Welcome to supportive, non-judgemental, nature and animal enriched counselling...
offering you time and space, the release of pressure, and the gift of attuned presence...
so you can process in your own time, at your own pace.
Telehealth, Online and in person at Eastwood Street, Chandler, QLD (20 minutes South East from Brisbane CBD)
As a Mental Health Counsellor and Animal Assisted Therapist, I support clients to get 'unstuck', moving from chaos, distress and turmoil towards safety, choice and empowerment. I work with clients to explore with curiosity their connections to themselves and others, as a bridge to building their capacity and bringing wanted change. Building the client's internal resources and fostering personal growth, to experience more peace in their lives.
EQUINE ASSISTED MENTAL HEALTH (EAMH) is the provision of equine therapy by a licensed mental health provider, tailoring the therapy to the unique needs and abilities of each client, to support achievement of client goals and improvement in their mental health and well-being outcomes.
I use an integrated, trauma informed approach incorporating counselling, art therapy, body based awareness (somatic experiencing) and mindfulness practices; to provide for learning, growth and improved mental and embodied health and wellness. Clients can be purely room based, or can incorporate relational animal therapy, as beneficial to the client's counselling goals and preferences.​
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​Client centered, goal and strength focussed, trauma informed
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Sessions are informed by polyvagal theory and bottom up processing, to experience "being seen, being heard, feeling felt and getting gotten." Psychologist, Daniel Siegel
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Therapies offered include connection therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, solution focussed therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, grief and loss, resourcing and art therapy
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders - Victims of Crime - Carers - Highly Sensitive People - School CANT - Neurodiverse - Veterans - First Responders - people experiencing/have experienced trauma.
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Private and NDIS client sessions available.
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Please note we do not currently offer medicare rebates.
"Only when we are in a calm physiological state can we convey cues of safety to another"
(Stephen W Porges) ... and to ourselves ...
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In session we can work online or in person, moving between the shed, the office and walking or sitting out amongst nature, at the paddock or dam, and have the options of incorporating other members of our counselling herd, Mount Kosciuszko Brumbies/Horses, labradors, and indoors with our Ragdoll Cat.
Online sessions are adapted to incorporate animals and nature as of interest and with relevance to client goals.
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Spending time with animals can enhance focus and mindfulness. Working with dogs and horses requires us to be present in the moment, paying close attention to their movements, behaviour, and our own actions. This deep level of awareness helps quiet mental distractions and brings a calming sense of mindfulness. We can also regulate in their company, and feel attachment.
"We can find peace through regulating and trust through animals to self and then to the world around us" Rebecca Bailey, PVEI (Polyvagal Equine Institute).
In addition to traditional talk therapy, we will incorporate movement and keep space for the essential role of play in connection. Seeking joy and experiencing play through experimenting and hypothesising for outcomes and developing new experiences and ways of being.
At Solace and Sanctuary, we work collaboratively and flexibly, adapting techniques and approaches to meet your personal hopes and needs. We will support your mind, body and self to reconnect through embodied experiences, mindfulness and non-judgemental curiosity. Noticing. Witnessing. Being.
My qualifications include AIPC Diploma of Counselling, 'Mental Health Equine Therapy' at Equine Assisted Therapy Australia, Polyvagal Equine Institute In-person training (Levels 1 and 2), Arenas for Change (ARCH), and a Bachelor of Communications (Public Relations) Monash University​.​
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I look forward to meeting you and supporting your journey.
To book your session, please click on the link below.
Best Wishes
Sarah
