Bio
Welcome to your counselling journey! I’m Sara Martin, and I’m excited to guide you as you embark on this transformative path.
Before stepping into the world of counselling, I spent two decades in business and marketing, working across various industries in both corporate and consulting roles. I found myself counselling people unofficially in whatever role I was in and drawn to a deeper calling. I also ran Christian connect groups and found I was able to facilitate in a way where members ‘unmasked’ and talked about deeper emotional concerns through a spiritual lens.
Based on these experiences I felt called to counselling and to CHC. I completed my Master of Counselling in 2016 and remain deeply connected to CHC both as a past graduate and now as your lecturer.
I run a private practice as an integrative counsellor, working from a bio-social-psycho-spiritual framework. I support individuals, couples, and families (18+) with self-esteem, identity, life transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationships, and career concerns.
My approach is tailored to each client, drawing from person-centred therapy, CBT (with mindfulness), family systems, strengths-based techniques, and mentoring. I work in a trauma-informed way, prioritising pacing, grounding, and somatic awareness to avoid re-traumatisation. Additionally, I have specialised training in sex-informed therapy, particularly valuable for couples and clients with sexual trauma.
With a strong personal interest in psycho-nutrition, sleep, exercise, mindfulness, and rest, I take a holistic view of mental well-being.
I aim to create an engaging and reflective learning environment where you can explore and develop who you are as a counsellor. I am passionate about helping you discover your unique therapeutic style, develop confidence in your skills, and forge your own path in this incredibly rewarding field. I believe in fostering a space where we can learn from each other, challenge perspectives, and integrate both the art and science of counselling.
I look forward to walking alongside you in this journey of learning, self-discovery, and professional growth!
If you want to know more about me and also access articles and resources, go to my website at www.lifesensecounselling.com.au
Personal Interests
Entertaining, Connect Group Leadership, Cooking , Health & Wellbeing
Availability: Wednesday, Thursday and fortnightly Fridays
Qualifications
Master of Counselling CHC, 2018, Dean’s Commendation
Graduate Diploma of Business (with Distinction) QUT, 2003
Associate Diploma of Business (Marketing), TAFE QLD, 1994
Research Interests
Psychonutrition and the role of epigenetics in mental health
Menopause and mental health
Integrating all aspects of health and personhood to provide a whole of person treatment approach
Professional Experience
2018 – Present – Clinical Counsellor, Life Sense Counselling (Practice Owner)
1994-2016 – Marketing Manager/ Contractor/ Consultant – employed in various Queensland Government and SME private sector companies; consulting and contracting through my own consulting firm, Winning Partners. Sectors included Hospitality; Education; Building Construction and Maintenance; Asset Management; and Commercial Vehicle Fitout.
Other
Articles and Blogs www.lifesensecounselling.com.au
Psychotherapy & Counselling Association of Australia (PACFA) Reg. Clinical 25312 -July 2018-current
Christian Counsellors Association of Australia (CCAA) Clinical – Aug 2018-current