- Sigmund Freud
Mrs Sarah McArthur
Counsellor
WholeLife Counselling
Carnegie, Melbourne VIC 3163
Online Therapy Australia-wide
Philosophy & Vision
At WholeLife Counselling, I focus on adolescent mental health, providing a safe and supportive environment where young people can explore their feelings and challenges. By offering a blend of therapeutic techniques, I can help adolescents manage mental health concerns and develop coping strategies for stress, anxiety, low confidence, and other issues they may face. Specific areas include:
Stress
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma
LGBTIQA+ support
Confidence Counselling
Background
My working life has been shaped by the intersection of healthcare, education, and mental health support. The combination of working in public hospitals, contributing to medical education, and serving as a Mental Health First Aid officer has allowed me to have a significant impact at various levels. In public hospitals, I have been directly improving patient care, while in the education sector, preparing the next generation of healthcare providers with critical skills. As an MHFA officer, I have fostered a culture of mental wellness, providing both immediate support and long-term strategies for mental health care within my professional community.
Services
As an online counsellor, the services I provide can be incredibly flexible and tailored to the unique needs of each client. With the ability to connect virtually, I am able to support individuals from different geographical locations, offering a convenient and accessible way for people to receive counselling.
Quality Provision
The service quality provision of my online counselling business would focus on ensuring that clients receive professional, effective, and compassionate support in a secure and accessible environment.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Certificate in Counselling - 2019 - Health Academy Australia
- Diploma in Counselling - 2024 - Australian College of Community Services and Care
- Certificate in Business - 2017 - Swinburne University of Technology
- Mental Health First Aid - 2023 - St John Training
Modalities
Emotional Release - Focusing - Freudian - Gestalt - Interpersonal - Journal Therapy - Person Centred - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
In my approach to counselling, I prioritise creating a safe, empathetic space where you feel heard, understood, and supported. My approach to counselling is rooted in a deep commitment to your well-being. By listening attentively, advocating for your needs, providing expert advice, and offering referrals when necessary, I aim to create a safe, supportive, and collaborative space where you feel empowered to work through your challenges and move forward with confidence.
Professional Associations
- Australian Counselling Association
Appointments
I am available on Saturdays, Mondays and Fridays from 8am-8pm Melb time. I also have availabilities on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
Fees & Insurance
A 50 minute online Counselling session will cost $100 (at the time of the appointment). A 24 hour period is asked if an appointment is cancelled.
Payment Options
Pay ID or direct debit.
Contact Sarah
Please contact me to make an appointment
A conversation with Sarah McArthur
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I chose counselling as a profession as a result of a deep desire to help others navigate their emotional or mental challenges. I have had a desire since a young girl to want to give back by helping others. I also love understanding the complexities of human behaviour and fostering growth in others.
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There are a number of philosophical approaches that have had a significant influence on me. I draw from a mix of philosophical ideas and psychological theories as they shape my approach. Some include:
Humanism (Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow): Humanistic philosophy of the potential of people to grow and self-actualise.
Existentialism (Victor Frankl, Rollo May): Explores themes like freedom.
Cognitive-Behavioral Philosophy (CBT): Based on the idea that our thoughts influence our emotions and behaviour. -
I am drawn to specific aspects of the human journey depending on your interests, background, and training. The beauty of the counselling profession is that it allows for deep exploration into various dimensions of human health and growth.
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Conversational therapy, to support clients in their personal growth and healing, sometimes referred to as talk therapy, is a broad term that encompasses many different approaches. Here are a few methods that I use:
Person-Centered Therapy (PCT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Mindfulness-Based Therapy -
Progress doesn’t always happen in a straight line, and some sessions might feel more challenging or uncertain. However, as long as there’s an overall sense of movement—whether emotional, cognitive, or behavioral—clients can typically start to feel like change is happening.
It’s also important for clients to be involved in the process of defining their own progress. -
Many people find that therapy helps them better understand themselves, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and improve their relationships. For individuals, therapy can be a life-changing experience, offering a safe space to explore difficult emotions, gain perspective, and work through challenges. Adolescents have constant changing hormones to deal with, so therapy can alleviate any external battles.
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I am motivated and deeply inspired by the chance to make a positive difference in someone’s life. Being able to support a person in working through their struggles and finding healing can be incredibly rewarding.
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Absolutely. Being a Counsellor doesn't mean that I don't experience what every person does. These can be rough days, especially when you just can’t get it to do what you want. It's funny how something like hair can feel like such a big deal on certain days, even if it’s not the most important thing overall. I always say to myself...'tomorrow will be a better day'.
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The world is facing a growing mental health crisis, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic, economic pressures, and societal stresses. Mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and burnout are on the rise, and there is a need for greater access to mental health care, as well as reducing the stigma around seeking help. This is one of the pivotal reasons which lead me to counselling.
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Book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Film: The Tattooist of Auschwitz
Song: I miss you by Adele
Event: Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
Art: The Mona Lisa. Such a tiny piece of art which may or may not reflect the true emotions of a woman.