About Me

Hi there. I’m Sarah Knoll!

Having lived and worked in 15 different countries while also playing sports at an elite level, I understand the whirlwind of challenges and emotions that come with incredible life experiences like international relocations and striving for peak sporting performance. I'm here to provide the kind of support and guidance that empowered me during those life-changing moments. 

My hobbies outside of work include world languages, bushwalking in nature, yoga, travel golfing and birdwatching. I live with my partner and two labradors in Melbourne Australia, and work with clients and organisations around the world.

My Approach

I am a coach, counsellor and mentor to clients in Australia, South Africa, France, Chile and Canada. I work from a person-centred, strengths-based approach, which means I believe each person holds the resources and solutions to their problems, and the ability to achieve the change they want in their life. I am here to support my clients on their journey, to give structure to the process of personal growth and change, and work through strategies and techniques that may be helpful to their situation.

I integrate techniques from various methodologies to maximize potential and achieve peak performance, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mind factor certification. (Take a look at Working Together for more information). I believe that every person is unique, so sessions and techniques are tailored to your individual situation, and we can work in a way that is most beneficial to you.

My Qualifications

As a certified counsellor, I’m registered with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). My corporate career in Environment, Social, Governance (ESG) spans 15 years, and I hold a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Hons.) from the University of Queensland, a Diploma in Counselling from the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors, and a Masters in Community Relations in the Resources Sector. I also sit on the Board of a Corporate Advisory Firm (Terrain Capital), and am registered with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).

My Worldwide Journey

I was born and spent my childhood in South Africa. I moved to Australia when I was 16, and after highschool enrolled in a Psychology Degree at the University of Queensland. Since then, I have lived, worked and studied in communities around the world, including (not limited to): 

  • Nairobi (Kenya)

  • Groote Eylandt (Northern Territory)

  • Franceville (Gabon)

  • Dili (East Timor)

  • Pristina, Kosovo

  • Muswellbrook (NSW)

  • Adelaide (SA)

  • Geneva, Switzerland

  • Paris, France

  • Antofagasta (Chile)

  • Quito (Ecuador)

  • Tucson (AZ)

  • Maputo (Mozambique)

  • Hotazel (South Africa)

  • Sunshine Coast (Queensland). 

During these transitions I learnt local languages to varying levels (Afrikaans, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Anindilyakwa, Setswana). Through each relocation, I have confronted the familiar challenges of finding one’s feet in a new place, and discovered the richness of experiences that come from the courage to try something new. 

My Sporting History

I am also an athlete at heart – I love tennis, golf, hockey, swimming, netball, cricket, and being out in the open air. Having played international tennis on the junior circuit, and now a regular golfer, I understand that the mental game is as important, and in fact enhances – the physical game. My Honours thesis investigated the psychological, social and behavioural factors involved in the performance of elite athletes, and since then I have applied performance psychology in various contexts, from business to community development, to sport and wellbeing. 

If you’re looking for support with performance psychology, or a big life change, please don’t hesitate to reach out!