Hi, I’m Sarah, and I’m here to support you on your journey toward healing and recovery. I specialize in helping individuals navigate substance use, mental health challenges, and trauma by using evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, and mindfulness. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can grow, find your strengths, and build a life you feel good about.
In the first session, clients can expect a welcoming, judgment-free space where they can begin to share their story at their own pace. I’ll ask questions to learn more about their background, current struggles, substance use history, mental health, and any goals they have for treatment. This helps me understand the full picture so I can tailor our work to meet their unique needs. We’ll also begin identifying strengths, support systems, and areas they want to improve. I’ll explain my role, the types of treatment methods I use (like CBT, DBT, and mindfulness), and how our sessions will be structured. Most importantly, clients will leave the first session knowing they’re not alone—and that they now have someone walking alongside them in their recovery journey.
One of my greatest strengths as a provider is my ability to build authentic, trusting relationships with clients, even those who may be guarded or hesitant due to past trauma or unstable environments. I take time to create a space that feels emotionally safe and judgment-free, where clients feel seen, heard, and respected. I understand that many people come into treatment feeling vulnerable or uncertain, so I work hard to meet them where they are emotionally and mentally, while still gently challenging them toward growth. Clinically, I bring structure and clarity to the treatment process. I use evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care to help clients develop healthier thought patterns, emotional regulation skills, and relapse prevention strategies. I’m also able to adapt these methods to fit each client’s unique needs and pace, whether they’re in crisis, newly in recovery, or rebuilding their lives from the ground up. I also consider my empathy and consistency to be key strengths. I’m patient, I follow through, and I never lose sight of the human being behind the diagnosis. I believe in progress over perfection and help clients find hope even in the hardest parts of their journey.
I’m best positioned to serve clients who are navigating substance use, co-occurring mental health disorders, and trauma. I work well with individuals who may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start, and I provide a structured, compassionate approach to help them regain stability and build a path forward. I also specialize in working with clients who have experienced unstable environments, grief, or family conflict, and who are ready to make meaningful change in their lives.
I regularly use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in my practice to help clients identify and challenge distorted thoughts that contribute to substance use and emotional distress. Through CBT, I guide clients in developing healthier thinking patterns and coping strategies that support long-term recovery. It’s especially effective for relapse prevention, managing triggers, and improving emotional regulation.
I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to support clients with emotional regulation, impulsivity, and interpersonal challenges—especially those with trauma histories or co-occurring disorders. In my practice, I incorporate DBT skills like mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness to help clients navigate high-risk situations without resorting to substance use. These tools are especially valuable in group settings where clients can practice skills in real time and receive peer feedback.
I incorporate mindfulness-based therapy to help clients build awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without judgment. This approach is especially effective in reducing anxiety, managing cravings, and increasing emotional regulation. I use guided mindfulness exercises in both group and individual sessions to help clients stay grounded in the present moment and respond more skillfully to triggers.
I use reality therapy to help clients take accountability for their choices and focus on making positive, present-focused changes. In my practice, I guide clients to explore how their current behaviors align with their goals and values, especially in the context of recovery. This approach empowers clients to identify what they can control and make more effective decisions to support their well-being.
I use Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to help clients identify their strengths and build on what’s already working in their lives. This approach is especially effective in motivating change by focusing on achievable goals and future possibilities rather than problems. In practice, I guide clients to set small, realistic steps and use their own resources to create meaningful progress in recovery.