I’m here so you don’t have to work it all out alone.
There are 3 things good mentoring should offer:
-
1. A space where your perception is taken seriously.
Not dismissed or tidied into someone else’s framework. -
2. Reflection that brings you closer to your own wisdom.
So you can hear what is true beneath the surface. -
3. Enough precision to interrupt the loops.
and enough compassion to allow the process.
Hello, I’m Sara (and that’s Merlin),
My work brings together an eclectic mixture of systems, learning and lived experience… supported by a well-honed intolerance for nonsense. I’m here for:
→ when the usual answers have stopped working
→ when you can feel a deeper truth, even if you can’t quite name it yet
→ when you want to see the pattern that reveals fresh perspective
And I do it all from my little garden “Nook”, a micro-office packed with books, cards and tin posters – the perfect spot for cats, coffee, laughter and insight.
Study & Training
A BA in Theology inspired my interest in how humans work. Three postgrads followed, alongside professional qualifications in technology, bodywork, esoteric arts and coaching.
Yep, I like a certificate, but I love a complex question more.
Lived Experience
Life has taught me what theory tends to miss. I've navigated chronic illness, survived a couple of cults, and explored a lot of rabbit warrens. As a hands-on coach for over 20 years, I'm pretty unshockable, and used to hearing what isn't said. Useful, when people arrive with things that refuse to fit neat boxes.
Ethics & Practice
No guru complex, no dependency games: understanding the power dynamics of mentoring matters to me. I'm a Special Advisor to the ASI.
I keep my own practice alive through conversation with people who challenge me properly, peer support, and frequent deep dives into the gloriously obscure.
My mission: To support independent thinkers and leaders with clean discernment and grounded spiritual intelligence so they see clearly and deepen trust in their own navigation.
Neither of us are here for borrowed certainty or inherited mantras.
That’s why we do things differently.
When you choose to work with me, you’ll quickly find out that I always start from what you see and feel, then test it cleanly. Your experience is central, and no emotion is off-limits.
I believe in going beyond the story. There is nothing about you that you need to fix, remove, manage or disown. You are allowed to evolve from exactly where you are.
No, I’m not going to make you fit a cookie-cutter mould. I don’t want to make mini-mes (for oh-so-many reasons). I work with intuition, meaning, timing and unseen pattern… without losing sight of individuality and the practicalities of your life.
Thoughtful rebels and I tend to get on rather well:
"The world's your oyster," said the careers advisor...
Whilst his clunky computer system suggested teaching or psychology. It took 20 years before my work life really caught up with those predictions.
My boss described me as “almost totally unmanageable”. But what annoyed him most is I was great at my job. I fixed problems fast, and spotted them faster. I wasn’t scared of anyone, but I wasn’t bolshy either. My users loved me, project management held me in grudging respect. I made the boss look way better than he was. In retrospect, he was showing me what a narcissist looks like – but I was still young and idealistic.
The wind blew me into bodywork. What started as a casual interest in anatomy became a fascination… and opened the door to my teaching career. I noticed quickly that clients were stuck in patterns, and that talking about issues helped at least as much as the massage or Pilates class. I explored a myriad of healing and energetic modalities.
Still, I didn’t mean to become a life coach. It’s not exactly a respected profession.
I landed accidentally in a Three Principles community (ask me about the bike that steers backwards), where I spent most of my time asking questions no one could answer. A brief Psychology post-grad helped me strip away the psychological overlay to find the nondual core.
Then I (accidentally again) recruited a nondual teacher who didn’t really understand nonduality (if you confidently think you know who this was, you’re probably wrong).
I discovered that I didn't need anyone to teach me.
Just irritate enough to return me to who I was before all the spiritual teachings confused the issue.
The biggest practical thing I learnt was through observation and experience: what the power dynamics of the coaching relationship are, and how easily that power can be misused. I saw students persuaded into giving up careers they loved to try their hand at coaching, most of them without success. I saw clients convinced there was something wrong with them because they didn’t “get it”. I saw how most testimonials are acquired… and it’s only marginally more ethical than before-and-after photos.
And that became my guiding light.
Which brings us to today. And everything comes back together. The maverick, the eternal student, the systems geek, the body worker, the spiritual explorer.
(And that’s Pretzel, who thinks every Zoom call is about him.)
I'm definitely not for everyone. But if this speaks to you, dive in:
More about me
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
What are your qualifications & experience?
BA (hons) Theology, University of Durham
MSc in Information Processing, Computers and the Man-Machine Interface, University of York
Post-Grad Certificate in Teaching for Further Education, University of Dundee
Post-Grad Award with Distinction in Psychology, University of Liverpool
I worked in Consulting and IT for 15 years, during which time I gained various technical, process & security qualifications, as well as training in soft-skills including time-management, report writing and leadership.
