this career to become a carer for my father. After he died, I became a bit lost, confused even, not knowing what my role was in life. What was my purpose? After several years of counselling, I understand that this question hits many people at different stages in life. 

​

Moving forward, I worked within an investigatory body, again with people who had horrific life stories and needed someone to listen and take them seriously. I have also been a union representative, so understand the impact of being under any form of investigation, or being bullied at work.  Eventually I realised that I really wanted to be able to listen to people's stories and help them find their purpose after trauma, discrimination, isolation, and especially after self-destruction. This is what led me to become a counsellor. Due to my own experiences, what I have seen and heard from others and the impact on them, I feel that just providing a safe, non-judgmental place for a person, can have a major impact. I always feel really privileged when people feel able to share this with me and allow me to stand by their side on their journey.  If any of this has resonated with you, and you feel you would like to have an introductory session to find out if I can work with you so you can find your purpose, please let me know. 

Thanks for reading,  Sandra.

​