Sarah Relihan, Founder of "A Different Thinker"

Sarah Relihan is the heart and mind behind A Different Thinker Life Coaching — a visionary platform rooted in the belief that transformation begins when we dare to think differently. With a deep commitment to reshaping the way we approach mental health and recovery, Sarah has created a space where lived experience meets professional insight, and where every individual is treated with dignity, compassion, and possibility.

Sarah’s journey is both personal and powerful. Having witnessed the gaps in support systems for individuals living with severe mental health conditions and addiction, she set out to build something different — a supportive, client-centred model that doesn’t just focus on symptoms, but on the whole person. Her work is informed by a rich understanding of complex mental health diagnoses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, paired with a fierce advocacy for those often overlooked or misunderstood.

A graduate of Florida Atlantic University with a BA in Psychology, Sarah combines academic training with wellness coaching and lived experience, creating an approach that is as empathetic as it is effective. Her practice is guided by the principle that healing isn’t linear and that with the right support, every individual can find strength, resilience, and direction — even in the most challenging circumstances.

At A Different Thinker, Sarah brings her mission to life: to create a world where people are not defined by their diagnoses, but empowered by their potential. She champions a model of care that is holistic, human-first, and deeply transformative — one that listens, adapts, and honours the unique journey of every client.

Because thinking differently isn't just a slogan — it's a movement. And Sarah Relihan is leading it.

Sarah’s Vision for "A Different Thinker"

“Every person deserves to be met with humanity before judgment — and with hope before diagnosis.”

Sarah Relihan founded A Different Thinker with one guiding belief: that people are more than their mental health conditions, their addictions, or the challenges they've endured. Her vision is to revolutionize the way we support individuals navigating these complexities — to replace stigma with compassion, isolation with community, and helplessness with personal power.

At the core of Sarah’s vision is a world where support systems are deeply human, not just clinical. She believes in building bridges between care and connection — where recovery is not just about surviving, but about rediscovering purpose, dignity, and the ability to thrive.

Through A Different Thinker, Sarah envisions a space where coaching meets advocacy, and healing is approached holistically — integrating mental wellness, daily life skills, emotional support, and real-world strategies. Her goal is to help each individual reclaim authorship of their own story, no matter how broken the pages may feel.

Sarah’s vision is bold, but simple:
To normalize conversations around mental health.
To walk beside those who are struggling, not ahead of them.
To provide tools, trust, and unwavering belief in the power of change.

Because in a world that often tells people who they can’t be, A Different Thinker dares to ask — what if you are more than you ever imagined?

Empowering Your Journey to Success

At A Different Thinker, we provide personalised life coaching and motivation services to help you unlock your potential and achieve your goals. Transform your life with our expert guidance and support.

Your Path to Growth

Inspiring Change Together

Our mission is to empower individuals through tailored coaching sessions that inspire change, foster growth, and enhance overall well-being. Join us on this transformative journey to a fulfilling life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What exactly is Life Coaching?
A: Life coaching is a professional service that helps individuals identify personal goals, overcome obstacles, and create actionable plans for success. Unlike therapy, which often focuses on healing past wounds, life coaching focuses on the present and future, helping clients move forward with purpose and confidence.

Q: How is Recovery Coaching different from traditional therapy or rehab?
A: Recovery Coaching is a non-clinical, client-centered support service that helps individuals in or seeking recovery from addiction. Recovery coaches provide encouragement, accountability, goal-setting, and life-building strategies. They often draw on personal recovery experience to create a supportive, relatable partnership without providing formal counseling or clinical treatment.

Q: What are Life Skills and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)?
A: Life Skills are everyday abilities like communication, decision-making, time management, and financial literacy that help individuals function effectively and independently. ADLs are basic self-care tasks, including bathing, dressing, eating, mobility, and toileting. Both are essential for maintaining autonomy and improving quality of life, particularly for those recovering from health challenges or life transitions.

Q: Who can benefit from Mental Health Concierge Services?
A: Anyone seeking personalised, comprehensive support for mental health management, addiction recovery, or daily life functioning can benefit. Our concierge services are ideal for individuals who want flexible, individualised assistance without navigating complex healthcare systems alone.

Q: How does Treatment Placement work?
A: We work closely with you (and your family, if desired) to assess your specific needs, preferences, and recovery goals. Then we connect you with vetted treatment providers — whether detox centres, outpatient programs, or mental health services — that offer the best fit for your situation, making the process smooth and less overwhelming.

Q: What is Sober Transportation?
A: Sober Transportation ensures that individuals in recovery or facing mental health challenges can travel safely and supportively to critical destinations like treatment centres, therapy sessions, or medical appointments. Our trained drivers provide not just safe transportation, but compassionate companionship and accountability during the journey.

Q: What is Medication Observation, and why is it important?
A: Medication Observation provides structured support to help clients take their medications consistently and correctly. Proper medication management can be crucial for mental health stability, physical wellness, and successful recovery. Our services offer respectful, non-intrusive oversight to support independence while ensuring health and safety.

Happy Clients

One night Sarah came to my house 4 1/2 years ago she was told by everyone I was a lost cause I didn’t talk to anyone I was so messed up on so many meds there was so many factors playing into that but she didn’t listen she took a chance on me. She came out to me and asked if I would like to make tacos. I felt her warm presence and I connected with her immediately and I said yes, I came out of my shell and joined almost every group with Sarah. I started working with Sarah privately 2 1/2 years ago and it’s helped me reach my full potential I have done things I never thought possible. She has had me do the simple things such as take money from the ATM to the more rigorous task such as getting a job which I just I just got and I owe it all to Sarah.

From Katie C

★★★★★

Sarah speaks my language. She knows how to talk to me and convince me to do the right thing. She is amazing! Nurturing, sweet, but not dull at all. She understands what people like me need and go through. I trust her more than anyone in my life. She’s the first person I’ll go to in an emergency. She is a big deal in Palm Beach County. Trust her. I love her!

From Justin M