Sandra Shearer, PACFA

Sandra Shearer is a counsellor practising in Australia who brings eight years of professional experience across community services, mental health and wellbeing supports. She is credentialed with PACFA - the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia - and works with people facing family conflict, grief and loss, self-esteem and confidence challenges, motivation struggles, and career difficulties.

Sandra approaches each person with sensitivity, respect and compassion, and she tailors conversations and treatment plans to suit the individual needs of every client. Her work emphasises collaboration, helping clients identify practical steps and new perspectives to manage life transitions and everyday stresses.

Recognising that starting therapy can require courage, Sandra supports clients through the initial steps and ongoing adjustments as they work towards improved wellbeing. She is committed to helping people navigate significant changes and to building resources for healthier, more sustainable coping and personal growth.

Practical therapeutic approaches for online counselling

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on the person rather than the problem, offering a supportive space where the client’s own goals and values guide the pace and direction of work. It suits people seeking a respectful, empathetic approach to explore feelings and strengthen self-understanding.

Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, goal-oriented style that helps people resolve ambivalence and find their own reasons for change. It is especially useful for clients who want to increase motivation for decisions about career moves, lifestyle adjustments, or coping strategies.

Narrative Therapy helps people reframe the stories they tell about themselves, separating problems from identity and opening up new possibilities for action and meaning. This approach can assist those navigating grief, life transitions, or challenges to self-esteem.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Sandra will work collaboratively with clients to identify which methods fit their needs, goals and preferences. Approaches can be adapted over time as priorities change.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions by video call or phone, as well as options for live chat and text-based messaging - so people can access support from home, work or while travelling within Australia. This range of formats makes it easier to fit therapy around busy lives and to continue care through different stages and circumstances, with appropriately qualified or registered professionals and therapists available to guide the process.