Not a Life Sentence
Not a Life Sentence
4.5
(14)
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33 hires on Bark
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25 years in business
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22 hour response time on Bark
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Self-employed
I am dedicated to helping individuals and organisations unlock their full potential through counselling, coaching and motivational speaking. With years of experience in the field, I bring a unique blend of insights and strategies to inspire and empower my audience.
Show more
Not a Life Sentence
Not a Life Sentence
4.5
(14)
-
33 hires on Bark
-
25 years in business
-
22 hour response time on Bark
-
Self-employed
I am dedicated to helping individuals and organisations unlock their full potential through counselling, coaching and motivational speaking. With years of experience in the field, I bring a unique blend of insights and strategies to inspire and empower my audience.
Show more
-
33 hires on Bark
-
25 years in business
-
22 hour response time on Bark
-
Self-employed
I am dedicated to helping individuals and organisations unlock their full potential through counselling, coaching and motivational speaking. With years of experience in the field, I bring a unique blend of insights and strategies to inspire and empower my audience.
Show more
Services
Counselling
Counselling is about externalising what has been disturbing and stopping us from reaching our potential. My role is not to fix you, rather to support you in finding what your strengths are and not building what you are lacking.
I see clients with different presentations. I specialise in Youth, family work, trauma, NPD and relationship issues.
I offer both short- and long-term counselling therapy for individuals with emotional and relationship issues including complex and long-standing issues. I also offer relationship & marriage counselling.
I provide reports for court related matters.
Motivational Speaker
I am a motivational speaker passionate about mental health and personal growth. As a trauma therapist, I draw on years of experience to inspire and empower others. I’ve had the privilege of co-authoring a book with Joe Foster, the founder of Reebok, where I share my journey, including my struggles and triumphs.
My work focuses on breaking stigmas around mental health and promoting resilience and well-being. I give talks that inspire change and run interactive workshops tailored for workplaces. These sessions provide practical tools for improving mental health and fostering supportive environments.
In April 2024, I presented internationally at The Transylvania Summit in Romania, adding to my global outreach. My mission is to ignite conversations, shift perspectives, and help individuals and teams thrive.
Photos (20)
Reviews (14)
4.5/5
14 customer reviews
Maria Limsico, Corporate and Administrative Affairs Manager
Motivational Speaking
Carla Berbary delivered a powerful and meaningful presentation at our International Women’s Day event. One of the things that really stood out was how she captured the many roles women play in our lives and reminded us that, despite our different journeys, we all share something in common.
Her message about women supporting and uplifting one another was incredibly impactful. Carla spoke about the importance of unity and how, when women come together, we become stronger and more powerful. She highlighted that while we may sometimes challenge each other, it often comes from a place of wanting to help one another grow and improve.
The key takeaway from Carla’s talk was the importance of taking time to recognise and appreciate one another, because those connections are what make us stronger.
It was an inspiring and thought-provoking presentation that resonated with everyone in the room.
Maria Limsico, Corporate Affairs Manager,
Independent Liquor Group
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Hannah Dawson
Accidental Counsellor Training
This training was incredibly valuable for our coaching team. The interactive activities helped us reflect on the range of emotions and experiences our athletes bring into the gym, and the Coaches Wheel of Wellness was a standout tool that we’ve already started using.
The session has changed the way our coaches show up, not just in how they interact with athletes, but also in how they communicate and offload important information to senior staff. It created clarity, confidence, and a shared language across our team.
As coaches, we left feeling empowered and better equipped, with practical tools we can actually use day to day. This training would be hugely beneficial for other gym owners and programs managing large teams, athletes, and families. It’s relevant, grounding, and genuinely supportive for coaches working in high-demand environments.
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Vivian
Carla delivered one of the most impactful school professional development sessions our staff have experienced. What set her apart was not just her ability to engage a room, but the depth of her clinical insight and trauma-informed approach.
Carla translated complex psychological concepts into clear, practical strategies our teachers could immediately apply, particularly around burnout, emotional load, and nervous system regulation in schools.
