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 therapy, when enough safety is cultivated in the therapeutic container, 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 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 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