The Sanctuary Programmes
The Six Week Programme
I founded the Sanctuary Six Week Programme in 2010, long before there was any online presence. By then I had already been practising for several years, learning my craft and refining the approach that still underpins my work today. What began as a private practice grew after the publication of my books, and since then, the programme has helped many people change their relationship with alcohol for good.
How It Works
The Six Week Programme is designed to be as non-disruptive and effective as possible. It bears no resemblance to the 12-step model. As a cognitive behavioural therapist, my focus is always on gain, not loss.
For 42 days we stay in contact, weekdays and weekends. I work up to 8pm and usually respond quickly when needed.
The therapy takes the form of a written diary via email. Think of it as writing to yourself, with me reading between the lines, drawing on my experience, and responding to guide you forward. We also use virtual platforms, along with face-to-face meetings, when possible, typically twice weekly. This is an intimate subject, and it’s important the process carries compassion, care, and flexibility. It’s client-led, meaning you set the pace, and I fit around your schedule.
What to Expect
Over six weeks, clients typically experience a subtle but profound shift in how they view alcohol. What once felt like a reward is seen for what it truly is, something that takes away far more than it ever gives. With time, alcohol becomes trivialised. It no longer defines you, nor does it need your constant focus.
Progress builds steadily. The earlier the problem is addressed, the easier it is. Repeated cycles of stopping and starting often make change harder, so consistency really counts.
To begin, I offer a Discovery Video Call via Google Meet or a platform of your choice. This gives us the chance to discuss your background and your goals, and to see whether we connect, because therapy only works when there’s a mutual sense of trust and understanding.
Results
Currently, 89% of my clients are alcohol-free six months after starting the programme, a figure I’m proud of. The work is challenging but liberating. It isn’t about guilt, shame, or “white-knuckling.” It’s about building clarity, confidence, and genuine choice.
Spaces are limited and there is often a waiting list. However, I’m always happy to arrange a chemistry call to see whether this approach could work for you.
Latest News On The Sanctuary Programmes.
As the Sanctuary has evolved, and most especially since the Panademic, I have now created programmes not only for alcohol dependence/addiction, but also for addiction to cocaine, sugar, gambling, sex. Using my expertise with CBT, outcomes are equally as successful as we have been for the last 14 years with misuse of alcohol. As the founder of the Six Week Programme and my other Maintenance programmes treating alcohol misuse, my range is much more diverse, and for the last two years have been successfully helping people of all genders with other addictions.
I am now fully qualified to practice in couples counselling, and our unique programme Family Matters moves from strength to strength.
Currently I am fully booked until November 2025, but in the meantime, if anyone visiting the website would like to have a discovery meeting with me on any of the above topics, I do have availability.
Sarah.
The Maintenance Programme
The Sanctuary always sees a long term goal, and because of this, some clients prefer an ongoing approach.
Care For Couples & Families
Up until now, as is well known, I have been entirely female specific with the Sanctuary, but over the years have been asked if I could help couples, who are enabling each other to drink too much. I did engage in The Six Week Programme in November for one couple who were just at the end of the line with the constant, habitual sharing of a bottle too many of wine or spirits in the evenings, with a good outcome for both. Our work in this area has become a best kept secret for many couples and families.
So, from April, I am opening a new strand to the Sanctuary, that will help those who are in this position. My method is unique and so flexible works for all sexes. There has been an increase in divorce, 70% over the last five years blamed on the rise of alcohol consumption, mainly in the home.
In 2016 The Telegraph featured The Sanctuary on this subject.
It is very sad for anyone to be in the grip of any dependence, but when families are torn apart by it, when it could so effectively, nipped in the bud. There is no doubt men and women are not only biologically different but have a completely different mindset when it comes to their use of alcohol. We will naturally see if possible the couples together, but they will do their diaries, and daily contact completely separately, and if they wish to share a problem that they both feel would be beneficial to write together, that too can be part of the programme. All of us who have been in a relationship do have subjects that we do not want to raise between each other and we will respect that confidentiality completely.
I do hope that using our unique and very non-disruptive method in this way will save marriages or partnerships that are on the rocks due to this cruel substance and give those involved the opportunity to start with a fresh and happy slate.
Another new chapter for both the Sanctuary and the Sober Revolution.