Sarah Harrison

I work primarily with people who have left something significant behind; a belief system, a community, a way of life and are now figuring out how to rebuild What does this mean in a practical sense? First, we talk about your story. (Technically, the very first session involves gathering some information for legal purposes, but after that, it’s all about you.) Then, we identify sticking points. For example, if you say, “I thrive in chaos, but this also means I’m unable to sustain a long-term relationship, which is something I want,” we use that statement, along with examples from your life to explore what’s holding you back. Returning to the example, perhaps you came from a group where the rules were constantly changing as a form of control. From there, we work together to develop strategies that help you move past these blocks.

If you’ve come from a high-control group or a strict culture, chances are you’ve always been told what to do. Sessions with me won’t be like that. We are working together in this way so that, over time, you can find your own answers. I may be the expert in asking the right questions, but you are the expert on your life, your experience, and your priorities moving forward.

My Background I grew up in a religious group, so it is probably no coincidence that I now offer psychological sessions for people who’ve left similar environments. This personal history has shaped my approach: rather than telling you what to do, I aim to help you learn about yourself and clarify your life priorities.

Work Life Before becoming a psychologist, I ran a coffee shop business in London. It was customer-facing and involved managing a team. The work was exhilarating and, at times, exhausting, no two days were the same. It was also very practical: you had to get stuck in and find solutions. While psychological sessions are different from running a coffee shop, there are parallels. One thing we practiced behind the bar was clear communication, saying exactly what we needed, without jargon. This principle carries into our sessions: I try to steer clear of therapeutic jargon and I hope you will feel able to tell me what is working or not working for you.

Academic Work I recently had the privilege of conducting a study focused on the life paths of people after leaving a religious group. Broadly speaking, participants went through three stages:

A prolonged survival period, focused on establishing practical needs.

A phase of identity reformation.

A shift into living the "normalities" of life

One common thread in their narratives was resilience. Having already taken the enormous step of leaving, they were more prepared to face future challenges. Another insight: looking back, many could trace a clear trajectory through the decisions that brought them to the present moment.

Sometimes, it’s about making small decisions that ultimately build your story.

A note regarding payment: Your professional fee will have a mandatory 2% ENPAP contribution added on top, as per Italian regulations.