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Meet Sandy – Psychotherapist Sydney

Sandy, a Sydney Based Psychotherapist

I am a trauma-focused psychotherapist whose work is shaped by decades of frontline service, advanced clinical training, lived experience and long-standing contemplative practice.

My approach integrates evidence-based therapeutic modalities with relational depth and a grounded understanding of how trauma impacts the body, mind and spirit. I work slowly, carefully and respectfully — with close attention to safety and nervous system regulation.

Academic Foundation

My academic training spans health science, education and psychotherapy, providing a broad clinical framework for my work:

  • Bachelor of Health Science (Human Movement)
  • Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary)
  • Advanced Diploma of Paramedicine
  • Master of Counselling and Applied Psychotherapy

This background underpins my understanding of physiology, psychology, trauma-informed care and human development.

Professional & Clinical Experience

For more than 25 years, I worked operationally as a frontline paramedic across metropolitan, rural and remote environments. I have also participated in international disaster relief deployments, supporting individuals and communities in acute crisis.

My psychotherapy training includes:

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) – Level 2
  • Janina Fisher’s TIST – Level 1
  • Somatic trauma work informed by Peter Levine’s nervous system model

Alongside private practice, I have facilitated therapeutic and contemplative retreats in Australia and internationally, and led meditation groups for over 15 years.

Spiritual practice and energetic healing have also been part of my personal and professional life for many years. Where appropriate, these elements are integrated ethically and carefully within a trauma-informed framework.

I also bring 22 years of lived experience in addiction recovery, offering a grounded understanding of compulsive cycles, shame and long-term change.

“Sandy combines clinical skill with genuine empathy. Her depth of understanding in trauma and IFS has made a real difference in my healing journey. I’m deeply grateful.”

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— Alexa, Manly NSW

Personal Context

My work is informed not only by formal training, but by the realities of lived life.

  • I am a mother of two daughters.
  • I have navigated postnatal complexity and recovery.
  • I am married (happily) and deeply value long-term partnership.
  • I continue to engage in personal depth psychotherapy, regular supervision and peer consultation.
  • Nature is central to my life — the landscape of the Blue Mountains keeps me grounded and embodied. I am an avid mountain bike rider and occasional ice bath enthusiast.

I remain committed to learning, refining and evolving my craft.

What This Means in the Therapy Room

Everything I have studied and lived shapes how I sit with people:

  • A strong trauma lens
  • Deep respect for the nervous system
  • Careful pacing and attention to safety
  • Relational honesty
  • Capacity to hold intensity without overwhelm
  • Integration of mind, body and meaning

My intention is simple: to meet each person with steadiness and genuine care, and to support them in reconnecting with the parts of themselves that have been silenced, wounded or forgotten.

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