My story begins in France, a daughter born to diplomats, Francois and Helena Brikke — he a French water, sanitation and hygiene expert working for the United Nations; she a Dutch medical anthropologist. I was given the opportunity to travel the world and live in nine unique countries (Kenya, Peru, France, the Netherlands, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Vanuatu, Australia and Indonesia). I spent the first six years of my life in Kenya, where weekends were spent in national parks, engaging with local wildlife and connecting with the Maasai communities. I was constantly barefoot and curious about my environment. I came from a generation where the outdoors was considered a safe place to play and a necessary part of understanding our world.
I’m so glad you’re here
My relationship with the natural world shaped the person I am today.
My relationship with the natural world shaped the person I am today. As I integrated into each new home, I committed to fully embracing the unique culture. My geographical history led me to research the connection of women and children with nature in each of these communities. I believe that by investing in our children, we can change the world. I immersed myself in language, and nature and realised that human geography inspires me most. I am driven to travel, meet new people, understand their relationships with their environments and help them thrive physically, mentally and spiritually.
My doctoral degree in environmental psychology and environmental education (Griffith University) focused on the benefits of nature on children. I am also an accredited Forest Therapy Guide (International Forest and Nature Therapy Alliance), an approved NDIS Registered Provider and an accredited Mental Health First Aider (Mental Health First Aid, Australia).
I have worked for numerous international agencies such as UNESCO, the World Bank, WWF, and the French Polynesian Government. I have been working and researching in the field of environmental psychology for more than twenty years across the globe. Now calling Australia home, I am a loving mother to my beautiful son, Noah. I have overcome my battles with mental health and I am committed to ongoing studies of healing modalities such as Reiki and Australian Bush Flower Essences that complement the work I do.
I am deeply connected to Australia – to Country, its culture, its history, its people, its children, its dreaming stories, its plants, its flowers, its animals, its ocean, its rivers, its bush, and its medicine. I am passionate about (re) connecting people to themselves, to nature and to their community. It is an honour to be living, healing and working on Country. I am thrilled to share my knowledge and offerings with you.
My Journey
Dr Sarah Brikké
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1985 - 1991
Moved to the Netherlands where I lived in The Hague and went to the French school.
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1998 - 2004
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2004 - 2005
Growing up in Kenya, playing football with baby elephants, and rhinos. Read more here.
Relocated to France, lived in Biarritz (high school), in Pau.
Peru: Master I of Human Geography research in the Peruvian Amazon on the perception of children on the forest - Collaboration with La Sorbonne University Paris France, WWF Peru, and Universidad Catolica de Lima Peru.
2006
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French Polynesia - Master II Human Geography research on the perception of children on the sea turtles in French Polynesia - Collaboration with La Sorbonne University Paris France, the Department of Environment of French Polynesia and the University of French Polynesia.
1991- 1998
2008
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Vanuatu: Master in Development Studies research on the perception of women on the forest on the island of Espiritu Santo Vanuatu - Collaboration with Victoria University of Wellington New Zealand, Live and Learn Environmental Education NGO.
2008 - 2014
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Indonesia Bali - PhD research in Environmental Education and Psychology - Collaboration with Griffith University Australia, UNESCO Jakarta Indonesia, Odyssey Institute.
2014 - 2024
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Paris France and Sydney Australia - City of Sydney Council, Northern Beaches Council, Sydney Olympic Park Authority, Greater Sydney Parklands, Royal Botanic Garden, AusEco, Healing with Nature.
And into the bush we go, to lose our minds and find our souls. Such a beautiful afternoon spent connecting in the bush led by the wonderful Sarah Brikke. I have joined a few of her mindful bush walks now. It is amazing what you can see, hear and notice when you aren't in a hurry and when you are really tuned in, to self and to the earth. It is very grounding.
Kathy K.
Before the walk, I was sad and I am now rejuvenated. Sarah is a gifted facilitator. She creates a safe space to express yourself and connect with nature, which I found very comforting. I learned new ways of looking at the world and definitely felt positive results in the days after. It is also a great way to connect with like minded people and break up the mundane. Beautiful locations too. Highly recommend.
CAROLINA M.
Sarah is a breath of fresh air! I’ve joined her in her bush walks and she has so much knowledge and awareness for her surroundings. She’s calm and great fun, fantastic with children too.
SONYA T.
Healing with Nature is a beautiful program by Sarah. Our participants living with disabilities and our staff absolutely loved the program. It was engaging, full of knowledge sharing by Sarah, calming and a wonderful sensory experience in nature. I highly recommend the program. Thank you.
IRIT R.
By chance I came across Healing with Nature and sent my two kids on a day out with Sarah. They both had a brilliant time spent outdoors having fun and learning lots. Would highly recommend it. Beats any indoor screen time hands down. Kids raves about it! Thank you Sarah!
JEANINE H.
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- Doctoral degree in environmental psychology and environmental education (Griffith University)
- Accredited forest therapy guide (International forest and nature therapy alliance)
- Approved NDIS registered provider
- Accredited mental health first aider (mental health first aid, australia).
Dr Sarah Brikké Credentials:
