About

Helping people rebuild after life has been turned upside down

I’m Dr Sarah Bruce an experienced Clinical Psychologist based in Manchester. For over 20 years I’ve helped adults rebuild after trauma and other major life changes through evidence-based psychological therapy.

Why I do this work

Whether life has been changed because of a serious accident, illness, burnout or another major life disruption, my work is about helping people understand what’s keeping them stuck and move forward in ways that matter to them.

Not just cope. Actually rebuild.

Over more than 20 years as a Clinical Psychologist, I’ve become increasingly interested in what helps people do exactly that.

Most people simply want to think clearly, stop going round in the same loops, and feel like themselves again.

That’s the work. And that doesn’t come from just understanding your past in more detail. It comes from changing what’s happening now.

A lot of people think they need more insight. Most of the time, they need a different approach.

I believe that people can cope and start to live better after even the most challenging experiences.

How my approach evolved

In NHS teams, I worked in secure and community mental health services. I worked alongside some of the most caring and committed people at every level.

I developed and ran group interventions, trained staff and offered consultation. Over time, I became frustrated when things that seemed clinically obvious couldn’t happen because of constraints.

I’ve seen how much trauma sits underneath the surface.

I’ve seen people repeat patterns. And what it costs them.

I’ve also seen people turn their life around. Those experiences shaped the way I work today.

In 2015, I moved into private practice. I trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Then Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). I moved from teams and groups to one-to-one work, without the constraints of restricted settings.

It made my work more focused, more effective and more creative.

I’ve become increasingly interested in the gap between knowing what matters and actually being able to move towards it.

Now I work with adults experiencing the effects of trauma, major life changes and burnout, using evidence-based psychological therapies including EMDR, ACT, and CBT.

Whether I’m working with someone in psychological therapy or coaching, my aim is the same: to help them change the patterns that are keeping them stuck and build a life that fits who they are now.

Dr Sarah Bruce, Clinical Psychologist in Manchester
Professional registration & membership

“I immediately knew I was with the right person, and I felt safe enough to open up. Sarah took me through a very challenging series of EMDR sessions. For the first time in nearly 45 years, I am free from the overwhelming flood of emotion I used to experience. I feel in control and emotionally regulated.”

Client after trauma therapy

Why choose me as your Clinical Psychologist?

  • Over 20 years’ experience helping adults rebuild after trauma and other major life changes
  • EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner, integrating evidence-based approaches including EMDR, ACT and CBT according to your individual needs
  • Experienced in helping people rebuild after serious injury, illness, burnout, assault and other significant life events
  • A practical, collaborative approach focused on helping you move forward, not simply understanding your difficulties
  • Options for both weekly therapy and EMDR Intensive Therapy, where appropriate.

People come to me when they’re rebuilding:

  • after a traumatic event that has changed how they experience the world
  • after a serious illness or injury that has changed their confidence, identity or future plans
  • after burnout, when work no longer feels sustainable
  • after redundancy or a career change that has left them questioning what’s next
  • after loss or bereavement, when life feels unfamiliar
  • when they know something needs to change in their life or work, but keep getting stuck
  • when they’re ready to build a life that fits who they are now, not who they were before.

Away from work

I love big skies.

I’m happiest outdoors. Climbing. Birding.

I like losing time in nature photography. And things that amaze me about humans and the universe.

It keeps things in perspective.

Wondering whether I could help?

Complete the contact form below to get in touch.

 

I’ll aim to respond within two working days.