Mental wellbeing training
I facilitate group learning though engaging workshops and talks on wellbeing and mental health. I have over 15 years of experience working in the education field and bring a warm and professional attitude to my classes.
Talking about mental health can be scary, so bringing confidentiality, lightness and humour to workshops is key.
I always engage my participants in activities and thrive in supporting groups break down mental health stigma in their organisations. I have experience training small groups as well as 250+ participants both in person, online and in hybrid format.
No matter how much or little you have done around the topic of mental health and wellbeing, it's never to late to start the conversation and gain the tools that will help you thrive in you work, life and relationships.
Talking about mental health can be scary, so bringing confidentiality, lightness and humour to workshops is key.
I always engage my participants in activities and thrive in supporting groups break down mental health stigma in their organisations. I have experience training small groups as well as 250+ participants both in person, online and in hybrid format.
No matter how much or little you have done around the topic of mental health and wellbeing, it's never to late to start the conversation and gain the tools that will help you thrive in you work, life and relationships.
Creativity for wellbeing and insight
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I use a blended approach of creative therapy and transformational life coaching in facilitating you ask the right questions and find your answers. My style is based on authenticity, creativity and presence.
Sessions are a client-led process, which means I adapt to your needs in order to enable you to flourish in your own unique way. While creativity is always present as an invitation for clients to explore, it is never a requirement of the therapeutic process. No prior creative skills are required to engage in creative therapy. Sessions are intended to offer you a non-judgmental and safe space to reflect, gain new perspectives and find the answers you're looking for. |
Connecting dots
As a Health and Care Professions Council professional I specialise in working with youth and adults on fulfilling their potential and understanding the causes linked to anxiety and difficult emotions. I also support professional teams learn about mental health, build strong coping skills and enhance their performance and group dynamics.
I have several years of experience working withing the educational and academic sector. As part of Mind, UK's leading mental health charity, I helped pioneer a whole school approach to mental health for students, staff, teachers and parents to benefit from. I worked as a mentor and life coach at the University of London supporting students develop time management skills, stronger resilience and communication skills as well as a deeper understanding of themselves and their behavioural patterns.
As Chief Therapist at InsideOut, a tech start up offering online therapy and coaching, I delivered training and led a team of 40+ psychotherapists and life coaches in supporting employees in the international corporate sector manage their mental health challenges.
I organise wellbeing retreats using mindfulness, coaching and creativity to enhance one's focus, build confidence and consolidate one's vision.
I have several years of experience working withing the educational and academic sector. As part of Mind, UK's leading mental health charity, I helped pioneer a whole school approach to mental health for students, staff, teachers and parents to benefit from. I worked as a mentor and life coach at the University of London supporting students develop time management skills, stronger resilience and communication skills as well as a deeper understanding of themselves and their behavioural patterns.
As Chief Therapist at InsideOut, a tech start up offering online therapy and coaching, I delivered training and led a team of 40+ psychotherapists and life coaches in supporting employees in the international corporate sector manage their mental health challenges.
I organise wellbeing retreats using mindfulness, coaching and creativity to enhance one's focus, build confidence and consolidate one's vision.
Connecting Circles
During the Covid19 pandemic, many of us faced unprecedented changes and uncertainty. Anxiety levels hit new highs and taking care of our mental health became a priority.
To fight isolation and create a sense of connection and resilience, I offered free online Connecting Circles, as a safe space to come together and share our experience, thoughts and feelings.
What is a connecting circle?
Circles have been a way to connect and share in a sacred and confidential space for centuries. From primitive societies gathering around a fire in caves, to today's virtual circles happening on line all around the world, such as the LeanIn Circles, circles have evolved but have always maintained their key role of connecting people in a meaningful way.
Circles are a place to share authentically what is alive in us in the present moment and support one another through deep listening.
My initial experience participating in circles was in Plum Village, the mindfulness Buddhist community lead by Thich Nhat Hanh. Sharing in circles was a crucial part of my therapeutic training at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and a special place to gather with other women, as part of the Red Tent movement.
Connecting Circles are a place of authenticity, confidentiality and deep listening towards yourself and others. During the Connecting Circle we practice emotional honesty and no judgment, in order to support each other and foster insight.
Each circle has a theme we explore together as a group of a maximum of 10 people. Circles are led in English or Italian on Zoom and, while some circles are kept open to anyone, others are closed (available only to regular participants).
How can a Connecting Circle benefit my wellbeing?
