Sara Blyth

My psychodynamic approach isn’t about ‘fixing’ symptoms; it’s about understanding the deeper patterns that influence how you relate to yourself and those around you as well as society at large. 

Areas of Special Interest

My focus is on helping clients who feel disconnected, or disappointed.  

Longer term therapy is needed as brief sessions such as EAP are often designed for immediate, short-term “stabilisation” or practical problem-solving. While helpful for acute stress, it rarely has the scope to address the recurring professional or personal patterns that contribute to a feeling of  lack of agency.  Psychodynamic therapy is an investment in understanding the “storyteller”—not just fixing the “software”—aiming for long-term changes that stay with you even after therapy ends. 

Counselling/Therapy Services

• Relationship Patterns:  We explore how past experiences influence current connections and help clients develop more satisfying relationships.
• Self-Awareness & Identity: Therapy in this context is  a space for fostering greater self-awareness and understanding one’s inner psychological resources.
• Emotional Regulation:We work on the  ability to recognise and tolerate a wider range of emotions.

Common Symptoms:  anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and life transitions. 

Counselling/Therapy Approach

Many of my clients are high-functioning professionals navigating significant life transitions, career uncertainty, or a sense of lost purpose amidst the current public sector changes. We focus on building deeper self-awareness and discovering why certain professional environments or personal dynamics feel particularly depleting for you. 

This is a confidential and unbiased setting where conversation can restore a sense of control and efficacy. Therapy helps see past limiting patters that might be exacerbated by stress.

Background and Experience

I have worked for 12 in psychodynamic therapy after twenty years working in the public service in Wellington and Canberra.  With clients  I work to understand the why behind certain behaviours or feelings manifest. I see the bond between therapist and client and the central vehicle for change and a window to their outer life. . This approach aims for long term changes  rather than just quick symptom relief.