Sarah Grunwell

Sarah Grunwell is an English-speaking counselling psychologist in Budapest, providing psychological support in person and online. She works with adults facing life transitions, relationship and identity-related difficulties, and offers particular support for expats and internationally mobile adults navigating relocation, cultural adjustment and a sense of belonging.

Professional background

I am a Counselling Psychologist based in Budapest, originally from the UK with Hungarian roots. I hold a Master of Science (MSc) in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy from the American College of Greece. I have studied and worked internationally for much of my adult life and have lived across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. These experiences have shaped both who I am and how I work, particularly my sensitivity to cultural differences, identity, and the emotional impact of relocation and change.

I have worked with people from a wide range of backgrounds and life stages, supporting them through life transitions, relationship difficulties, questions around identity and belonging, and periods of emotional overwhelm. Having lived abroad myself, I understand how isolating it can feel to adjust to a new country, redefine yourself, or feel caught between cultures.

Therapeutic approach

My approach is integrative, meaning I draw from different therapeutic models depending on your individual needs and goals. I work primarily within humanistic, psychodynamic, and cognitive behavioural frameworks. This allows us to explore both what is happening in your present life and the underlying patterns that may be influencing how you relate to yourself and others.

I see therapy as a collaborative process rather than something done “to” you. Together, we work to understand your experiences, build emotional insight, and develop practical ways of coping and moving forward. At the heart of my work is the belief that therapy should be a safe, respectful, and non-judgemental space where you feel heard and understood. I value openness, curiosity, and compassion, and I adapt my approach to suit each individual rather than offering a one-size-fits-all model.

Professional experience and ongoing development

I have worked in a variety of therapeutic settings, including NGOs, university counselling services, and private practice. My experience includes supporting survivors of sexual violence, counselling university students, and working with adults facing challenges related to mental health, relationships, identity, and life transitions. I place great importance on continuous professional development and regularly engage in training and supervision. I am currently undertaking training in Schema Therapy.

Psychological support for expats in Budapest

Living abroad can bring opportunities, but it can also involve loneliness, uncertainty, cultural adjustment and questions around identity and belonging. I provide English-language psychological support for expats and internationally mobile adults in Budapest who are navigating relocation, major life transitions, relationship difficulties or the emotional impact of living between cultures.

Having lived and worked internationally myself, I bring a strong awareness of the psychological and emotional challenges that can accompany adapting to a new country and environment. My approach is collaborative, culturally sensitive and tailored to the individual.

Psychological support – how I can help

• Expat life, relocation, cultural adjustment and identity or belonging difficulties
• Anxiety, depression, stress and emotional overwhelm
• Relationship, couples and interpersonal difficulties
• Identity, belonging, sexuality and LGBTQ+ related concerns
• Self-esteem, personal growth and self-development
• Trauma and the lasting impact of difficult life experiences