While Connecting Circles are not to be confused with group therapy, they can bring profound benefit to your mental health and wellbeing. Joining a Connecting Circle can help you:
Testimonials
Connecting Circles is great for times of isolation but also helpful as a space to check-in with yourself and realize you are not alone. Sarah creates a virtual space that allows genuine relationships to form by encouraging us to express our thoughts without judgment. Looking at how we and others see the world without fear of criticism encourages us to sit with what is, to acknowledge who we are in that moment. I have left each session with more acceptance and understanding of myself and others. I would recommend everyone to sign up for at least one of the Circles.
Rachel V. PhD Researcher - U.S.
I’d met Sarah at an Animas do, I was a novice to coaching then and immediately connecting with her gave me a sense of peace and calm. Hence, when she suggested we gather as a group to help and support each other during these times I immediately agreed. Being part of the circle was fantastic! We discussed in depth what resilience meant to each one us. It was a fun, non-judgemental and informative space where we could be us. Sarah held the space beautifully and I also got to meet few amazing and strong ladies and learnt a lot during that hour and half. I would recommend everyone to be part of at least one circle to experience this! Looking forward to attending more of them!
Ritu G. Life Coach - India
Sarah is a very supportive coach. Her circles create spaces where people can speak their fears and find and double their strengths. And all without judgement. Am glad I stumbled upon this (pun intended!). Thank you Sarah and circle-kin.
Simran K. Graduate teaching assistant - India
Sarah’s circles are real treat for the soul.
I really enjoyed meeting people from all around the world and sharing experience.
Sarah provides a unique and safe space for homes sharing.
The circle’s safe and magical atmosphere helped me to talk about my Father’s death for the first time in a group setting.
The circle taught me the power and strengthens of silence. Sometimes it is more powerful than many words.
As we were encouraged to draw or to express our feelings in pictures - it really inspired me to start drawing and painting again after my first circle.
I am always looking forward to the next circle and getting to know super interesting and honest people from all over the world.
Aliz T. Brand strategic planner - Hungary
I joined my first connecting circle with Sarah recently, and although I had little idea of what to expect, I was met with an experience that I can only describe positively. While exploring the idea of resilience through simple, open-ended questions, there was space for each individual to share and connect, despite the majority of us being complete strangers. This was due in no small part to Sarah’s warm and engaging presence, even through a screen, that allowed her to create a safe and powerful environment for participants. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and look forward to joining another circle in the very near future.
Laura F. Teacher - Ireland
In questo periodo di isolamento, grazie al cerchio mi è sembrato di essere invitata in ogni casa di quanti vi hanno partecipato. All'inizio temevo che, per mia poca convinzione, avrei abbandonato il gruppo, invece poi, già dai primi incontri mi sono trovata a mio agio: con persone aperte al confronto e all'ascolto, capaci di non giudicare l'altro. Credo che Sarah sia riuscita a creare, tra di noi, una rete sociale fatta di incontri di riflessioni, pensieri ed emozioni. È emerso più volte, infatti, l'idea della condivisione dove, si potrebbe aggiungere, attraverso l'aiuto professionale di Sarah, ci si è sentiti liberi di esprimere anche quella parte di noi che ci sembrava emarginata, rendendoci conto che apparteneva invece a tutti. Ammiro molto questo progetto perché Sarah, ha messo a disposizione il suo tempo e il suo sapere, gratuitamente, per non lasciare le persone sole e isolate, accogliendoci anche se virtualmente, nello studio di casa sua.
Roberta G, Studentessa - Italia
Libertà è partecipazione diceva una canzone. Per me partecipare a un cerchio di connessione è sentirmi libera di esprimermi senza giudizio, né mio né di coloro che partecipano. É un luogo sicuro in cui poter condividere argomenti, sensazioni, sorrisi, sguardi in maniera rispettosa, è un'opportunità di confronto e di ascolto dove si porta metaforicamente qualcosa e si porta via molto. È fonte di ispirazione e di vedere oltre i propri orizzonti, è capacità di tornare a sé stessi e contemporaneamente di scoprire qualcosa di nuovo di sè, è condivisione sincera, aperta ed empatica di un'umanità che attendo piacevolmente tutte le settimane e mi motiva nella ricerca di prendermi cura di me.
Valentina M, Insegnante yoga - Italia
Ti ringrazio per il Cerchio di Connessione, parliamo tutti con sentimento e sincerità. L'aria serena e di non giudizio che si respira nel Cerchio mi fa sentire a mio agio e, dalla condivisione impegnata e sincera, mi sembra che sia una sensazione di tutti noi. Siamo tutti seri e convinti nel volerci mettere in gioco e, per quel che mi riguarda, questo mi aiuta a sentirmi meglio durante e dopo!
