Sarah O'Sullivan, AASW

Sarah O'Sullivan began her career as a lived experience worker within Qld Health more than 15 years ago, and that early work shaped a practice grounded in firsthand understanding of the challenges people face when navigating mental health systems. Her own lived experience with chronic ill mental health informs how she engages with clients, bringing empathy and a practical awareness of the barriers to accessing appropriate supports. She believes that similar experiences affect individuals in different ways, and that each person needs a tailored pathway toward wellbeing.

Sarah has worked across government and non-government agencies, gaining experience with the complexities that often arise in service systems. To address these needs she now offers advocacy support in addition to therapeutic work. Her professional services include complex report writing for court or NDIS processes, domestic violence perpetrator mapping informed by the Safe and Together model to support family court matters, and functional capacity assessments using the Allen's model of cognitive function.

Her clinical interests include parenting and parental capacity building, chronic and complex mental health, addictions, relapse prevention planning, and recovery coaching. Sarah also supports people experiencing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, and a range of related family and attachment issues. She holds the AASW credential - membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers - which reflects her professional affiliation and social work background.

Approaches to care and how online therapy works

Sarah O'Sullivan draws on several evidence-informed approaches to tailor care to each client. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationships shape current emotional patterns and interpersonal difficulties, and it can be helpful for parenting concerns, relationship strain, and issues linked to abandonment or attachment wounds. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a supportive, nonjudgmental stance where the therapist follows the client's priorities, helping people explore goals, build resilience, and make changes at their own pace. Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-focused awareness and practical skills to manage stress, anxiety, and symptoms that interfere with daily functioning.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Sarah works collaboratively with clients to identify which methods fit their needs, goals, and personal preferences, and she adapts techniques as progress unfolds. That collaborative stance helps ensure therapy stays relevant and responsive.

Online therapy formats - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - offer flexibility for busy schedules and for people who prefer remote access. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, attend sessions from different locations, and choose the communication style that best supports engagement and progress.