Sarah Evans
Caterham,Surrey
Summary
Qualified counsellor with Level 4 Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Six years of experience as a Wellbeing Advisor in a college setting, providing support and guidance to students and staff on various issues. Completed a Postgraduate diploma in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and served as an Honorary Psychotherapist at Westminster Psychotherapy Service for four years. Strong communication and active listening skills, with a calm and empathetic approach to emotional and psychological support.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Wellbeing Advisor
John Ruskin College
Croydon, Surrey
2017.10 - 2023.07
- Facilitated one-on-one and group counselling sessions for students facing personal challenges.
- Supported individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, bereavement, and identity issues.
- Provided tailored long-term and short-term support, referring students to external services as needed.
- Delivered workshops on managing exam stress and anxiety for small student groups.
- Advised staff on phased returns to work while managing mental health concerns.
- Participated in monthly supervision with a qualified counsellor and maintained accurate clinical records.
- Collaborated with safeguarding team to ensure effective support for mental health issues.
- Guided staff and HR on strategies to assist students and colleagues with mental health challenges.
Mental Health Workshop Facilitator/Content Developer
Benevolent Health
London
2018.03 - 2019.02
- Delivered workshops on workplace mental health to enhance awareness and support.
- Guided individuals in recognising early warning signs of poor mental health.
- Created self-help materials for online access, addressing stress, anxiety, and depression.
Honorary Psychotherapist
Central and North-West London NHS Foundation Trust
London
2014.11 - 2018.02
- Conducted weekly psychotherapy sessions for patients referred for various mental health issues.
- Provided support to individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia, OCD, personality disorders, and post-traumatic stress.
- Participated in weekly group supervision led by the Lead Consultant Psychiatrist/Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist.
Voluntary Support Worker
Foxley Lane Women's Service
Purley, Surrey
2014.09 - 2014.12
- Facilitated participation in activities for women aged 16 to 65 experiencing mental health crises.
- Provided support by actively listening to patients during hand-over time.
- Assisted in alleviating anxiety through empathetic engagement with patients.
Art Teacher, Religious Education Teacher, PSHEE Teacher and Year Group Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator, Restorative Justice Representative
Riddlesdown High School
Purley, Surrey
2005.09 - 2013.10
- Taught Art across all year groups up to GCSE and A-Level standards.
- Developed and implemented workshops for gifted pupils alongside schemes of work.
- Instructed lower school pupils in Religious Education.
- Promoted to Year Group SENCo in September 2007, managing diverse special educational needs.
- Ensured adequate provisions enabled SEN pupils to access the curriculum effectively.
- Authored Individual Education Plans for SEN pupils, including targeted objectives.
- Conducted one-to-one Art sessions for therapeutic support of emotionally vulnerable pupils.
- Served as designated teacher for Looked After pupils, coordinating with foster carers and social workers.
Education
Level 4 Diploma - Therapeutic Counselling
Counselling & Psychotherapy Training Academy
Brighton, East Sussex 2022.09 - 2024.01
Postgraduate Diploma - Foundations of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation
London 2014.09 - 2016.07
Postgraduate Diploma - Secondary Education (Art and Design)
University of Greenwich
London 2003.09 - 2005.07
Bachelor of Arts with Honours - Art and History
Canterbury Christ Church University
Canterbury 2000.09 - 2003.07
Skills
- Client-Centred approach
- Client documentation
- 1-to-1 counselling
- Patience and calmness
- Empathetic
- Attentive listening
- Ethical understanding
- Professional boundaries
Affiliations
- Walking meditation
- Drawing and Painting
- Cooking
Accomplishments
Awarded Best Contribution by a New Employee/Rising Star at John Ruskin College
Certification
Mental Health First Aider, MHFA England, 2018
Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy (D12), The Tavistock Centre, London 2014
Understanding Personality Disorders, Deep Release Ltd, Surrey 2014
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), General Teaching Council for England, 2005
Full Driving License
Timeline
Level 4 Diploma - Therapeutic Counselling
Counselling & Psychotherapy Training Academy
2022.09 - 2024.01
Mental Health Workshop Facilitator/Content Developer
Benevolent Health
2018.03 - 2019.02
Wellbeing Advisor
John Ruskin College
2017.10 - 2023.07
Honorary Psychotherapist
Central and North-West London NHS Foundation Trust
2014.11 - 2018.02
Postgraduate Diploma - Foundations of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation
2014.09 - 2016.07
Voluntary Support Worker
Foxley Lane Women's Service
2014.09 - 2014.12
Art Teacher, Religious Education Teacher, PSHEE Teacher and Year Group Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator, Restorative Justice Representative
Riddlesdown High School
2005.09 - 2013.10
Postgraduate Diploma - Secondary Education (Art and Design)
University of Greenwich
2003.09 - 2005.07
Bachelor of Arts with Honours - Art and History
Canterbury Christ Church University
2000.09 - 2003.07