I imagine if you are here, it is because you are experiencing some kind of challenge in your parenting journey and are searching for some answers...perhaps even some help.
Before I started my parenting journey 17 years ago, I was feeling pretty confident. I had a postgraduate degree in psychology, I'd read a lot of books (some might say too many) about parenting theory and child development. I had high hopes and beautiful dreams, imagining many joy-filled years of warmth, laughter, and delicious moments of playdough-scented togetherness with my children.
Instead, and much to my dismay, I found myself exhausted and alone, facing a tsunami of day-to-day struggles with my children: challenging behaviour, sensory difficulties, neurodiversity and mental health challenges that no one had prepared me for (...or maybe they had and I hadn't listened...who could say?)
What I came to realise was that, unfortunately, the modern world does not support us as parents to provide the depth of connection that our children need to thrive. All of the chaos we see in our homes, the stress, the conflict, the behaviour challenges, is the result of an environment that does not deeply support us as parents and does not care for the connection our children need.
This understanding brought a whole new perspective to my work and family life. For the past 12 years, I have devoted myself to understanding the art and science of connection. I am passionate about finding ways to support parents and share the art and science of how to reclaim connection with our children as widely as possible.
If you would like to explore how I might be able to help , please feel free to get in touch. I would love to hear from you!
Certified CNVC Trainer
Over the past twelve years, I have worked with hundreds of parents, families and community groups, helping parents to build the loving connection their children and teenagers need to thrive.
I am have trained extensively in Nonviolent Communication (NVC, also known as Compassionate Communication) and am a certified NVC trainer with the international Centre for Nonviolent Communication.
I have also worked as a policy analyst for the NZ government and NGO community sectors, and as an academic researcher. As a result, all of my work is grounded in a keen appreciation of how our individual family challenges are situated in the larger social systems we are a part of.
My approach is a blend of science, lived experience, a lot of warmth and a good dose of laughing at myself.
Is to offer accessible, compassionate, transformational support to parents navigating the overwhelming journey of raising children in today’s complex world.
Is to share everything I know about how to build connection with children (the sciency stuff, the theoretical bits, and the practical skills and tools I have learned through painstaking trial and error).
Is to support parents to move out of overwhelm and chaos and into peaceful, easy connection with their children.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology
Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology
Bachelor of Arts (Hons), Psychology
Bachelor of Arts (Hons), Philosophy and Political Studies
Certified NVC trainer with the Centre of Nonviolent Communication
Extensive training in NVC mediation, facilitation, and conflict resolution.
Member, Nonviolent Communication Aotearoa New Zealand (NVCANZ)
My Human Made (No AI) policy. Everything I you read from me is written by me.
My Gift Economy Approach. I am committed to finding ways for parents and families to receive the support they need, not the support they can afford.
A Systemic Approach. My support is grounded in an appreciation of the particular historical and social context we are living in. Families and children do not exist in a void and our challenges can only be understood (and overcome!) if we understand this context.
Blending Science and Heart. I have a deep commitment to integrating scientific understandings about children, attachment and the human nervous system with the art and intuition of human relationships and care.
I believe it is possible for every family to find more peace and joy, no matter what challenges they might be experiencing right now. I offer support and guidance in a variety of ways so that it can be available and accessible to anyone who needs it. All of my offerings are on a gift economy (pay what you are willing and able) basis.
My Family Connection Guide are short interactive courses (video lessons and workbooks) to help you work through particular family challenges and learn the skills you need to build more closeness, connection and peace in your daily lives. Supportive, easy, practical, research-based.
From Chaos to Connection is a transformational, 8-month support programme for parents who are ready to make a deep and lasting change in their families. There are self-paced, group and accompanied options available.
If you are wanting more tailored support, I offer a limited number of one-on-one coaching packages each year. I can mentor and guide you through whatever challenges you are experiencing in your family.
“I particularly enjoy Sally’s ability to explain concepts so clearly. Very clear explanations. Good with scientific explanations. Always taking a pause and speaking from a calm and authentic place. I also really felt her passion for Nonviolent Communication shine through all of her teaching. I found Sally so warm, caring and supportive.”
"Sally has a non-judgmental, calm, kind and supportive approach. I have not felt this safe in a therapy setting before - I feel I can bring my ugliest and hardest thoughts to Sally and we unpack them together and they start to make sense."
"My husband and I deeply value the impact our time with Sally has made and we thoroughly recommend her to every couple we know regardless of the level of connection the couple currently has."
I offer parents and families research-based, heart-centred guidance. My work is AI-free and offered on a gift economy basis, prioritising human connection over profits. Every contribution is greatly appreciated and directly supports my work.