Trauma-informed, neuro-affirming counselling for the mind, body & nervous system
Supporting women, children and families across Barnsley, South Yorkshire and online throughout the UK
About me…
Hi, I’m Sarah, founder of Hope Anchor Therapy (HAT).
Before anything else, I’m a mum navigating the realities of raising a neurodivergent child and supporting them through school, systems and everyday life.
Based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, I support women, children and families through trauma-informed, neuro-affirming counselling, hypnotherapy and somatic therapeutic support, both locally in Barnsley and online across the UK, with experience working within NHS CAMHS.
My work integrates counselling, somatic parts work, positive psychology, IFS-informed approaches, DBT, Sand Story Therapy and hypnotherapy to support each person as an individual.
My path into this work hasn’t come only from training, but from life experience too. In 2019, after losing my brother in law to suicide, I found myself on a deeply personal journey that changed the way I understood mental health, grief and emotional wellbeing.
I’m also a cancer survivor, and those experiences have given me a deeper understanding of fear, uncertainty, resilience and healing. They strengthened my desire to create a space where people feel seen, supported and not alone.
Even as a child, I was naturally drawn to caring for and supporting others. Looking back, this work feels like a natural extension of who I’ve always been.
The name Hope Anchor Therapy comes from something I’ve always believed: even the smallest amount of hope can carry us through the hardest times. Hope anchors us when life feels uncertain, offering something steady to hold onto, even in the darkest moments.
This is at the heart of everything I offer.
Hope Anchor Therapy is built on compassion, understanding and connection.
A place where you don’t have to explain everything perfectly or have it all together.
You are welcome exactly as you are.
You might also notice the horses in my logo and throughout this page.
Horses have always been a significant part of my life, bringing a sense of calm, grounding and connection. In the future, I hope to incorporate equine-assisted psychotherapy into my work, but for now they remain a symbol of everything this space stands for — gentleness, safety and emotional connection.
I will be launching very soon and opening up for enquiries shortly.
Thank you for being here
Counselling
A non-judgemental, compassionate space to explore emotions, experiences and challenges at your own pace.
Trauma-Informed
Support that recognises the impact of trauma and prioritises emotional safety, trust and nervous system awareness.
Hypnotherapy
Supporting relaxation, healing and positive change through guided techniques.
Neuro -Affirming Practice
Respectful, supportive approaches that honour neurodivergent experiences and individual needs.
Somatic Parts Work
Helping reconnect mind body and nervous system safely.
Positive Psychology
Focusing on strengths, resilience, wellbeing and meaningful personal growth.
Sand Story Therapy
A creative and gentle therapeutic approach supporting emotional expression and understanding.
How I Can Support You
Who I Support
Children & Young People
Support for emotional wellbeing, anxiety, neurodivergence, school difficulties, school attendance, emotional regulation, low self-esteem and life experiences that may feel overwhelming.
Women
A supportive space for anxiety, burnout, trauma, motherhood, relationships including abusive relationships, emotional overwhelm and life transitions.
Families & Parents
Support navigating family dynamics, parenting challenges, neurodivergence, emotional wellbeing and difficult life experiences.
Bereavement & Loss
Compassionate support for grief and loss, including complex bereavement, traumatic loss and suicide bereavement. I also support within suicide bereavement spaces through Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS).
Neurodivergence
Neuro-affirming support that honours individual experiences, nervous systems and ways of processing the world.
You do not need to fit perfectly into a category to reach out.
Taking The Next Step
Reaching out for support can feel difficult, especially when life already feels overwhelming.
I aim to offer a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental space where you can move at your own pace.
50 minute sessions will be available online for women, young people and families. For children, sessions may also be offered within their school setting in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.
Hope Anchor Therapy will be officially launching soon.
If you would like to enquire ahead of opening, you’re welcome to get in touch via email or through the contact form below.
Sessions
50-minute sessions will be available online for young people and adults.
For children of school age, sessions can also be offered within their school setting.
Free Consultation
A gentle opportunity to ask questions and see whether the support feels right for you.
Neuro-Affirming & Trauma-Informed
Support tailored to individual needs, experiences and nervous systems.
Get In Touch
If you’d like to arrange a free consultation or ask any questions, your very welcome to get in touch below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes, online sessions are available for adults, young people, and families. For children of school age, I can attend their school to deliver sessions.
How long are sessions?
Sessions typically last up to 50 minutes.
What happens during a consultation?
A free consultation offers space to ask questions and explore whether support feels right for you.
What is neuro-affirming practice?
I have completed training from the National Autistic Society approved by the British Psychological Society. I aim to support each person in a way that honours their individual experiences, needs and nervous system, rather than trying to “fix” or change who they are.
Do I need to know exactly what to say in therapy?
Not at all. Therapy can begin wherever you are. You don’t need to explain everything perfectly or have everything figured out before reaching out.
Still have questions?
you’re welcome to get in touch or arrange a free consultation