Joy Diving Beyond the Ocean

Sarah McFarlane-Eagle

NSW Northern Tablelands Woman of the Year 2014
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Sarah’s experience of the sudden and tragic loss of her brother in 2001 due to mental ill-health has fuelled a life-long commitment to self-development and charitable work, through loss, grief, healing, and reconnecting with joy. Her inspirational story has touched the hearts of thousands, through her charity Walking Feat, and her willingness to share her story in order to help others.

After re-embracing the joy of living through yoga, meditation, deep reflection and scuba diving, Sarah now runs her social enterprise, Joy Diving, offering support to nuerodivergent people through coaching, workshops, keynote speaking and personalised retreat hosting, and sharing with others her passion for blissful ocean diving, as well as yoga and meditation. Her mission is to help others to reconnect with joy in their lives. She holds a Bachelor of Psychology with Honours and lives with her own ASD, ADHD and PTSD while allowing her knowledge and insight to follow her life’s passion of helping others to lead joyful and fulfilling lives.

A truly inspirational woman, Sarah has been recognised time and again for her dedication to supporting people, families and communities living with mental health difficulties.

Sarah shares her inspirational mantra while fundraising for mental health through her Walking Feat challenge

Sarah’s Lived Experience and Coaching Skills

PTSD | ASD | ADHD 
Cloak of Compassion, joy, diving, social justice, passionate advocate


Knowledge 
   Lived Experience 
   Education 
   Expertise 
 
Unconditional positive regard-
body neutral
 
Strengths based 
 
Co-regulation/holding the space 
 
Belonging  
 
Empower- encourage, inform, optimism  
 
Guide and mentor 
 
Flexibility- goals focused or meandering as whatever suits you 
 
Responsive to your changing needs 
 
Inspire change/encouraging
Celebrates alongside you, empathises on the shit days

Sarah’s Formal Training and Career

A Bachelor of Psychology with Honours 
Yoga and Meditation Teacher 
Narrative Therapy, ACT Mindfulness, Logotherapy, 200 level Yoga
Teacher of Mindfulness, Meditation and Yoga 
Forensic clinician, behaviour support specialist

Recognition for Sarah’s Inspirational Acts

Sarah has been featured on television, radio, and in print.
ABC News

Sarah’s touching interview on ABC News in 2012 after a year on the road, walking from Armidale in NSW to Melbourne and giving talks to raise awareness of the impacts of mental illness

Sarah’s touching interview on ABC News in 2012 after a year on the road, walking from Armidale in NSW to Melbourne and giving talks to raise awareness of the impacts of mental illness

Woman of the Year

In 2014 Sarah was named Northern Tablelands Woman of the Year for her inspirational walks across four continents to raise awareness of the mental health issues faced by many Australians.

In 2014 Sarah was named Northern Tablelands Woman of the Year for her inspirational walks across four continents to raise awareness of the mental health issues faced by many Australians.

Address to Parliament

MP Adam Marshall talks to parliament about mental health issues and Sarah’s dedication to raising awareness after she walked over 7000 kilometres for her cause.

Phonebook Covers

Sarah has been featured on the cover of the White and Yellow Pages in recognition of her dedication to fundraising through her walks raising over $20,000 for SANE Australia. 

2AD Radio

Sarah has been a regular contributor to 2AD Armidale radio’s “Well-Being Segment”, discussing current mental health research, issues, stories of recovery, well-being strategies and how to support people with the lived experience of mental health issues.

Health Leader

Sarah was one of only eleven people selected for the inaugural Mental Health Leadership Program through the national mental health commission.

Get in Touch

Book a Discovery Call with Sarah