I ran a bodywork business for 10 years, with advanced qualitifcations in remedial massage therapy and intermediate qualifications in Pilates matwork & equipment teaching. I am SQA Assessor trained.
I’ve worked as a coach for over 20 years, with the following qualifications and training:
Innate Wellbeing Facilitator,
Fundamental Wellbeing Levels(CSNSCS),
Museum of Happiness Facilitator,
Three Principles trainings (including Dicken Betinger, Joe Bailey & Keith Blevens),
Nonduality teachings from Rupert Spira and Ellen Emmet,
Human Design intensive self-study following original training materials,
Psychic Development (with The Sage Method, Suzanne Giesemann, My Inner Witch, Ed Horn, Empaths & Light Beings, and more).
Integrity is at the heart of my work. This includes respect for power differentials, working within scope, transparent intention and honest teaching.
I have been trained by:
The Professional Boundaries Company
Right Use of Power Institute
And professionalism training within corporate and bodywork disciplines.
I am a special advisor to the Association for Spiritual Integrity.
Do you work online?
Yes, mostly online – but in-person is an option. I’m in the UK, but my clients are from all around the world. My working lanaguage is English.
What can I bring to the conversation?
Anything within my scope. And all of yourself.
Can we include spiritual or esoteric material?
Of course. I am pretty woo.
I can teach nonduality or esoteric arts, read cards, or channel messages.
Can we talk about work, business or creative projects?
Yes. I’m not a business coach, but I’m happy to discuss how you sit in your work or creative endeavours.
Is this therapy or counselling?
Absolutely not. Whilst I have qualifications in psychology, I am not a therapist or counsellor. My work does not replace appropriate mental health care.
Mentoring is the route to follow when the foundations are already in place
What if I’m not sure what I need?
Check out the “Start here” page first. And if you still have questions, send me a note with what brought you here, and I’ll point you to the most relevant place.
Where can I read more about your integrity standards?
Head over to my “Integrity” page in the “Resources” menu
What are your values and guiding principles?
Integrity: This refers to a strong moral compass and adherence to ethical principles. It means being honest, trustworthy, and consistent in your actions and words. Integrity implies a commitment to doing what is right, even when it’s difficult, and acting with transparency and sincerity.
Discernment: This is the ability to judge well and make sound decisions. It involves having clarity of thought, the capacity to distinguish between truth and falsehood, and the wisdom to understand the nuances of a situation. Discernment allows for thoughtful evaluation and informed choices, rather than impulsive reactivity.
Respect: This involves holding a deep regard for the inherent worth and dignity of all individuals, including oneself. It means valuing different perspectives, honoring boundaries, and treating others with consideration and kindness. Respect acknowledges the autonomy and unique journey of each person.
Critical Thinking: This is the ability to analyse information objectively, question assumptions, and form reasoned judgments. It involves evaluating evidence, considering different perspectives, and making well-informed decisions rather than accepting things at face value.
Healthy Boundaries: These are clear guidelines established to define what is acceptable and unacceptable in interpersonal interactions. They serve to protect one’s time, energy, emotions and physical space. Boundaries are not demands, consequences, or expectations put on others.
Individual Autonomy: This is the right and capacity of each person to make their own choices and govern their own life, free from undue external control or coercion. It emphasises self-determination, independence of thought, and the freedom to live according to one’s own values and beliefs.
Do I need to believe the same things as you?
In terms of basic integrity and respect for the individual, it’s kind of helpful. Beyond that, no.
Do you always have positive emotions?
I don’t classify emotions as good and bad. All emotion is allowed. But I do have an inner peace that underlies whatever my current emotions happen to be.
You mentioned chronic illness, what are you doing wrong?
There’s a common assumption in personal and spiritual development circles that if you do “it” right, your health, wealth and relationships will all be perfect.
I do not subscribe to that belief.
If you want to know more about my personal situation, I’m happy to answer questions during a call.
Have you really been in a cult?
Yes. Probably four, if we include the cult-of-one with that corporate boss.
It is not an issue to find yourself in a cult. It only becomes a problem if you don’t know how to get out (or if you go over to the dark side).
I’ve become very good at recognising the signs and of not giving trust where it isn’t due.
I’m not an expert, but I will always offer conversation to anyone affected by modern social cults.
What is "The Nook"?
It’s my garden micro-office and playroom!
Why "Living Life Sideways"?
As this wonderful photo illustrates, things aren’t always what they seem. When we look at life sideways, we get a whole fresh perspective. Seeing through the illusion prompts greater respect for all of experience, and acts as a foundation for inspired living.
(Photo credit: Martijn Munneke on Flickr)
