ADHD Coach, Manchester
Get in touch with us at hello@sjhardy.com
I’m Sarah!
An ADHD coach, MSc psychology practitioner, and late-diagnosed neurodivergent woman working with adults who've spent years trying to function in systems that weren't built for them.
I work with neurodivergent individuals, self-employed creatives, and professionals in Manchester and across the UK who are ready to stop battling their brains and start building support that actually works.
I specialise in supporting:
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Neurodivergent adults navigating life after late diagnosis (ADHD, autism, or self-identified)
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Self-employed creatives — musicians, developers, coaches, consultants — who lose track of invoices, miss deadlines, and are plagued by RSD or impostor syndrome
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Professionals experiencing performance issues who need workplace strategy sessions and coaching that understands how executive function challenges clash with workplace expectations.
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Parents managing the mental load while also managing their own neurodivergence alongside family life
I don't do hustle culture, generic productivity advice, or neurotypical templates you're supposed to force yourself into.
Coaching with me focuses on clarity, nervous system regulation, and sustainable strategies tailored to how your brain actually functions.
A Bit About My Background
I've spent over 20 years working in coaching, psychology, and practical support—mostly with people who've been told they're capable but can't seem to prove it consistently.
I've worked with founders, freelancers, overwhelmed parents, and ambitious professionals who mask without realising it, then wonder why they're so exhausted.
I hold a first-class BSc in Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Counselling, and I'm currently completing my Master's in Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology at the University of East London.
I'm an EMCC-accredited practitioner, ADHD Works certified ADHD coach, and trained in trauma-informed approaches rooted in nervous system regulation.
My approach draws on:
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Polyvagal Theory and co-regulation
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Coaching psychology grounded in strengths identification and implementation intentions
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Positive Psychology tools including VIA Strengths and self-compassion research
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Two decades of experience supporting neurodivergent business owners, professionals, and parents navigating ADHD and autism
I'm also an Access to Work approved coach, which means many of my clients access government funding for coaching or workplace strategy sessions through the UK's Access to Work scheme.
Why I’m Passionate About ADHD Coaching
I was diagnosed with ADHD at 35 — after years of pushing through, people-pleasing, and wondering why I couldn't keep up without completely falling apart.
The diagnosis didn't just explain patterns I'd been living with. It changed how I approached everything.
It's what led me to build an ADHD coaching practice in Manchester that combines lived experience with evidence-based psychology — not motivational platitudes or generic time management advice.
Whether I'm helping someone plan their week without spiralling into shame, make a career decision they've been avoiding for months, or stop reflexively saying yes when they mean no — the work is about closing the gap between what you understand intellectually and what you can actually do.
I know what it's like to:
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Understand your ADHD diagnosis thoroughly but still repeat the same patterns
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Be told you're "high-functioning" whilst struggling with executive function, emotional regulation, and decision-making internally
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Exhaust yourself trying to fit into productivity systems designed for brains that work completely differently
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Grasp the theory but struggle to translate it into consistent behaviour
This isn't abstract knowledge for me. It's lived experience, combined with formal training in psychology and coaching — which is why my clients tell me they finally feel understood instead of patronised.
Who I Work With
I work with neurodivergent adults who are thoughtful, self-aware, and exhausted by the gap between what they know and what they do.
Many of my ADHD coaching clients in Manchester and across the UK are:
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Late-diagnosed neurodivergent adults navigating life after an ADHD or autism diagnosis (or strong self-identification without formal assessment)
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Self-employed professionals and creatives — coaches, musicians, developers, consultants, lighting designers — who struggle with admin, invoicing, follow-through, and anything that isn't the actual creative work
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Employed professionals facing performance reviews when the issue isn't capability but consistency, organisation, or emotional regulation under stress
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Parents managing their own neurodivergence whilst holding most of the mental load for children, schedules, and household logistics
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Adults seeking Access to Work coaching or workplace strategy sessions to maintain employment or self-employment whilst managing ADHD or autism
You don't need a formal diagnosis. You don't need to justify why you think you're neurodivergent. You just need to be ready to try something different.
