Life can be tough sometimes—and hey, I’m only human (or at least I was the last time I checked). Honestly, there are days it feels like I’ve been abducted by aliens and dropped into some strange dystopian reality. And let’s be real, those little aliens sometimes mess with my head, filling it with all kinds of negative crap.

Each person has faced something including myself, though we don’t always see it—some hide their pain behind silence, while others wear their emotions for the world to witness. We each cope in our own way.. We can’t help but overthink what was said or left unsaid, what did or didn’t happen, and even worry about things that haven’t happened yet.

It’s funny how we give everything so much meaning, isn’t it? But here’s the catch: there’s what actually happened, and then there’s the version we replay in our heads. Mixing those up? That’s where a lot of our suffering starts.

Some days, I just want to stay curled up under the covers, escaping into a Netflix documentary marathon while skillfully avoiding anything remotely resembling adult responsibilities. Other days, I find myself stuck in the imposter syndrome spiral, comparing my behind-the-scenes to everyone else’s highlight reel. (Spoiler: That game never ends well.) And then there are the days when I dive headfirst into books, courses, and anything that sheds light on how the human mind works—collecting little insights and golden nuggets I hope will help those I support find their own way to reset and begin again.

To support my own mental health and well-being, I turned to nature—and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I discovered the grounding power of hiking up mountains (with varying degrees of grace), wandering through forests where I could finally hear myself think, and dreaming of one day hiking my way around the world, one muddy boot at a time.

I also found joy in joining exercise classes filled with like-minded souls—people who are happy to sweat, struggle, and laugh together without judgment. There’s something wonderfully human about collectively gasping through a workout and calling it "self-care."

And then there's my dog—my loyal walking partner, therapist, and motivational coach all rolled into one furry package. Our daily walks are a reminder to stay present, sniff the air (figuratively for me), and keep moving forward, no matter the pace.

These routines have become a vital part of how I stay balanced, connected, and energised—and they remind me that wellness doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to be real.

I founded Free the Butterfly over 15 years ago with a simple, heartfelt mission: to help people. It may sound like a cliché, but for me, it’s always been the truth.

Academia didn’t come easily—I had to work hard for my degree and every other course since. It wasn’t until much later, alongside my young adult children, that I came to understand why. In my 50s, I finally recognised that my brain works in a more neuro-diverse way than many of my neurotypical peers. Suddenly, so many of the challenges I’d faced started to make sense.

This insight has only deepened my passion for supporting others—especially those who feel like they don’t quite fit the mould. Free the Butterfly is about embracing difference, finding your rhythm, and rewriting the stories we tell ourselves.

Sharon

Important Stuff

I am a T-CBT trained trauma informed therapist & coach with a BA (hons) degree in Childhood Studies & Psychology, Level 5 diploma in Counselling & Coaching and a Certificate in ADHD Coaching. Plus a whole host of certificates in training over the last 15 years. Fully insured for the therapies covered and enhanced DBS check.

Extensive Training in a variety of subjects including trauma, self-harm, suicide, eating disorders, domestic abuse & FASD.

I am also a qualified reflexologist, including a specialist reflexology called Functional Reflex Therapy for those with additional needs. In addition to this I am trained in massage therapy , mindfulness and EFT.

Over the last 30 years I have worked (and still do in some) in a variety of settings here in the UK and abroad. Charity sector, criminal justice, victim support for children and working with families where there is CAPVA (child on parent violence) and residential children's home organisations.

I have a specialist interest in ADHD, autism and neurodiversity.

Now fully self-employed I see private clients in my therapy room and freelance for a variety of organisations, delivering training, supporting staff and working with adults, young people and families.