- Thank You
Mrs Sarah Lawson
Psychotherapist, Counsellor
Parkdale, Melbourne VIC 3195
In Person + Online Therapy
Philosophy & Vision
My desire is for you to feel safe to come 'as you are' and for us to journey together to find a way forward in your life with whatever is troubling you. Perhaps you feel stuck, lonely or anxious? Or your relationship with your partner, family, friends or colleagues leaves you feeling upset or devalued? Maybe you struggle with decisions? Or you are not sure. We all need help at times with such issues and everyone deserves the deep sense of inner peace that comes from working through these.
Background
I have experienced my own life challenges including trauma and depression as well as challenges with career and life decisions. During these times I have found hope and healing in undergoing therapy and spiritual direction. Upon reflection I wish I had sought help sooner.
I have worked in both Australia and the UK for 25+ years as a manager and project manager. Through these experiences I have worked with many individuals and learnt to listen for and observe the deeper issues going on for people with great appreciation of their own challenges and needs.
In 2020 I became a Counsellor fulfilling a long-held and deep calling to help others more fully. I am grateful that I found an approach that is holistic and offers deep healing.
Services
Quality Provision
I am a qualified Counsellor, a member of the Australian Counselling Association, No. 17839 and professionally insured.
As a member of the Australian Counselling Association I am committed to following the membership and professional development requirements including ongoing training and supervision.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Diploma of Counselling - 2020 - Pathways Psychology Institute
- Master of Water Engineering Science - 1998 - University of NSW
- Bachelor of Civil Engineering - 1990 - University of London
Modalities
Attachment Theory - CBT - Dream Work - Holistic - Inner Child - Internal Family Systems - Person Centred - Process Oriented
Therapy Approach
I use Internal Family Systems, or Parts Work, as a core modality due to its ability to address the complex challenges we face both within ourselves and with others.
It helps us become aware of the parts of ourselves that need to be heard and understood, helping us to connect with them and heal our wounds or release our emotional burdens.
I also use techniques drawn from other modalities such as Process Oriented Psychology which integrates well with Parts Work and Cognitive Behavior Therapy where it is useful.
Professional Associations
- Australian Counselling Association
Practice Locations
Parkdale VIC 3195
Parking is available in nearby streets and the counselling room is within a few minutes walk of Parkdale train station.
Please note that due to level crossing works the station may be closed at times during 2023.
Appointments
Online or Face to Face.
Tues: 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Wed: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
Thu: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
Fri: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Sat: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Fees & Insurance
$110 for a 1 hr session or $300 for a 3 x 1 hr session package.
$135 for a 1.5-hour session. or $375 for 3 x 1.5 hr session package.
Struggling to pay for counselling? I offer some places for reduced rates. Please reach out to discuss options.
Payment Options
PayID or cash.
Contact Sarah
Please contact me to make an appointment
A conversation with Sarah Lawson
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I have always reached out to those around me in need of help. In my 20s I realized I myself needed help and this was the start of a wonderful journey of self-discovery and healing. I now look back on this with deep gratitude and feel called to help others as I have been.
I believe that exploring and uncovering what is really going on for someone and helping them to discover the true wonder of themselves is precious. I feel blessed to work with people in this way.
Everyone deserves to feel inner peace and a sense of completeness and cost, background or age should not be a barrier.
""One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious' Carl Jung -
I am a Christian and believe in Jesus's simple message that we should love others as we love ourselves and that we should look after those who are lonely or in need.
In later life I have been exposed to Ignatian spirituality and am very drawn to the practice of discernment. I love that Parts Work enables discernment by exploring our inner world.
I am a practicing Yogi and have found that the Yoga teachings and philosophy resonate deeply in my core. I hope to study yoga philosophy more formally at some stage.
As a young person I read the teachings of the Lao Tzu and the concept of the Tao or the 'way' always felt natural and right to me. I find it interesting that it is an underpinning of ProcessWork.
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I am interested in many aspects of the human journey including those aspects of ourselves which are hidden from us and holding us back from being the best version of ourselves.
My interest is growing as I gain more experience. -
As mentioned I primarily use Internal Family Systems, but support this with a solution focused approach where I help you to find your strengths and bring awareness to the real issues that you are facing. I do this in a conversational style whilst listening and observing and gently probing areas with questions and thoughts to give you more insight and clarity.
In Processwork I use a range of techniques (symbols work, role plays, visualization, drawing, dream analysis etc) to help you discover those parts of yourself that are perhaps unknown, less known, or perhaps marginalized - avoided, ignored, denied or disowned. This awareness allows you to recognize, accept and embrace these parts of yourself, and integrate them, and so become the best version of yourself. -
I like to leave my client seeing that they have made progress at every session, however big or small. The rate of progress will depend on the issue(s) the client has and where they are at within themselves. What is important is that my client is making progress and are headed in the right direction. This gives them hope and empowerment, which is very important. It is also important not to move faster than one is ready to do. That can reignite trauma and can be damaging. We all make the changes that we need when we are ready.
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They say that whilst studying counselling you are in fact undergoing therapy yourself . I have found this to be very true.
I feel I am much more able to embrace my vulnerabilities and parts of myself that I am uncomfortable with and be compassionate to myself. I have also been able to establish better boundaries with people in my life and consequently I feel much more balanced and able to handle life's ups and downs with more ease.
I recognize that I am still learning and growing and relish this gift! -
I love working with a person exploring and unraveling what is disturbing them. The moment they truly discover the freedom within themselves to move forward is precious moment and wonderful to witness.
It is the difference between intellectually knowing something versus knowing it in our inner being. When this happens I find clients tend to look and feel very energized, relieved or peaceful. -
Yes, bad hair days come with mid-life ... but I have found a great conditioner!
I have my ups and downs, and days where my energy can be a bit low. But I find that being present and giving service to my clients helps me to move beyond these challenges. -
Undeniably climate change. To think that our way of living and that of all living things is increasingly being impacted and may cease to exist, is both distressing and alarming.
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There are many.
My Brother and I were hypnotized by a movie called Escape to Witch Mountain as children. I loved the wonder of outer space and special powers being used for good.
I love Under a Tuscan Sun because it is a story about hope, healing and joy, but the surprise of how this can occur. It shows that sharing love and care brings joy not just to ourselves, but to those around us.
I have read several of Paulo Coelho's books and loved the Alchemist as it shows that what we seek is where we started. I also loved Veronica Decides to Die. It was the first book that I read about mental health and I loved its tender understanding and honoring of Veronica and her feelings.