About Us
Our Story
A journey of resilience, self-discovery, and guiding others back to their authentic selves.
"True transformation begins the moment we turn inward and allow ourselves to be fully seen."
Christina Carnie, Sense of Self Founder
Life Coaching
Find gentle tools to move through challenges and reconnect with yourself.
Keynote Speaking
Experience inspiring talks that spark insight and meaningful change.
About Us
Discover our story and what inspired the creation of Sense of Self.
The Sense of Self Story
For much of my life, I didn’t know what it meant to truly feel calm. I was always doing, always moving, always meeting everyone else’s needs. Rest felt unsafe, slowing down felt unfamiliar, and stillness felt somewhat terrifying. I lived on autopilot — what looked like continuous achieving was actually a distraction from myself, my children, my relationships, and my sense of who I truly was.
In 2019, when the world shut down, my body did too. The burnout, stress, and anxiety I had carried for decades finally rose to the surface. As everything became still, so did my body, my mind, and my soul — and in that pause, I discovered I am a highly sensitive person (HSP), something I had always felt but never fully understood. That moment clarified what I needed most: to cultivate self-energy, strengthen self-leadership, and rebuild my relationship with myself and the world around me.
Having spent 30 years in the corporate world, I studied alongside my career to become a certified holistic coach and psychotherapist. I’ve always been deeply connected to the core pillars of wellbeing — sleep, nourishment, movement, mindset, environment, and nervous system health. As a certified fitness instructor and a highly sensitive person, my journey eventually led me back to nature, where ecotherapy became a profound, medicinal, and grounding modality in my own healing.
Over time, I began to see how my patterns, relationships, work habits, distractions, and coping mechanisms had quietly pulled me out of alignment. My work became the slow, intentional redesign of my inner and outer world — exploring how I relate to myself, to others, to my purpose, and to the parts of life that once overwhelmed or derailed me.
What emerged was a life built on centredness: moment-to-moment presence, conscious choices, and a deep connection to my own inner steadiness. It has been the hardest work, but the most rewarding — because it allowed me to return to myself and thrive.
Today, I guide others through the same kind of integrative, personalised journey — combining evidence-informed modalities with holistic wisdom, somatic awareness, nature-based practices, and the foundational wellbeing pillars that support a truly centred life.
If you’re ready to move from surviving to living, I’d be honoured to walk with you.
Your centred life starts here. Let’s create a centred life you can stand in, trust, and thrive in — together.
What We Do
At Sense of Self, our work is about more than overcoming challenges – it’s about rediscovering wholeness.
- We help you build a stronger sense of identity and inner trust.
- We provide tools for managing stress, anxiety, and burnout with compassion.
- We support lasting wellbeing through mindfulness, habit change, and nature connection.
Whether through one-on-one coaching, inspiring keynote speaking, or walking sessions in nature, Sense of Self offers a safe, nurturing, and practical space to step into your best self.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Sense of Self different from other life coaching practices?
Sense of Self combines depth psychology, mindfulness, ecotherapy, and practical habit-building into a holistic approach. Instead of surface-level fixes, we guide clients through real, sustainable change that restores clarity, balance, and authenticity.
Do you only work with people in Melbourne?
While I’m a Life Coach Melbourne based practice, I also offer online coaching sessions, making this support accessible to clients across Australia and beyond.
What topics do you cover as a keynote speaker?
As a Keynote Speaker, I cover themes such as stress management, resilience, burnout recovery, and workplace wellbeing. Each talk blends evidence-based insights with relatable storytelling.
Can nature-based coaching really make a difference?
Yes. Many clients find ecotherapy and walking sessions to be powerful, grounding experiences. Nature provides both a calming environment and a mirror for self-discovery, helping people feel more connected, balanced, and clear.
How do I know if life coaching is right for me?
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from your true self, life coaching may be the next step. Whether you’re seeking personal clarity, stress relief, or tools for better wellbeing, coaching provides a supportive space to rebuild confidence and direction.
Is Sense of Self a life coach company or an individual practice?
Sense of Self operates as a boutique life coach company with a personalised approach. Every session is guided by deep listening, compassion, and practical tools designed to create real transformation — not just temporary motivation.
What can I expect from working with a wellness coach company like Sense of Self?
As a holistic wellness coach company, Sense of Self offers support that integrates emotional wellbeing, physical health, and personal growth. Clients gain practical strategies to reduce stress, build confidence, and reconnect with what truly matters.
Life coaching Melbourne
How Can I Help You?
Building a Sense of Self
With guidance from a compassionate Melbourne Life Coach clients trust, gently uncover the patterns, stories, and shadows that contribute to stress, burnout, or dis‑ease — and find renewed joy within yourself and in life as you move toward clarity, authenticity, and lasting well‑being.
Managing Stress, Anxiety & Burnout
A supportive Wellness Life Coach helps you meet stress with kindness, ease anxious cycles, and create sustainable rhythms that bring balance back to daily life.
Health & Wellbeing Through Nature
As both a guide and Mental Health Keynote Speaker, Christina shares ecotherapy practices - walking in nature, mindful pauses, and seasonal rituals that restore calm.
Begin with a complimentary discovery call.
Book a callStories of transformation
The real impact of reconnecting with self
Because change is best told through lived experience.
