We asked Sarah a few questions to get to know more about her and the work she does as a counsellor in our free Storm Recovery program.

What do you do at Inspiro?

I provide storm recovery and general counselling out of the Belgrave office.

The Storm Recovery program is a free counselling program for those impacted by the June 21 storms that occurred in the Hills and Yarra Ranges region. Impact can vary from having your power cut off to having your home destroyed as a result of the storm, so anyone within this broad range can seek support.

Storm recovery counselling is ‘trauma informed’, meaning we recognise the needs of people who experienced trauma because of the experience.

What are people surprised to learn about the Storm Recovery program?

That we offer outreach to provide counselling in people’s homes. Storm recovery sessions can also occur out of a lovely space at Karawarra native gardens in Kalorama.

In addition, we know that people may have other stressors in their life that may have been compounded by storms, so support is also available for this.

What do you love most about your job?

I actually love all aspects of my job. I love being able to be really present with someone, listening to their story and offering strategies and support that can assist them in shifting things within, or in the individual’s chosen direction more broadly.

I am honoured people feel comfortable enough to share some of the most intimate and personal parts of their lives or themselves with me and am grateful to work in such a positive support environment.

Which three words best describe you?

I value integrity, honesty and compassion.

What have you been watching or listening to lately?

Neil Young’s ‘Old Man’ – I keep having this song in my head!