Se e quando ci ripenso, avendone il tempo, mi rendo conto di come le sincere esperienze degli altri siano utili per rivalutare e approfondire le mie!!!
Lella M, Fisioterapista - Italia
Nel suo piccolo è stato un aiuto indescrivibile.
Alice S, Travel blogger - Italia
Non puoi capire il potere del cerchio finché non ti trovi lì, connessa insieme ad altri 8-10 estranei con storie e vissuti molto diversi dai tuoi. All’inizio provi un po’ di disagio, ti domandi “Cosa ci faccio qui? Che sensazione strana. Non so se ce la faccio. Di cosa parlo con queste persone?”. Ma poi il cerchio ti accoglie, accoglie la tua persona per quella che è, ascolta le tue parole, i tuoi pensieri, a volte confusionari, a volte il discorso è completo solo nella tua testa e altre volte le parole fluiscono così magicamente che non ti sembra neanche possibile. Il cerchio mi ha permesso di misurarmi con i miei pensieri, di elaborarli e di trasferirli, di condividere cose molto personali con persone disposte ad ascoltarle.
Giovanna M, Consulente HR - Italia
To fight isolation and create a sense of connection and resilience, I offered free online Connecting Circles, as a safe space to come together and share our experience, thoughts and feelings.
What is a connecting circle?
Circles have been a way to connect and share in a sacred and confidential space for centuries. From primitive societies gathering around a fire in caves, to today's virtual circles happening on line all around the world, such as the LeanIn Circles, circles have evolved but have always maintained their key role of connecting people in a meaningful way.
Circles are a place to share authentically what is alive in us in the present moment and support one another through deep listening.
My initial experience participating in circles was in Plum Village, the mindfulness Buddhist community lead by Thich Nhat Hanh. Sharing in circles was a crucial part of my therapeutic training at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and a special place to gather with other women, as part of the Red Tent movement.
Connecting Circles are a place of authenticity, confidentiality and deep listening towards yourself and others. During the Connecting Circle we practice emotional honesty and no judgment, in order to support each other and foster insight.
Each circle has a theme we explore together as a group of a maximum of 10 people. Circles are led in English or Italian on Zoom and, while some circles are kept open to anyone, others are closed (available only to regular participants).
How can a Connecting Circle benefit my wellbeing?
While Connecting Circles are not to be confused with group therapy, they can bring profound benefit to your mental health and wellbeing. Joining a Connecting Circle can help you:
- take time for yourself
- develop resilience
- express your feelings, thoughts and emotions in a safe and confidential space
- suspend judgment towards yourself and others
- practice emotional honesty
- grow solidarity
- share your authentic Self
- build trust
- offer deep listening to yourself and others
- foster your insight
- enrich your empathy
- feel connected to other people's experience
- contrast loneliness and isolation
- build a sense of community
- peer support
- find new perspectives and meaning to life
Testimonials
Connecting Circles is great for times of isolation but also helpful as a space to check-in with yourself and realize you are not alone. Sarah creates a virtual space that allows genuine relationships to form by encouraging us to express our thoughts without judgment. Looking at how we and others see the world without fear of criticism encourages us to sit with what is, to acknowledge who we are in that moment. I have left each session with more acceptance and understanding of myself and others. I would recommend everyone to sign up for at least one of the Circles.
Rachel V. PhD Researcher - U.S.
I’d met Sarah at an Animas do, I was a novice to coaching then and immediately connecting with her gave me a sense of peace and calm. Hence, when she suggested we gather as a group to help and support each other during these times I immediately agreed. Being part of the circle was fantastic! We discussed in depth what resilience meant to each one us. It was a fun, non-judgemental and informative space where we could be us. Sarah held the space beautifully and I also got to meet few amazing and strong ladies and learnt a lot during that hour and half. I would recommend everyone to be part of at least one circle to experience this! Looking forward to attending more of them!
Ritu G. Life Coach - India
Sarah is a very supportive coach. Her circles create spaces where people can speak their fears and find and double their strengths. And all without judgement. Am glad I stumbled upon this (pun intended!). Thank you Sarah and circle-kin.
Simran K. Graduate teaching assistant - India
Sarah’s circles are real treat for the soul.
I really enjoyed meeting people from all around the world and sharing experience.
Sarah provides a unique and safe space for homes sharing.
The circle’s safe and magical atmosphere helped me to talk about my Father’s death for the first time in a group setting.
The circle taught me the power and strengthens of silence. Sometimes it is more powerful than many words.
As we were encouraged to draw or to express our feelings in pictures - it really inspired me to start drawing and painting again after my first circle.
I am always looking forward to the next circle and getting to know super interesting and honest people from all over the world.
