temenos studio

The term ‘temenos’ originates from ancient Greek, where it described a piece of land marked off as a sanctuary or holy precinct, often dedicated to a deity. Carl Jung, inspired by the concept, expanded it to signify a kind of sacred psychological 'container' that provides a secure environment to explore the depth of the unconscious, access wisdom/insight and facilitate individuation.

Similarly in Gestalt methodology, when enough safety is cultivated in the container of the therapeutic dyad or group, participants can experiment with different ways of being which challenge their familiar ways of self-organising in relation to their environment. In Gestalt this is referred to as the ‘safe emergency’, where authenticity and wholeness can be unearthed and new aspects of self ‘tried on’.

Temenos Studio is an emerging, experimental practice that brings the alchemical spirit of temenos—a sacred, transformative space—into the wider field, exploring the interrelatedness of systemic change and personal transformation through education, facilitation, research and creative praxis.

About Sarah

I’m a trainee Gestalt therapist based in Naarm/Melbourne. My passions and interests include power, mattering, aesthetics, education, ethics and spirituality.

My approach is relationally focused, meaning that I aim to support you in places which have felt difficult or impossible to witness and hold on your own - now or in earlier parts of life. My approach is also collaborative, experiential and co-creative. I will support you to stay present to what is, using your bodily wisdom as a guide, and gently challenging you where it feels called to.

I approach my work with you as more of an artist or designer than an expert. Only you know the depth, texture and truth of your experience. I am your co-investigator along the way. Our work together will give you the space to cultivate an awareness of enduring patterns in your life, fostering self-compassion, self-responsibility, and a greater capacity for agency and connection.

I am a queer, cisgender woman and a second generation Italian-Australian living on stolen land. My positionality informs the lens from which I work, and I endeavour to bring an ethical, humanistic sensitivity to power and privilege in the spaces I move in and the people I work with.

Lucas

"I worked with Sarah in 2023. One thing that really stood out about working with Sarah is not only is she nurturing and relational, but her honest direct approach gave me so much data about how I am in the world, heightening my awareness about some enduring themes in my life. I highly recommend Sarah if you want to lean into your growing edges and experience change through being closer with your self."

Amy

"Sarah was a wonderful counsellor who really helped me in a time of significant difficulty. She listened with care and used so many helpful techniques that gave me insight into what was going on for me. It felt like she was by my side the whole time as a caring and insightful ally. She also brought lightness and play to the sessions (as appropriate), finding ways to tackle difficult issues in a way that was different to other talk therapies I've experienced. I left my time with her armed with new approaches, new insight and greater capacity to face what was ahead of me."

 FAQs

  • I am currently a therapist in training, meaning I am unable to formally practice as a psychotherapist.

    If you have found my website after seeing something about discounted therapy sessions, these sessions are part of my training and held under specific conditions. For more information, please see here or contact me directly.

  • Coaching is goal-oriented and forward-focused. Usually, the ‘coachee’ has a specific role or intention in which they wish to develop in, such as being a better leader for their team or developing their communication skills. Coaching helps you clarify your vision and develop strategies to realise it. Inquiry, accountability and support are involved in coaching processes.

    Consulting focuses on problem-solving and providing expertise. It may involve facilitating change and providing insight where those on the ‘inside’ of a situation may not be able to access in their current scope of awareness. Consultants can be recruited to help individuals, teams, or organisations identify challenges, improve processes, and implement changes elegantly, ethically and holistically, or otherwise in line with the goals and needs of the individual/organisation during times of change.

    Counselling is the provision of counsel. Counsellors offer a supportive and non-judgemental space, often short-term, to focus on specific personal challenges like stress, relationships, or life decisions. Counselling supports you in gaining clarity and tools to manage life’s difficulties. While counselling can be therapeutic, it generally doesn’t always delve deeply into past experiences, long-term patterns or sociological/other complex factors. This will depend on the counsellor, their education and ethos.

    Therapy is an in-depth process which aims to address emotional, psychological, or relational patterns and wounding. It provides a secure space to heal from traumatic experiences, cultivate internal resources and create meaningful change over time, and is is ideal for those seeking deeper transformation and continuing care. Psychotherapists are accredited professionals who are required to work within specific ethical guidelines, with evidence informed methodologies to fulfil their duty of care.

  • I am currently living and working in Melbourne/Naarm, with a consulting room located in Brunswick East. I am also available for meetings or sessions via video conference, for those who are in other parts of the world or country.

    Please be in touch via email or the contact form if you’d like to work together.

  • If you’re still unsure about working together, you can always book a 15 minute call to see if I am a right fit for you. I encourage you to ask any and all questions, and I will answer them authentically and to the best of my capacity.