“Experience is not what happens to you.
It is what you do with what happens to you…”
— Aldous Huxley
Counselling by the Sea
Sandra Maguire, MBACP (Accred), Dip TA Counselling
About me
Fundamentally I believe therapy works. Not for everyone but for those people who have a commitment to change. Such change requires an ability to be self-aware, to challenge negative ways of thinking, behaving and to learn new ways of communicating.
I appreciate how difficult it may be to contact a stranger and to share intimate details about issues causing stress and anxiety. This understanding helps me reassure new clients when they first attend counselling.
I have many years of counselling experience. As Chief Executive of Fife Alcohol Support Service I managed one of the busiest counselling services in Scotland. As well as managing counsellors, I trained as a counsellor and worked in many Health Centres across Fife.
My Training and Qualifications
My training is in Transactional Analysis which is a practical therapy in that it’s principles can be readily understood by clients.
I completed a foundation course in Family Therapy at Stratheden Hospital.
I have a counselling and supervision qualification through Alcohol Focus Scotland.
I was a member of the National Training Committee of Alcohol Focus Scotland and was responsible for assessing counsellor portfolios prior to awarding Diplomas.
My experience in managing an Alcohol Counselling Service for 14 years forged my interest in becoming a private psychotherapist. In over 30 years I have worked with people at all levels, managing, training, supervising and counselling.
I regularly contribute to Radio Scotland as a guest therapist.
Finally I have no qualification to be a dog owner but I do have a Cockapoo, Milo who reminds me every day of the importance of living in the moment. Some clients find his presence comforting. He comes with the territory!
My Approach
I work with clients to form a mutually agreed contract. I aim for results and regularly review progress towards change.
My initial approach is informal. I prefer clients relax on a first visit thereafter I formally gather relevant information.
I believe the essence of success is built on the relationship formed between myself and my client. Trust is crucial.
I follow a strict code of confidentiality for the work I do and am bound by the BACP Code of Ethics. If you attend for therapy you can be confident that I have the relevant training and expertise to do my job.
I offer a free 30 minute telephone consultation which gives clients the opportunity to discuss their issues and for me to decide if my service can be of use. Please contact me on 07714095428.
It’s Your Choice…
We have a choice. We can give up or reach out. Our potential can be realised even if we fear to do so. Without hope we have nothing.
working with me
I offer therapy for individuals, couples and families. Therapy is tailored to your needs which may be short term, or longer term.
I firmly believe that a major part of our success is the quality of relationship between you and I. It takes courage to attend therapy and talk to a complete stranger - and I understand that. I provide a safe, comfortable space where your confidentiality is tantamount. I will invite you to tell me what concerns you and together we will work out a mutually agreed contract for change which is realistic and helpful.
I have many years of experience supporting clients referred via Employment Assistance Programmes (EAP) including AXIA, AVIVA and Validium. Having worked at senior managerial positions, I can quickly identify stress in the workplace and how it can impact mental health.
My areas of expertise include:
Cognitive and behavioural therapies
Couples counselling
Family/ systemic therapy
Humanistic therapies
Integrative
Person-centred therapy
Psychoanalytical and psychodynamic
Psychosexual therapy
Transactional analysis
Couple Work
Couple work can be helpful to identify areas of conflict. My approach is to listen to both partners and where necessary challenge unhelpful communication such as blaming.
Couples may attend prior to ending a relationship, others choose to explore and strengthen a relationship which has become difficult and intolerable.