Who I Am
Sarah Petrou
Social Worker & Psychological Counsellor
Sarah is an international counsellor who works with immigrants, international students and young professionals navigating identity shifts, anxiety, perfectionism, relationship challenges, stress and burnout. Many of her clients are balancing multiple cultural worlds, high expectations and significant life transitions while trying to find a stronger sense of belonging, purpose and self.
Her practice sits at the intersection of culture, migration, identity and mental wellbeing. Together, you will explore the patterns, beliefs and stories that may no longer be serving you, creating space for greater clarity, self-understanding and meaningful change. She aims to offer a therapeutic space that is thoughtful, collaborative and compassionate, where you can feel understood while being gently supported to move towards the life you want to create.
Sarah completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science and a Master of Social Work in Australia. Over the past ten years, she has worked across tertiary mental health services, universities, schools and private practice, supporting people through a wide range of psychological and emotional challenges. Alongside counselling, she facilitates mental health and wellbeing workshops in partnership with international schools and universities.

How I Do It
Client-centred, non-judgemental & anti-oppressive.
Approach
Your story
My approach is client-centred, meaning I always strive to give you the space to write your own story and to feel empowered in it.
Method
Blended frameworks
I draw on a range of therapies and frameworks depending on your needs and preference, rather than fitting you to a single model. I commonly use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Strengths based approaches.
Stance
Curious & challenging
I am a firm believer in curious exploration — but also that counselling cannot work without healthy challenging. Expect both.
Disclaimer: online counselling does not replace in-person, specialised psychotherapy. If you are experiencing severe mental illness, an acute crisis, or require a specialised intervention, please contact emergency support or a local psychotherapist.
Education
- Masters Social WorkUniversity of South Australia, 2015
- BA Psychological ScienceThe University of Adelaide
Experience
- 2024 — Current
- CBT Course Facilitator, International School Counsellor Association
- 2023 — Current
- Counsellor, Rise Scholarship Winners, Rhodes House, University of Oxford
- 2022 — Current
- Freelance Counsellor, Bard College, Berlin
- 2022 — Current
- Freelance Counsellor, Linden Global Learning Services, Berlin
- 2022 — 2025
- Freelance Counsellor, ESMT University, Berlin
- 2021
- Mental Health Clinician, Queens College, University of Melbourne
- 2019
- Mental Health Clinician, Headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation
- 2018
- Family Mental Health Clinician, Breakthrough, Melbourne
- 2017
- Paediatric Mental Health Training Unit, Adelaide
- 2015
- Family & Relationship Counsellor, United Communities, Adelaide
- 2014
- Social Worker, Golden Grove Primary School, Adelaide
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