Sarah Hayden
social worker - author - equine therapist - public speaker - counsellor
Therapy, done different.
Sarah Hayden is an accredited social worker, registered with the AASW as well as LOAPAC (the league of autistic psychologists and affirming colleagues loapac.org). Sarah is also a qualified equine assisted psychotherapist. She specialises in autism, ADHD, neurodivergence and complex family dynamics.
She is also mum to five amazing kids including world renowned actor, author and autism advocate Chloé Hayden. Sarah and her husband fostered 55 children over a period of five years and their youngest two children were adopted through intercountry adoption from Taiwan. Sarah is also a volunteer having worked as a counsellor and advocate for refugees and asylum seekers and provides emotional first aid and support to disaster affected people.
Sarah is a passionate public speaker and educator who brings warmth, humour and lived experience to every presentation.
Sarah is neurodivergent herself having been diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 48 and is the best selling author of parenting book "Parenting Different -how to raise your neurodivergent kids to be their authentic awesome selves.”
Explore Sarah’s services
Sometimes, words just aren’t enough - and that’s where horses step in.
At Wild One therapy and consulting , equine assisted psychotherapy offers a gentle, powerful way to explore emotions, healing and connection. Sessions take place outdoors in an arena , no riding involved, where moments with horse can reflect what’s happening with you.
Horses are incredibly intuitive , they respond to our energy, emotion and intention. Together, we use those interactions to help you understand patterns, regulate your nervous system and experience genuine connection and calm.
This approach supports children, teens and adults navigating :
anxiety , stress and burnout
trauma and grief
emotional regulation challenges
confidence, self esteem and communication
Equine assisted psychotherapy blend evidence based psychology, relational neuroscience, and the healing presence of animals and nature. Its therapy - but softer, calmer, more embodied and often more transformative.
You don’t need horse experience - just a willingness to show up as you are. The horses will meet you there.
(I charge standard NDIS allied health professional (social work) rates of $193.99. If you don’t have NDIS funding and can not afford this please reach out to discuss - l don’t ever want anyone to miss out on equine therapy because of money)
Parenting a neurodivergent child can feel equal parts beautiful and bewildering and no one gives you a road map. That’s where l come in.
Through parent education, l help families understand what’s happening beneath the behaviour. We explore sensory needs, emotional regulation, executive function and connection so you can parent with confidence (and less chaos) in a world not built for our kids.
My counselling sessions offer a safe, affirming space to unpack the challenges of parenting, identity, burnout, relationship and family challenges, or late diagnosis. Together well make sense of the hard stuff, celebrate the small wins and help you reconnect with yourself, your child or your partner.
And for adults or teens navigating ADHD, my ADHD coaching blends neuro affirming psychotherapy with practical real - life strategies. We focus on what works for your brain - building routines , managing overwhelm, boosting motivation and embracing your sparkly strengths rather than just fighting them. Because as someone with ADHD, with kids and a husband with ADHD, l get it. I really, REALLY get it.
Whether you are here as a parent, a professional, a partner, or a person learning to love your own neurodivergent wiring - you are in the right place.
Warmth, insight, science, love, humour, lived experience and a bit of sparkle… real results.
(l charge standard NDIS rates for social work/allied health of $193.99..ibut f you do not have NDIS funding and can not afford this please reach out to discuss. I do not want ever want anyone to miss out on the support they need because of money)
Follow @mama_slayden
And @wild.one.therapy on Instagram
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