temenos studio
The term ‘temenos’ originates from ancient Greek, where it described a piece of land marked off as a sanctuary or holy precinct, often dedicated to a deity. Carl Jung, inspired by the concept, expanded it to signify a kind of sacred psychological 'container' that provides a secure environment to explore the depth of the unconscious, access wisdom/insight and facilitate individuation.
Similarly in Gestalt methodology, when enough safety is cultivated in the container of the therapeutic dyad or group, participants can experiment with different ways of being which challenge their familiar ways of self-organising in relation to their environment. In Gestalt this is referred to as the ‘safe emergency’, where authenticity and wholeness can be unearthed and new aspects of self ‘tried on’.
Temenos Studio is an emerging, experimental practice that brings the alchemical spirit of temenos—a sacred, transformative space—into the wider field, exploring the interrelatedness of systemic change and personal transformation through education, facilitation, research and creative praxis.
About Sarah
I’m a trainee Gestalt therapist based in Naarm/Melbourne. My passions and interests include power, mattering, aesthetics, research, education, ethics and spirituality.
Coming from a design and arts background, I started a self-lead ceramics practice during lockdown, creating one-of-a-kind vessels. This practice grounded my understanding of Gestalt therapy contacting in an other-than-human way. Hence, studio as an expansive and multi-disciplinary approach to how Gestalt methodology can be applied. I approach my work with the intentionality of more of an artist or designer, than an expert.
Described by one of my mentors as an ‘astral organiser’, I am not afraid to include my intuitive gifts as a cornerstone of my work; it enables a richness of data to emerge and supports me (and you) to equalise what is seen as well as what is unseen in any given situation.
I am inspired by otherworlds explicated by people such as Ursula K Le Guin, Italo Calvino, Luigi Serafini, Donna Harraway and others. Equally, the strangeness, wonder and wisdom that lives through ancestral realities passed down to all of us through body, mind, dreams, culture and land. My sensibilities are at once animist, futurist and timeless, which is reflected in the hyper-immediate style of my work with individuals and groups.
I am a queer, cisgender woman and a second generation Italian-Australian living on stolen land. My positionality informs the lens from which I work, and I endeavour to bring an ethical, humanistic sensitivity to power and privilege in the spaces I move in and the people I work with.
Lucas
"I worked with Sarah in 2023. One thing that really stood out about working with Sarah is not only is she nurturing and relational, but her honest direct approach gave me so much data about how I am in the world, heightening my awareness about some enduring themes in my life. I highly recommend Sarah if you want to lean into your growing edges and experience change through being closer with your self."
Amy
"Sarah was a wonderful counsellor who really helped me in a time of significant difficulty. She listened with care and used so many helpful techniques that gave me insight into what was going on for me. It felt like she was by my side the whole time as a caring and insightful ally. She also brought lightness and play to the sessions (as appropriate), finding ways to tackle difficult issues in a way that was different to other talk therapies I've experienced. I left my time with her armed with new approaches, new insight and greater capacity to face what was ahead of me."
FAQs-
Although I have previous counselling training and education, I am currently a Gestalt therapist in training, meaning I am unable to formally practice as a psychotherapist and it would be outside of professional and ethical bounds to attempt to do so. For that reason, I take what I have learnt through my education, training, research and life experiences, and apply it to a coaching or consultative stance, depending on the nature of the work I am doing. The intention of this work is different from therapy. To better understand these differences, see the FAQ below.
If you have found my website after seeing this post about discounted therapy sessions, these sessions are part of my training and held under specific conditions. For more information, please see here or contact me directly.
-
Coaching is goal-oriented and forward-focused. Usually, the ‘coachee’ has a specific role or intention in which they wish to develop in, such as being a better leader for their team or developing their communication skills. Coaching helps you clarify your vision and develop strategies to realise it. Inquiry, accountability and support are involved in coaching processes.
Consulting focuses on problem-solving and providing expertise. It may involve facilitating change and providing insight where those on the ‘inside’ of a situation may not be able to access in their current scope of awareness. Consultants can be recruited to help individuals, teams, or organisations identify challenges, improve processes, and implement changes elegantly, ethically and holistically, or otherwise in line with the goals and needs of the individual/organisation during times of change.
Counselling is the provision of counsel. Counsellors offer a supportive and non-judgemental space, often short-term, to focus on specific personal challenges like stress, relationships, or life decisions. Counselling supports you in gaining clarity and tools to manage life’s difficulties. While counselling can be therapeutic, it generally doesn’t always delve deeply into past experiences, long-term patterns or sociological/other complex factors. This will depend on the counsellor, their education and ethos.
Therapy is an in-depth process which aims to address emotional, psychological, or relational patterns and wounding. It provides a secure space to heal from traumatic experiences, cultivate internal resources and create meaningful change over time, and is is ideal for those seeking deeper transformation and continuing care. Psychotherapists are accredited professionals who are required to work within specific ethical guidelines, with evidence informed methodologies to fulfil their duty of care.
-
I am currently living and working in Melbourne/Naarm. Unless I am working on the ground with your organisation, or by special request, all of my sessions are currently hosted via video conference. See below to book a discovery call best suited to your time zone.
-
If you’re still unsure about working together, you can always book a 15 minute call to see if I am a right fit for you. I encourage you to ask any and all questions, and I will answer them authentically and to the best of my capacity.