Sarah Burkhead
Hi everyone! I'm Sarah. I'm a therapist with 11 years of experience, two master's degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, and a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley. I specialize in helping people navigate some of life's most frustrating, isolating, and difficult-to-talk-about experiences.
Chronic illness, fertility struggles, and intimacy concerns can leave you feeling frustrated and isolated. You deserve a therapist who understands how complicated these experiences can be—and who will help you find a way forward without judgment.
*Chronic illness and health challenges:* Living with a chronic health condition can be exhausting in ways other people don't always understand. Between the limitations, uncertainty, endless appointments, and having to advocate for yourself when you barely have the energy, it's easy to feel like your body has betrayed you. I help people work through the grief, anger, anxiety, and identity changes that can come with chronic illness, especially when answers are hard to find. *Infertility and fertility struggles:* There is a particular kind of heartbreak that comes with wanting your body to do something you've been told it should be able to do, only to find that it isn't happening. The appointments, waiting, disappointment, and pressure from society can feel incredibly unfair and lonely. I offer a space where you can be angry, sad, hopeful, exhausted, or all of those things at once, without anyone telling you to "just relax" or "stay positive." *Sexual concerns and performance anxiety:* Sex can become a source of anxiety and frustration when things that used to come naturally suddenly don't. Whether you're dealing with performance concerns, changes in desire, or difficulty feeling confident and comfortable with intimacy, we can work on it. *Relationships:* I also work with individuals navigating relationship challenges, whether they're in monogamous, polyamorous, open, or other relationship structures. Relationships can be complicated, and I enjoy helping people better understand their needs and communicate more effectively. **Please note:** I don't offer couples counseling. My practice is LGBTQ+ and kink-affirming.
First session
In our first session, we'll get to know each other, talk about what's bringing you to therapy, and identify what you'd like to work toward. I believe your time is valuable, so I like to make our sessions productive from the start. That doesn't mean you have to share everything right away or have all the answers. We'll move at a pace that feels comfortable while beginning to figure out what meaningful progress looks like for you.
Strengths
My approach to therapy starts with helping you feel genuinely comfortable talking about things that might feel vulnerable or hard to say out loud. I’ve been told I have a warm, bubbly, and friendly presence, and I use that to create a space where you can be honest without feeling judged or embarrassed.
Ideal clients
I work best with people who want to better understand themselves and find practical ways to make life feel a little more manageable. You don't have to arrive feeling motivated or optimistic. That's something we can work on together! My style is proactive, supportive, and solution-focused. I'll encourage you, gently challenge you when appropriate, and help you take small, realistic steps toward your goals.
Treatment methods
Strength-Based
Strength Based treatment focuses on identifying and utilizing the skills you are already very skilled at and may not recognize in order to create change.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT looks at how you interpret events and situations that occur and how that interpretation can affect your emotions. We work together to see what other interpretations are possible that would result in a less stressful emotional response.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
White
Woman
Top specialties
Chronic Illness / Medical Issues
Fertility & Reproduction Issues
Sexual Health
Other specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Family Conflict
Life Transitions
Self Esteem
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Individual Therapy
Licensed in
Accepted insurance
Cash - $115 per session