This was not a motivational talk or surface-level wellbeing session. It was evidence-informed, grounded, and deeply respectful of the realities educators face. Staff felt psychologically safe, validated, and equipped with a stronger understanding of how to support both themselves and their students. Carla’s credibility, warmth, and authority made this session invaluable, and we would confidently recommend her to any school seeking meaningful, high-quality professional learning.
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SHARON
Motivational Speaking
We were absolutely thrilled to have Carla join us as a guest speaker at our recent event. Her presentation was engaging, inspiring, and full of valuable insights that truly resonated with our audience.
She brought the perfect mix of warmth, humour, and authenticity — keeping everyone captivated from start to finish. The feedback from guests has been overwhelmingly positive, with many commenting on how much they took away from the session.
We can’t thank Carla enough for contributing to the heart and spirit of our event — a truly uplifting and unforgettable presence.
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Natalie
Carla delivered an absolutely outstanding session for our staff on wellbeing and burnout. Her approach was real, relatable, and deeply impactful ; she spoke with warmth, honesty, and a level of insight that really hit home for everyone in the room. The session was engaging from start to finish, with practical tools we could actually apply both at work and in our personal lives. The feedback from our team has been incredible, people left feeling inspired, seen, and motivated to take better care of themselves. We couldn’t recommend Carla highly enough! More...
Benjamin O'Reily
Carla delivered an outstanding talk to our staff on mental health and workplace wellbeing. She has a natural ability to connect with people, making a heavy topic feel approachable and relatable.
The session was not only insightful but also practical: Carla gave us real strategies we could apply straight away to look after ourselves and support each other at work.
Our team walked away feeling lighter, more empowered, and with a better understanding of how to prioritise mental health in both our personal and professional lives. Carla’s warmth, expertise, and authenticity shone through from start to finish. We couldn’t recommend her highly enough!
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Reply from Not a Life Sentence
Thank you Benjamin.
Graham
We invited Carla Berbary to our Year 10 Wellbeing Day today and she delivered. Carla’s combo of lived experience and trauma-informed expertise kept a notoriously hard-to-engage cohort locked in, no waffle, just real talk and practical tools.
She broke down stress responses (fight/flight/freeze), boundaries, and digital overwhelm in a way that felt safe, age-appropriate, and actually useful.
The activities were interactive without being cringey, her stories landed with compassion, and the Q&A gave students permission to be honest. Staff feedback was glowing and students left with simple scripts and steps they could use the same day.
We’ll be booking Carla again, highly recommend for any school that wants impact, not buzzwords.
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Carolyn
We were delighted to have Carla engage with our Year 12 students as they approach the final chapter of their schooling journey.
Her presentation was both inspiring and relevant, offering a powerful blend of personal experience, practical advice, and genuine encouragement.
Carla connected effortlessly with our students, striking the right balance between motivation and realism as she spoke about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. The message was clear, impactful, and left a lasting impression on our cohort.
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Vacy PS
Thank you for presenting at our recent social media expo. Here are a few friendly suggestions to assist you with your presentation in the future. It's important to maintain engagement with the students as much as you possibly can. You can do this by projecting your voice, include actions, making sure your slides are presented appropriately and with graphics, and a getting them involved in the conversation more. Our students and staff felt that the content wasn't new which lost some of our students throughout the presentation. Thank you for your time and the effort that you put into your presentation. More...
Reply from Not a Life Sentence
Thank you Vacy. Appreciate it.
Nicole
I finished Carla's 5-week Reclaiming Yourself workshop tonight, and honestly, it was incredible. I've learned to truly love myself and appreciate what I have. The transformation has been so real. Highly recommend it to anyone ready to reconnect with themselves and step into their power. More...
Reply from Not a Life Sentence
Thank you Nicole. Glad you have found it useful.
Samantha
We had the pleasure of hosting Carla as motivational speaker for our event, and her presentation exceeded all expectations. From the moment she stepped on stage, she had the entire room completely engaged, captivated by her energy. More...
Reply from Not a Life Sentence
Thank you Samantha. It was a pleasure.
