Sara Pendlebury
Registered Member, MHGI
Registration No. 157254
About me
Hi! I’ve been a Human Givens therapist for over a decade and am also a Human Givens Clinical Supervisor.
Clients describe me as compassionate and adaptable, providing holistic, client-centered care in a safe, non-judgmental space. I combine practical, structured guidance with emotional support to help clients achieve real, measurable progress (I actually do measure it!) and gain autonomy for life beyond therapy.
I use a wide range of therapeutic techniques within the Human Givens framework, knowing that when your essential emotional needs are met and your natural mental resources are being used correctly, you will be emotionally, mentally and physically healthy. I am also a qualified Art-therapist and have trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and NARM, which focus on healing complex trauma and enhancing the therapeutic relationship. Whether you’re seeking brief therapy (4 to 6 sessions) or longer-term support, I adapt my approach to meet your needs.
Before becoming a therapist, I worked in corporate and fast-paced commercial environments in the UK and Asia, with the good fortune to experience life in countries like China, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand.
I hold the Human Givens Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy and specialise in anxiety, childhood trauma, addiction, grief, neurodiversity, gender identity, functional neurological disorder (FND), and well as couples and family therapy.
Outside of therapy, I enjoy skiing (I also teach it during the winters) and creating art as a printmaker and painter. I live in the mountains with Max, my loyal and sensitive therapy dog, who often provides comfort to clients during sessions. Max continually reminds me of the healing power of connection.
“Don’t believe everything you think” is a quote that reflects my approach, helping clients challenge and transform unhelpful thought patterns.
Qualifications
• Human Givens Diploma, HG.Dip.P.
• Art-Therapy (Diploma) Grenoble University Medical Faculty
• Illustration (BA) Falmouth Art College
• British Association of Snowsports Ski Teacher, Adaptive Ski Teacher
• Chinese (MA) Edinburgh University
• Information Processing (MSc) York University
Professional Memberships
• Registered Member of the HGI, MHGI
• British Associaton of Snowsport Instructors
Testimonials
I have felt supported and it was incredibly helpful to track my progress over time with Sara. I sleep better and feel less anxious. Sara is a very kind, competent, and loving therapist. She is clear, compassionate, and never pushed me beyond my limits. She was always available, guiding me through intense physical pain and chronic anxiety, helping me regain control over my body and build new resources. Sara is skilled in various techniques like breathing, art therapy, and meditation, adapting them as needed. It wasn’t just talking; it was engaging the entire psyche. I’ve been in therapy for many years, but this is the first time I felt we were working as a team and making tangible progress. It was concrete and reassuring. Now, I can work independently for the next few months—without medication! I’m grateful and happy with how we worked together. The brief therapy format allowed us to set achievable goals. Thank you so much!
Sara is an excellent listener and great at providing alternative, thought-provoking viewpoints to observations i made about myself. My therapy also made me understand that there are ways i can help myself (i find certain breathing exercises particularly helpful), and that i am not defined by my anxiety. The drugs are useful, but on their own they don't provide the context that allows me to help myself in the future.
Sara was so lovely, she made me feel really listened to and she had lots of helpful ways of thinking about my anxiety and health related anxiety and paranoia too. I feel as though i have lots more time in my own mind to think through my problems now. I often felt really confused as to why i was anxious and stressed or why my brain was choosing to ‘pick’ health anxiety as it’s manifestation of anxiety. Sara helped me to unpick this and since i understand more as to why i worry about my health, i find it to be more manageable and less consuming- although i still have bad days with it. I feel less burnt out these days because i have more skills to deal with my intrusive thoughts so they don’t dominate my everyday.
Sara was empathetic, understanding, and easy to talk to. She really listened to my needs and helped me gain a deeper understanding of myself and my circumstances. Her sessions were always structured, and guided me back on track. I've had therapy before, but this was by far the most comfortable and supportive experience. Highly recommended! "
