Meet your Therapist
My name is Sandrine Lonchampt. You are welcome to call me Sand.
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​Born in the French Alps, I have lived across Europe, Polynesia, New Zealand, and the United States. Since 2008, I have been grateful to call Australia home—a land I feel deeply connected to. These journeys have shaped my appreciation for community, resilience, and the complexity of the human experience. Bilingual in English and French, I bring the richness of this diverse background into my practice.
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I hold a Diploma in Mental Health, studied Counselling at TAFE NSW, and completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling and a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy at the Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP) in Sydney. I have also trained with Lifeline Australia as a crisis support volunteer and am a registered clinical student counsellor and psychotherapist with PACFA and ACA.
Nature has always been a source of inspiration for me, whether walking through the bush, painting native flora, or witnessing its profound capacity to heal and nurture. Live music also holds a special place in my life, offering a shared and universal emotional resonance. I love animals and feel deeply drawn to the healing potential of the human–animal connection, which continues to inform my personal and professional interests.
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To share a little more about my journey, my professional path began in the field of sustainable architecture, where I earned a Master’s degree in Architecture and Sociology from ENSAG and CRATerre in France. This foundation fostered a deep understanding of human environments, community dynamics, environmental challenges, cultural diversity, and poverty alleviation—all intricately linked to well-being. These formative experiences ignited my passion for holistic and compassionate work with people.
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Seeking deeper human connection, I pursued further education and immersed myself in teaching and the arts. I earned a certificate from the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), which enabled me to work with primary-aged children in the US and Australia. This experience enriched my understanding of child development, attachment patterns, and their enduring influence on emotional, social, and cognitive growth.
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Later, as the owner of Artspark Studio in Sydney, NSW, an art space for children, teenagers, and adults, I had the privilege of facilitating creativity, self-expression, and intergenerational community engagement. This chapter deepened my appreciation for the therapeutic power of the arts, psychology, and philosophy, ultimately inspiring my transition into counselling and psychotherapy.
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​I also engage in ongoing training and professional development, staying informed with the latest research. This reflects my commitment to ensuring my practice remains evidence-based and tailored to each client.
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Helping people is more than my profession—it is my calling and my joy. I bring a calm and peaceful presence to my practice.
If you seek a compassionate space to explore your challenges, I would be honoured to walk alongside you on this path.
At present, Colibri Counselling and Psychotherapy is led solely by Sandrine Lonchampt. The use of “we” throughout this website reflects the collaborative nature of the therapeutic relationship, which is central to the way I work. It also speaks to a broader vision that holds space for potential future collaboration with like-minded practitioners who share a holistic and compassionate approach to care. If this resonates with you and you are a practitioner interested in connecting or collaborating, I warmly welcome you to get in touch.
“The therapist must have the courage to enter the unknown with the person, to bear witness to their suffering, and to help them uncover the hope that lies beneath.”
—Irvin D. Yalom