Taylah
The information was Stage appropriate, however, making it more engaging for students and involving them more would have been great to see.
Reply from Not a Life Sentence
Thank you Taylah.
SHARON RYAN
Motivational Speaking
I'm incredibly grateful to Carla for her swift and enthusiastic response to our invitation. Her willingness to support our upcoming charity event speaks volumes about her character and dedication to making a positive impact. Even before the event, her professionalism, generosity, and genuine passion for helping others has already made a difference. We’re truly looking forward to having her as part of our event and know her message will resonate deeply with our audience." More...
Mala Ramasamy
Couples Counselling
Very good...caring and compassionate.
Felt comfortable and safe.
She listened to me..and kind to reduce her fee due to my circumstances.
Q&As
What do you love most about your job?
What I love most about my job is the profound impact I can have on people's lives. As a therapist, I help individuals unlock their potential, overcome challenges, and lead more fulfilling lives. There's something deeply rewarding about being part of someone's journey of growth and healing. This passion translates well into speaking, as I’m able to reach a broader audience and inspire others to take actionable steps toward improving their personal and professional well-being.
Engaging with Diverse Audiences:
I’m also passionate about engaging with diverse audiences, whether in one-on-one therapy sessions or in a larger group setting. Every person’s story is unique, and I love creating a space where people feel heard and understood. When I speak at events, I bring that same focus on empathy, engagement, and understanding, which helps me connect with attendees on a deeper level.
What inspired you to start your own business?
I was inspired to start my own business because of my deep passion for helping others and my desire to make a greater impact. As a therapist, I saw firsthand how transformative support could be, but I realised there were many ways I could extend that impact beyond one-on-one sessions. I wanted to create a space where individuals could receive personalised therapeutic care and guidance to overcome life’s challenges and live more fulfilling lives.
Starting my own practice also offered me the flexibility and independence to design a business that aligned with my values. I could build a model that catered to the unique needs of each client while creating a schedule and work-life balance that worked for me. Additionally, I noticed a gap in the market for accessible, flexible therapy services that could be tailored to meet a variety of needs, and I saw an opportunity to address that gap.
My entrepreneurial spirit and drive further pushed me to combine my passion for mental health with the challenges of running a business. It has been a journey of personal growth, learning new skills, and stepping outside my comfort zone to create something meaningful. I am proud to offer a service that not only supports people’s mental well-being but also empowers them to grow personally and professionally in a way that is both sustainable and impactful.
Why should our clients choose you?
Clients should choose me because I offer a personalised, empathetic approach that is tailored to their specific needs. I take the time to truly understand each client’s unique situation, working collaboratively to set achievable goals and ensuring they feel heard and supported throughout the process. My approach is grounded in empathy and respect, which creates a safe and trusting environment for clients to explore their challenges.
With years of experience both as a therapist in private practice and a university lecturer, I bring a deep well of knowledge and practical expertise to my work. I use evidence-based therapeutic techniques alongside real-world insights to help clients navigate their struggles effectively. This blend of knowledge and experience allows me to provide practical tools that lead to meaningful, lasting change.
I take a holistic approach to therapy, focusing on the whole person—mind, body, and emotions. This means I help clients address immediate challenges while also fostering long-term resilience and personal growth. My goal is to empower clients to create sustainable change in their lives.
Ultimately, I am committed to delivering results. I work closely with clients to help them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, while providing ongoing support throughout their journey. I strive to equip them with the tools and confidence they need to thrive, both during and after our time together.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
Yes, I offer my services online and remotely. This allows me to provide flexible, convenient support for clients regardless of their location.
Online therapy provides the added benefit of accessibility, clients who may have difficulty attending in-person sessions due to geographic location, mobility challenges, or busy schedules can still receive the support they need from the comfort of their own home.
In addition to therapy, I also offer online workshops, webinars, and group sessions on various topics related to personal development, mental health, and professional growth. These virtual services provide an engaging and interactive experience for participants and are designed to be informative, practical, and empowering.
For more details, please check my website www.notalifesentence.com.au
