Sara Natalia Ruilova Medina, AASW
Practical, narrative-informed support for life changes
Details
| Name | Sara Natalia Ruilova Medina |
|---|---|
| Credentials | AASW |
| Based in | Australia |
| Registered with | AASW |
| Session format | Online |
| Languages | English, Spanish |
| Years in practice | 3 |
About Sara
Sara Natalia Ruilova Medina is an AASW social worker who helps people facing stress, anxiety, low self-esteem and depression. She supports those going through life changes and moments of feeling stuck. Her approach is practical and down-to-earth, with an emphasis on understanding what keeps someone overwhelmed and what helps them move forward.
Sara focuses on building simple skills for emotional regulation and clearer decision-making. She talks through patterns of avoidance, shame, guilt and isolation in plain language.
Background and approach
Sessions aim to bring more coherence and agency to day-to-day life rather than rely on jargon or theory alone. She draws on narrative ideas to examine the stories people tell about themselves. She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and client-centred ways of working to help people notice values and take small meaningful steps.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques are used when it helps with thought patterns and behaviours. Her background includes clinical work in Australia plus additional international experience. She brings three years of clinical practice in direct work with adults to each session.
Sara offers help in English and Spanish for people living in Australia. Therapy is conversational and paced to the person. People can expect a mixture of exploration, practical exercises and gentle accountability.
The aim is clearer thinking, steadier mood and more confidence to make choices that fit personal values.
What this therapist works with
Her listing names Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Depression among the things Sara works with, alongside the areas below.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Self esteem
- Depression
- Coping with life changes
- Abandonment
- Control issues
- Guilt and shame
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Midlife crisis
- Mood disorders
- Multicultural concerns
- Narcissism
- Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Self-harm
- Somatization
- Young adult issues
Approaches listed
- Narrative Therapy: Named in her listing among her approaches.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Listed by Sara among the ways she works.
- Client-Centered Therapy: Listed by Sara among the ways she works.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Listed by Sara among the ways she works.
- Jungian Therapy: Listed by Sara among the ways she works.
- Mindfulness Therapy: Listed by Sara among the ways she works.
- Somatic Therapy: Listed by Sara among the ways she works.
- Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask Sara directly how much of the work is narrative and what a session usually looks like.
Narrative Therapy in this listing
Narrative Therapy appears in this therapist's own list of approaches. That tells you it is part of how she works. It does not tell you how much of a session it shapes, and this directory does not check or rate training.
If a narrative approach is what you are looking for, it is worth asking Sara directly how she uses it and what a session usually looks like.
Online session options
How narrative and practical approaches work online
Therapy here blends Narrative Therapy with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in simple, accessible ways. Narrative Therapy looks at the stories people tell about themselves and asks which parts of those stories are helpful or limiting. This can be useful for identity questions, shame, and feeling stuck. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing inner experiences, clarifying values and taking small committed actions. ACT is often used for anxiety, stress and issues where avoidance keeps problems persistent.Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the person about goals, preferences and what feels useful. Together they try different techniques and adapt the approach if something does not fit, keeping the client involved in decisions about the work.
Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging to suit different needs. Video lets people work more closely with body language and facial cues. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited. Text or chat formats can be used for brief check-ins, homework prompts or ongoing reflection between sessions. These options make therapy more flexible for work, study and family life while keeping the focus on practical skills and meaningful change.
Common questions about this listing
What concerns does she help with?
Sara supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression and coping with life changes. She also focuses on issues such as abandonment, guilt and shame, loneliness, midlife questions and obsessive patterns.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is conversational and practical. Sessions mix discussion, noticing patterns and small exercises to improve emotional regulation and clarity.
What is her professional background?
She has three years of clinical experience in Australia and additional international work. Her practice centres on helping adults become less overwhelmed and more able to make aligned decisions.
What credentials and location are listed?
Sara is listed with the AASW and works from Australia. The profile references that credential only as given.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish for people in Australia.
What session formats are available?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. Different formats can suit different needs like shorter check-ins or lower bandwidth connections.
How are sessions paid for?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin therapy with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire. After that you can schedule sessions according to therapist availability.
Contacting this therapist
Sessions with Sara are arranged through our partner platform. It asks a few questions about what you are looking for, then shows you the therapists available to you, including Sara where she has space. Ask about fees, and whether she holds a licence or registration where you live.
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