Common patterns in my clients:
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High levels of self-awareness that haven't translated into behavioural change
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Frustration that understanding ADHD intellectually hasn't made daily life easier
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Exhaustion from forcing themselves into neurotypical routines that never stick
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Looking for permission to trust their own judgement instead of deferring to external structure
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Wanting practical strategies rather than more frameworks, podcasts, or motivational content
If you've done the reading, understand your neurodivergence, but still can't seem to change what you do — that's the gap I help people close.
Qualifications
Certified ADHD Coach (ADHD Works)
BSc (Hons) in Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Counselling (1st Class)
Master’s in Positive Psychology and Coaching (in progress)
Graduate Member, The British Psychological Society
EMCC Master Practitioner (in training)
Mental Health First Aider
Level 2 & 3 Certificates in Counselling Skills
Volunteer experience with Home-Start and Shout Crisis Text Line
Awards & Recognition
ADHD Coach of the Year - Finalist
Paseda360, 2026
Business Coach of The Year - Winner
The UK Small Business Awards, 2025
Business Mum of the Year - Finalist
Women's Business Awards, 2025
Emmeline Pankhurst Award - Finalist
I Love Manchester Awards, 2025
Nominee - Manchester & North West
Prestige Awards, 2025/26
Google Reviews
Gillian Higgin
2026-02-13
Working with Sarah has been an exceptionally positive experience. Their ability to understand what I meant in my neurodivergent mind, combined with a clear and structured approach, has made a significant difference to me. Sarah brings professionalism and insight to every session. Their ability to translate strategies into practical, sustainable actions has helped me make meaningful progress in areas I had put on the back burner for years. I have felt consistently supported, respected, and understood throughout our work together. I would highly recommend their coaching to anyone seeking knowledgeable, reliable, and genuinely effective support.
Clover
2026-02-11
Sarah's coaching went beyond just ADHD tips - she helped me understand patterns I'd been stuck in and learn to trust my own judgment again. She's flexible, genuinely understands neurodivergence, and balances practical tools with deeper insights. Highly recommend.
Blanka C
2026-02-11
I can honestly say as a late diagnosed neurodivergent woman in my early 30s, working with Sarah has been the most helpful thing I’ve ever done for my brain. I have a long history of trying different kinds of therapy to better my mental health. Nothing has ever helped on the long run, so I decided to give coaching a go. I’ve heard of it before but wasn’t sure it’d work for me - I was wrong, this was THE ONLY thing that has ever worked! Sarah has been incredibly supportive, knowledgeable and caring from the start. We’ve set a coaching “goal” together and identified my strengths and weaknesses, which was invaluable as now I can apply this knowledge in my daily life and work on making more intentional decisions that honour my neurodivergent needs. We “co-created” our sessions, which was really refreshing; I had the space and time to talk about anything, ask questions, seek advice, etc. This has really worked for my ADHD. For the first time, I felt someone truly understood my challenges and helped me work through them. Most importantly, she gave me a safe space to my true self and I could freely unmask during our conversations. I’ve learnt so much and I cannot wait to continue our sessions - thank you!
Harriet Mansfield
2026-02-02
Sarah's group coaching sessions helped me learn how to ask for autistic accommodations at work, and learn tips and tricks on different kinds of accommodations to try out for myself to make my working life easier.
Jennifer Goodyear
2025-09-14
I had 10 coaching sessions with Sarah, who led each one with curiosity, empathy and patience. She offered thoughtful, reflective perspectives, especially when my RSD was kicking in. The space Sarah created helped me feel seen and understood. Her approach gave me clarity and confidence, and her gentle encouragement helped me reconnect with my strengths. These sessions weren’t just helpful, they were transformative. Sarah’s depth of knowledge and the resources she shared were invaluable and undoubtedly supported me on my journey. I’ve already recommended her sessions to others. Absolutely brilliant.
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