I help adults and adolescents navigate
life’s challenges, guiding them toward
acceptance, connection, and joy.
Welcome! I’m Elise, and I’m here to support you on your journey.
Elise (Sakina)
PSYCHOTHERAPIST, EXPRESSIVE ART THERAPIST,
CERTIFIED PRACTISING COUNSELLOR
(PACFA 27521), INTERNATIONALLY CERTIFIED COACH.
About Me
Hi, I’m Elise—also known as Sakina.
I have always been fascinated by the depth and uniqueness of every individual. Since my adolescence, I’ve been drawn to exploring the human mind, particularly unusual or rare states of consciousness, often called psychosis or mental illness. This curiosity led me to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and, eventually, a fulfilling career as a therapist.
My life journey has been one of exploration and growth. I spent many years living in India and Asia, immersing myself in Eastern culture, spirituality, and meditation. These experiences profoundly shaped who I am and how I approach my work. Through my travels, I gained a deeper understanding of the human condition, which continues to inspire and drive my passion for therapy.
I understand life’s highs and lows intimately, having navigated my own roller coaster of exhilarating peaks and challenging valleys. Through my inner work, I’ve experienced firsthand the transformative power of a safe, confidential space for self-reflection and healing. Now, I strive to create that same space for my clients—a place where you can explore your feelings, reconnect with yourself, and move toward a more fulfilling life.
I live in the beautiful Northern Rivers of NSW with my husband, who is also a therapist, our two wonderful adolescents, eight chickens, and one lovable fur baby.
If you’re ready to take the brave step toward healing and growth, I’m here—open, ready, and waiting to walk alongside you on your journey.
My Approach to Holistic Psychotherapy
As a holistic psychotherapist, I believe in addressing the interconnected mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions of each person. My role is to help you reconnect with your inner wisdom and sense of wholeness in a warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental space.
I take an integrative and client-centred approach, tailoring each session to your unique needs and goals. Whether through talk therapy or expressive techniques like Sandplay, drawing, or somatic work, we’ll explore the deeper layers of your experiences to foster healing and growth.
Grounded in principles of process-oriented psychology, expressive therapies, and trauma-informed modalities, my sessions are designed to help you uncover insights, build resilience, and reconnect with your sense of self. I particularly value Sandplay therapy, a gentle yet powerful method for accessing pre-verbal and unconscious memories, often leading to profound transformation.
I also incorporate coaching tools to help you integrate the insights gained in therapy into practical steps for your life. Together, we’ll navigate complex feelings, uncover your inner strength, and work toward your highest aspirations.
In my therapeutic space, every part of you is welcome—without judgment or expectation.
“Elise helped me make huge shifts in my life. With her guidance, I have been able to navigate through problems I have been grappling with for years.”
Who I Work With
I work with adults and adolescents who are navigating challenges in their lives. Whether you’re an adult seeking clarity and healing or a teenager looking for guidance and understanding, I offer a compassionate, nonjudgmental space tailored to your unique needs. My sessions are designed to foster trust and safety, creating an environment where you can explore your feelings, build resilience, and move forward with confidence.
What I Focus On
I specialise in supporting individuals through some of life’s most difficult experiences, including trauma, anxiety, grief, life transitions, and depression. These areas often feel overwhelming, but with the right support, they can also become opportunities for growth and transformation. Together, we’ll work to address these challenges, helping you develop tools to heal, reconnect, and thrive in your life.
My areas of specialty are:
Overcoming Anxiety
Are you navigating the challenges of anxiety and longing for calm and clarity?
Anxiety can feel like a constant weight on your chest, making it hard to enjoy the things that matter most. You might feel overwhelmed, struggle to focus or battle restless nights. I offer a warm, supportive space to help you understand and manage anxiety so you can regain balance and confidence in your life. Together, we’ll explore what’s driving your anxiety, develop strategies that work for you, and help you feel calmer, more in control, and ready to embrace life’s challenges.
Reduce stress and worry
Improve sleep
Enhance focus and clarity
Build self-confidence
Strengthen emotional regulation
Foster better relationships
Healing from Trauma
Is the weight of past experiences holding you back from living fully?
Trauma can leave you feeling stuck, disconnected, or overwhelmed, with past experiences casting a long shadow over your present. You might find it hard to trust others, manage emotions, or feel safe in your body. I offer a compassionate and nonjudgmental space where you can begin to process and heal from trauma. Together, we’ll gently explore your experiences, build resilience tools, and work towards restoring a sense of safety, connection, and empowerment in your life.
Regain a sense of safety
Build emotional resilience
Reduce triggers and flashbacks
Reconnect with yourself and others
Process and release past pain
Foster greater emotional freedom
Navigating Grief
Are you struggling to find a way forward after a profound loss?
Grief can feel like a heavy fog that clouds every part of your life. You might be struggling with the pain of loss, a sense of emptiness, or difficulty moving forward. I provide a safe and understanding space for you to express your emotions, make sense of your experience, and begin to heal. Together, we’ll explore your feelings at your own pace, honour your loss, and help you find a way to move forward with renewed strength and connection to life.
Process and honour your loss
Find meaning and acceptance
Alleviate emotional heaviness
Reconnect with joy and purpose
Strengthen relationships and support networks
Build resilience for life’s future challenges
Embracing Change
Are you feeling overwhelmed or stuck as you navigate a major life transition?
Life transitions, whether planned or unexpected, can feel overwhelming and unsettling. You might be navigating a new role, experiencing relationship changes, career shifts, or significant life events, and feeling uncertain or stuck. I offer a supportive space to help you process these changes, explore your feelings, and build the confidence to adapt and thrive. Together, we’ll uncover the opportunities within these transitions and help you move forward with clarity and purpose.
Gain clarity and direction
Build adaptability and resilience
Reduce feelings of overwhelm
Strengthen decision-making skills
Boost self-confidence
Cultivate a sense of purpose
Lifting the Weight of Depression
Is depression making it hard to connect with yourself and the world around you?
Depression can feel like a heavy weight holding you back, making it hard to find joy or motivation in your daily life. You might feel stuck, disconnected, or struggling to make sense of your emotions. I offer a compassionate and non-judgmental space to help you explore what you’re experiencing and uncover ways to reconnect with yourself and the world around you. Together, we’ll work towards lifting the weight of depression and helping you rediscover hope, purpose, and the strength to move forward.
Lift emotional heaviness
Improve mood and energy levels
Reconnect with joy and purpose
Build coping strategies
Strengthen self-esteem
Cultivate a positive outlook
Session Details
Sessions are $110 and run for up to 60 minutes for adults and 50 minutes for adolescents. I offer both in-person sessions at my private clinic in Burringbar, NSW, and online sessions for your convenience. Feel free to email or text me directly to check availability or book a session.
Take the First Step
Life’s challenges don’t have to define you. With the right support, healing and transformation are possible. Together, we can create a path toward acceptance, connection, and joy. Whether you’re ready to start your journey or just want to learn more, I’m here to help.
Book a Session Today
I offer a free 20-minute consultation to help us explore your needs and how we might work together. Reach out to schedule your consultation or book your first session. You can email or text me directly to take the first step toward the life you deserve. I look forward to walking this path with you.
“Elise has helped me pinpoint beliefs that were preventing me from living the life I wanted to live. Once I was clear on what it is, I wanted she helped me cut through my hesitation. She encouraged me to set achievable, regular goals and was always there as someone I could be accountable. Since working with Elise, I have found I am more in tune with the flow of my life, and life seems to flow more easily.”
— Female, Copy Writer, Mother of 2
Latest blogs