Aliz T. Brand strategic planner - Hungary
I joined my first connecting circle with Sarah recently, and although I had little idea of what to expect, I was met with an experience that I can only describe positively. While exploring the idea of resilience through simple, open-ended questions, there was space for each individual to share and connect, despite the majority of us being complete strangers. This was due in no small part to Sarah’s warm and engaging presence, even through a screen, that allowed her to create a safe and powerful environment for participants. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and look forward to joining another circle in the very near future.
Laura F. Teacher - Ireland
In questo periodo di isolamento, grazie al cerchio mi è sembrato di essere invitata in ogni casa di quanti vi hanno partecipato. All'inizio temevo che, per mia poca convinzione, avrei abbandonato il gruppo, invece poi, già dai primi incontri mi sono trovata a mio agio: con persone aperte al confronto e all'ascolto, capaci di non giudicare l'altro. Credo che Sarah sia riuscita a creare, tra di noi, una rete sociale fatta di incontri di riflessioni, pensieri ed emozioni. È emerso più volte, infatti, l'idea della condivisione dove, si potrebbe aggiungere, attraverso l'aiuto professionale di Sarah, ci si è sentiti liberi di esprimere anche quella parte di noi che ci sembrava emarginata, rendendoci conto che apparteneva invece a tutti. Ammiro molto questo progetto perché Sarah, ha messo a disposizione il suo tempo e il suo sapere, gratuitamente, per non lasciare le persone sole e isolate, accogliendoci anche se virtualmente, nello studio di casa sua.
Roberta G, Studentessa - Italia
Libertà è partecipazione diceva una canzone. Per me partecipare a un cerchio di connessione è sentirmi libera di esprimermi senza giudizio, né mio né di coloro che partecipano. É un luogo sicuro in cui poter condividere argomenti, sensazioni, sorrisi, sguardi in maniera rispettosa, è un'opportunità di confronto e di ascolto dove si porta metaforicamente qualcosa e si porta via molto. È fonte di ispirazione e di vedere oltre i propri orizzonti, è capacità di tornare a sé stessi e contemporaneamente di scoprire qualcosa di nuovo di sè, è condivisione sincera, aperta ed empatica di un'umanità che attendo piacevolmente tutte le settimane e mi motiva nella ricerca di prendermi cura di me.
Valentina M, Insegnante yoga - Italia
Ti ringrazio per il Cerchio di Connessione, parliamo tutti con sentimento e sincerità. L'aria serena e di non giudizio che si respira nel Cerchio mi fa sentire a mio agio e, dalla condivisione impegnata e sincera, mi sembra che sia una sensazione di tutti noi. Siamo tutti seri e convinti nel volerci mettere in gioco e, per quel che mi riguarda, questo mi aiuta a sentirmi meglio durante e dopo!
Se e quando ci ripenso, avendone il tempo, mi rendo conto di come le sincere esperienze degli altri siano utili per rivalutare e approfondire le mie!!!
Lella M, Fisioterapista - Italia
Nel suo piccolo è stato un aiuto indescrivibile.
Alice S, Travel blogger - Italia
Non puoi capire il potere del cerchio finché non ti trovi lì, connessa insieme ad altri 8-10 estranei con storie e vissuti molto diversi dai tuoi. All’inizio provi un po’ di disagio, ti domandi “Cosa ci faccio qui? Che sensazione strana. Non so se ce la faccio. Di cosa parlo con queste persone?”. Ma poi il cerchio ti accoglie, accoglie la tua persona per quella che è, ascolta le tue parole, i tuoi pensieri, a volte confusionari, a volte il discorso è completo solo nella tua testa e altre volte le parole fluiscono così magicamente che non ti sembra neanche possibile. Il cerchio mi ha permesso di misurarmi con i miei pensieri, di elaborarli e di trasferirli, di condividere cose molto personali con persone disposte ad ascoltarle.
Giovanna M, Consulente HR - Italia
Code of ethics
As an ICF ACC accredited life coach, I abide to the code of ethics and standards of excellence of the International Coaching Federation. As well as the HCPC standards of proficiency for arts therapist.
I engage in regular supervision and professional development to deepen my knowledge and offer the best and up to date support to my clients.
For more information about my qualification, please visit my About page.
I engage in regular supervision and professional development to deepen my knowledge and offer the best and up to date support to my clients.
For more information about my qualification, please visit my About page.
Contact me for
- Free consultation session
- Online therapy and coaching sessions
- Online and in person mental health awareness training and workshops
- Conference and research contributions
- Pod casts
- Webinars
- Virtual Connecting Circles
- Retreats
