Anchor of Hope Counselling

Anchor of Hope Counselling Psychotherapist & Supervisor specialising in Narcissistic abuse, and trauma Group Private Practice.

- British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) Registered.

“This is something I see often in the therapy room. Hope is one of our greatest strengths, but in unhealthy relationship...
09/07/2026

“This is something I see often in the therapy room. Hope is one of our greatest strengths, but in unhealthy relationships it can also keep people waiting for change long after the evidence suggests otherwise. This isn’t about blame. It’s about understanding why leaving is often far more complex than people imagine.”

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There are lots of new faces here, so it felt like the right time to say hello.I’m Michelle.I’m a psychotherapist, the fo...
05/07/2026

There are lots of new faces here, so it felt like the right time to say hello.

I’m Michelle.

I’m a psychotherapist, the founder of Anchor of Hope Counselling & Associates, and for almost two decades I’ve had the privilege of sitting alongside people during some of the most difficult chapters of their lives.

For the past nine years, my work has increasingly focused on narcissistic abuse, both from a clinical perspective and a lived experience one. That combination has shaped not only how I work, but how I understand healing, relationships, and what it means to rebuild yourself after emotional harm.

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll probably notice this page has changed.

Less generic advice.

More thoughtful conversations.

More nuance.

Because after years in the therapy room, and my own lived experience, I’ve learned that relationships rarely fit neatly into social media posts.

Outside of work, I’m a wife, a mum, a nana, and someone who finds joy in the small grounding things: Pilates, matcha, a good podcast, and moments of quiet in between the noise. I believe healing happens through connection, curiosity and compassion, not judgement.

Whether you’re here to learn, to make sense of a relationship, or simply because something resonated…

I’m really glad you’re here.

Michelle 💛





One of the reasons I chose to specialise in narcissistic abuse is because I’ve learned that relationships are rarely as ...
30/06/2026

One of the reasons I chose to specialise in narcissistic abuse is because I’ve learned that relationships are rarely as simple as social media makes them seem.

Online, the focus is often on “the narcissist.”

In the therapy room, the focus is different.

We explore the relationship, the patterns, the impact, the losses, the hope, the confusion and, most importantly, the person sitting in front of us.

Every story has its own context.

That’s why I believe healing deserves nuance, not one-size-fits-all advice.

I’d love to know what you think. Does social media sometimes oversimplify these conversations?

💛

One of the biggest misconceptions I see is the belief that healing from narcissistic abuse always has to look the same.I...
29/06/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions I see is the belief that healing from narcissistic abuse always has to look the same.

It doesn’t.

For some people, no contact is the safest and healthiest decision they will ever make.

For others, it isn’t possible because of children, work, caring responsibilities or personal choice.

Therapy isn’t about telling people what they should do.

It’s about helping them understand their options, strengthen their boundaries and make decisions that are right for their circumstances.

Context matters.

That’s why I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all advice.

💛 What are your thoughts? Have you noticed pressure online for healing to follow one particular path?





15/06/2026

Follow for more support and reminders that you’re not alone. 💛

If you’ve recently found this page, welcome. 💛

This is your reminder that healing from narcissistic abuse rarely happens in a straight line.

You don’t need to have all the answers today.

You just need to keep choosing yourself, one small step at a time.

Save this for the days you need the reminder.

healingjourney selfworth boundaries mentalhealthawareness

After years of working with survivors of narcissistic abuse, there are certain things I find myself saying again and aga...
12/06/2026

After years of working with survivors of narcissistic abuse, there are certain things I find myself saying again and again.

Not because survivors are broken.

But because abuse distorts the way people see themselves, their needs and their worth.

If one of these messages resonates with you, save this post so you can come back to it when self-doubt creeps in.

💛 Which slide hit hardest?

peoplepleasing boundaries selfworth childhoodtrauma mentalhealth

When people talk about healing, the focus is often on strength.Being stronger.More resilient.More independent.But many s...
03/06/2026

When people talk about healing, the focus is often on strength.

Being stronger.
More resilient.
More independent.

But many survivors spent years being strong because they had no choice.

Sometimes healing looks different.

Sometimes it looks like learning to rest.
Learning to trust safe people.
Learning to ask for help.
Learning to be vulnerable.
Learning to stop carrying everything on your own.

That’s not weakness.

It takes courage to put down armour you’ve worn for years.

💛 Do you think healing is more about becoming stronger, softer, or a bit of both?

I’d love to hear your thoughts below.






boundaries
emotionalhealing
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Many survivors of narcissistic abuse were taught things about themselves, relationships and the world that simply weren’...
02/06/2026

Many survivors of narcissistic abuse were taught things about themselves, relationships and the world that simply weren’t true.

Messages such as:

• Your needs are too much
• Other people’s feelings matter more than yours
• Love must be earned
• Keeping the peace is your responsibility

Over time, these messages can become beliefs.

So today I’m curious…

Many survivors of narcissistic abuse were taught that ________.

💛 Fill in the blank in the comments.

You never know who might read your answer and feel a little less alone.

scapegoatchild peoplepleasing traumarecovery boundaries mentalhealthawareness

Silence is what kept us stuck, awareness is how we begin to heal
01/06/2026

Silence is what kept us stuck, awareness is how we begin to heal

Address

Hereford

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+447988620752

Website

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