About Motivated Minds Psychotherapists and Counsellors in Sydney

The mission

Our mission is to provide a flexible, personalised and holistic service that supports you to improve your health inside and out!

We understand that every person has different needs when it comes to therapy. If you’re ready to take the leap, together we can work out the method that’s the best fit for you to achieve your goals.

The concept

Finding the right therapist, or starting over with a new one can be daunting. Our priority at Motivated Minds is to make this process as simple, relaxed and flexible, as possible so you have a positive experience of therapy.

It’s so important that you feel like your therapist is the right fit! While it’s vital to find a therapist with the appropriate experience, knowledge and qualifications, it’s equally as important to feel that you click with your therapist.

At Motivated Minds, we pride ourselves on being not only experienced therapists, but down to earth and personable so you can feel comfortable, and build a healthy working relationship with your therapist.

A little about the founder – Sarah Bays

I love empowering clients to create the life they want!

I’m a qualified and experienced counsellor and psychotherapist, a certified Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) practitioner, as well as a personal trainer. I work with individuals, couples and families.

I use a client-led, trauma-informed approach and see therapy as a collaborative process where I meet clients where they’re at and work at their pace.

The therapy space I create is non-judgemental, relaxed and compassionate. I provide an inclusive service and welcome those from all walks of life. I’m kind and encouraging but also direct, and support in a solution-focused manner. I love to laugh but I also like that sense of achievement that comes with making progress and reaching goals.

Memberships: PACFA (clinical member), & Evergreen (DBT Certified).

Qualifications: BAppSocSc(Counselling & Psychotherapy), and Cert IV Fitness

Meet my team

Annalisa Harrison – Counsellor, Psychotherapist & Personal Trainer

Annalisa has worked in various therapeutic roles in NGO’s and psychiatric hospital environments supporting adults and adolescents with their mental health. She speaks English and Portuguese fluently.

Annalisa is a Gottman certified therapist and supports individuals, couples and families. She also specialises in eating disorders, depression, anxiety, addictions, life transitions, grief and loss. Annalisa works in a warm and compassionate manner, committed to connecting clients to their values and strengths, increase self-awareness, and overcome challenges.

In her down time, Annalisa loves to be active in nature and does long distance running. Annalisa enjoys cooking, experimenting with new recipes, or watching a good movie or documentary with family and friends.

Memberships: ACA, and ACFED approved Eating Disorders Practitioner

Qualifications: BAppSocSc (Counselling & Psychotherapy), Cert IV Fitness

Body and mind connection

Research shows that mental health strongly impacts physical wellbeing and vice versa

When our mental health is at it’s best, we see a decline in any physical problems and illnesses. Just as when our physical health is at it’s optimum level, we see an improvement in mood and sleep, and a decline in stress levels and mental health symptoms.

STUDIES & RESOURCES

There are extensive studies which show that trauma is stored in the body. By supporting you to connect the dots between your physical and mental health, we increase your chances of achieving your goals and improving your wellbeing in a shorter time frame than non-holistic therapeutic approaches.

Here’s some resources if you want to learn more

Bessel van der Kolk MD: world-renowned psychiatrist, author and researcher specializing in trauma and PTSD. He revolutionized the way we treat trauma and PTSD by recommending therapeutic approaches which focus on the mind and body connection, movement and expression.

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An article discussing some of Dr. Bruce Perry’s work regarding somatic approaches to healing, and how the body and brain are best treated in sync with each other.

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Watch this short video of Dr. Bruce Perry, a highly revered psychiatrist and author. The impact of stress on the body.

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Books to read:
The Body Keeps the Score – Bessel van der Kolk
The Boy who was Raised as a Dog – Bruce Perry
The Body Remembers – Babette Rothschild

Let’s Connect

Want to know more? We’re always happy to answer any questions you might have! Give us a call, or flick over an email or text.

The mission

There are extensive studies which show that trauma is stored in the body. By supporting you to connect the dots between your physical and mental health, we increase your chances of achieving your goals and improving your wellbeing in a shorter time frame than non-holistic therapeutic approaches.

Rooms are located a 2 minute walk from Crows Nest metro station, or a 3 minute walk from St Leonards train station, Sydney, Australia.

I’d be delighted to hear from you!

Contact Info