Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it. – Tori Amos
Sarah is currently in network with Aetna, Anthem, BCBSIL PPO, Blue Choice, United Healthcare and Cigna. She is also offering self-pay and can also provide a SuperBill if requested.
Hi there! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. I believe everyone has the ability to overcome life’s challenges and the first sign of strength is to ask for the help and support we need. I am passionate about helping clients work towards coping, self-care, and personal growth. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space to collaborate with clients. I feel that through therapy, we can work together to gain tools and insight in order to meet life’s full potential. I aim to promote strengths and empower my clients. I also consider that each client is an expert in their own life and their experiences. Together we will utilize individual strengths to achieve a more balanced and fulfilling life.
APPROACH
I collaborate with my clients to determine what approach works best for each individual based on their goals and preferences. I am flexible on whether a more structured or relaxed approach is needed. Usually, my clients fall somewhere in between. The approaches I use most often are Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Here is a little bit more information about each of those:
Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) aims at finding solutions in the present time. The foundation of SFBT is goal setting. We will set realistic, and identifiable goals and find solutions to get you to those goals.
Person Centered Therapy is a client centered approach in which the therapist will strive to understand the clients experience from their perspective. It also is on the basis that each person has the innate ability to change and grow, which sometimes becomes clouded by certain life experiences or struggles.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach in which negative thoughts and distortions in thinking are challenged. Once the patterns of thinking are identified, we work to change those patterns which will in turn change your feelings and then your behaviors.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
2021 – Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, summa cum laude | National Louis University
2013 – Bachelor of Science, magna cum laude | Illinois State University
EXPERIENCE
I have experience working with adults in a private practice setting experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, and more. In particular, I have extended knowledge in helping teachers, men with anxiety, working parents with young children, adults struggling with self-esteem, and those entering therapy for the first time. In my graduate studies, I created and led a psycho-educational support group for teachers that focused on using CBT and Mindfulness to achieve goals such as regain control, empower themself, achieve balance, and discover support.
PERSONAL
In my free time, I prioritize spending quality time with my partner and two kids. We enjoy being outside, going on long walks, or discovering new trails. Aside from spending time with my family, I also like to indulge in my creative hobbies. Photography, sewing, and painting are some of my favorite ways to relax and I am always open to trying new projects and forms of media.