Counselling Services
“Gain the support you need to clear the clouds and live as much as possible in blue skies.”
Based in Hornsby offering
Online Counselling Sessions
Clearing Clouds Counselling is based in Hornsby with online sessions delivered by Sarah and offered throughout Australia. Appointment times are available within and outside standard business hours.
As a counsellor I am skilled at providing a safe space to express your feelings and thoughts without judgment. It is very freeing to be able to think and tell without worrying how others will react to you.
Person-Centered Therapy
My foundational approach is person-centered therapy which is a non-directive form of talk therapy developed by Carl Rogers which has been proven as an effective approach since the 1940s. It is based on the belief that individuals have the capacity for self-understanding and personal growth if they are provided with the right conditions.
Person-centered counselling is often used for individuals dealing with self-esteem issues, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and personal development concerns.
“When someone really hears you without passing judgment on you, without trying to take responsibility for you, without trying to mold you, it feels damn good. . . When I have been listened to and when I have been heard, I am able to re-perceive my world in a new way and to go on. It is astonishing how elements which seem insoluble become soluble when someone listens. How confusions which seem irremediable turn into relatively clear flowing streams when one is heard.”
My specialist training + substantial clinical experience helps with:
Low self-worth & confidence
Anxiety
Depression
Grief & loss (of any kind)
Process & heal from childhood/ adulthood relational trauma
Big life changes
Narcissistic abuse
Feeling stuck
Bullying at work
Stress management
Feeling overwhelmed for any reason
Embedded behaviour which is no longer helping you
Domestic abuse
Book a free consultation
For a no-obligation chat to explore what you're seeking from counselling, book a free 15-minute phone or video consultation.
What to expect from
Clearing Clouds Counselling
I will support you to increase your self awareness and, if needed, can help enhance your communication skills and deal with interpersonal conflicts more effectively. Many clients struggle with boundaries in their relationships. I can help you set the boundaries you want and embed them so that you get the life you want.
When appropriate, I will also give you practical tools and techniques to manage stress, anxiety, or other challenges more effectively. When it comes to navigating specific issues or life transitions, I will support you to explore and problem solve so that you get the best outcome for yourself.
I can assist in identifying and working toward personal goals, fostering a sense of direction and purpose.
For those dealing with trauma or loss, I can facilitate the healing process and help find ways to move forward.
Overall, my aim is to empower you to live your best life.
You might be wondering…
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Research indicates that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is more important than the mode of delivery. If a client feels connected and supported by their therapist, they are more likely to benefit from the therapy, whether it's online or in person.
Studies have shown that online therapy is effective for treating issues like anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma, often producing outcomes similar to face-to-face therapy.
To get the best from your session, there needs to be a stable internet connection for videocalls, and the client and the counsellor both need to be in a private space without any interruptions.
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Psychologists are trained within the medical model where they are the expert and prescribe the treatment to be followed. I am trained in the same psychological therapies but there is a key difference in how I deliver these: I do therapy with you not to you. This ensures you feel respected at all times which empowers you in your mental health recovery which is an essential condition to heal.
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Relational trauma (otherwise known as complex trauma) refers to emotional or psychological harm that occurs within the context of significant relationships, especially those that involve trust, attachment, and caregiving. Relational trauma is often the result of ongoing exposure to harmful relational dynamics.
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Empathy: The counsellor strives to deeply understand the client's feelings and experiences from their perspective, showing sensitivity and non-judgment.
Unconditional Positive Regard: The therapist offers complete acceptance and support to the client, without any judgment or conditions, allowing them to express themselves freely.
Congruence (Authenticity): The counsellor is genuine and transparent, avoiding professional detachment and creating a real, trusting relationship with the client.
Self-Actualization: The approach believes that people have an innate tendency to achieve their full potential. The role of the therapist is to provide the right environment for this to happen.
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If there is an emergency, please contact Police/Fire/Ambulance 000. You can also contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 (open 24 hours), Mental Health Line 1800 011 511 or Lifeline 13 11 14.
I do not provide a crisis service.
Your privacy matters
Information discussed during our counselling sessions is confidential and may not be shared with anyone not directly involved in or supervising the provision of services, support and care to you without your written permission except when I am legally obliged which could include:
To report a serious threat to the life, health or wellbeing of yourself or another person to your carers, health professionals or other relevant persons or authorities as appropriate.
To report any abuse or neglect experienced by a young person under the age of 18 years to authorities and/or the police.
And/or to release client records when required by court order.
Confidential written records are maintained to reflect the issues and goals identified in counselling sessions and are kept securely via Halaxy’s encrypted system. I am required to keep your file for a minimum of 7 years, or if you are under the age of 18 at the time of services, until you are 25 years of age. You may access the information in your file on request, subject to limited exceptions in the Australian Privacy Principles.
My supervision
I have an ethical responsibility to reflect on my counselling practice. As part of this professional reflection, I may discuss my work with you with my clinical supervisor. In such situations, content presented is de-identified. This means your name, contact details will not be shared.
Clearing Clouds Counselling uses secure encrypted clinical platform, Halaxy, for bookings, video and phone call sessions. Halaxy is compliant with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).
Ready to start with Counselling?
Book your online Counselling Session in a safe space where you can express your feelings and thoughts without judgment.