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.

Portrait of Sarah Petrou, counsellor

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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