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Sarah Westra

Sarah Westra

LCSW
10 years of experience
Solution oriented
Direct
Virtual

Hi there! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Florida. I received my master’s from New York University and have been practicing for 10 years. Before stepping away to develop my private practice, I worked in the local school system for the last 7 years and enjoyed every moment of it. I have a heart for helping children and families deal with life stressors and changes. So much happens in the life of a child/teen- whether it’s getting ready for college, parents going through a divorce, the death of a loved one, or even anxiety and depression that so many teens experience these days, I am here to help. Getting a therapist for your child helps them to feel heard and supported and is the first step into bringing them back into a closer relationship with the family as a whole.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In our first session we will really get to know one another. We want to make sure that I am a good fit for you and/or your child. The foundation of therapy is relationships- and that is what most of our first session will be about. I want to hear all about you, your dreams, your problems and how I can help along the way. There is no pressure here at all- you will lead the way and I will be the support you need to reach those goals.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I believe my passion and calling is to help children and families during their time of need. Everyone goes through struggles in life and sometimes you need a little extra help to get back on your feet. My greatest strength as a therapist is probably that while I have worked with hundreds if not thousands of children in my career, I truly do care about each one and want to give them the tools they need to be successful in life- whatever that looks like for them. I promise to meet you and/or your child exactly where you are at, exactly as you are and do my best to help you and your family to get to the place you want to be. It truly takes a village, and I would love to be part of yours.

About Sarah Westra

Identifies as

Specializes in

Serves ages

Licensed in

Accepts

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Understanding how your thoughts impact your emotions, your emotions impact your behaviors, and then your behaviors impact your thoughts is such a crucial part of overcoming challenges and understanding yourself. I utilize this method with all my clients as a way to empower them to be their own therapist and develop the tools they need to manage whatever life throws their way.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Did you know that practicing mindfulness every day can actually have some of the same benefits as an antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication? It’s true! The chemicals that your brain emits when you train it to be mindful are the exact same neurotransmitters that those medications are designed to bring out. I utilize this practice as a coping skill to teach clients when they are feeling stressed or overwhelmed to help ground themselves and stay present in the moment.

Person-centered (Rogerian)

Person Centered counseling is the cornerstone of my practice. My goal is to meet you exactly where you are, as you are, and help you to get wherever it is you want to be. You are in the driver’s seat of this. You are taking a step in the right direction to help better yourself for yourself and those who love you- I am here to help and empower along the way!

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

Sometimes your time in therapy will be very brief. You have a life change or a problem to solve and once you get past that it will be smooth sailing! That’s what solution focused treatment is for. If you need someone to help you rationalize and come up with solutions to the problems, you are facing- I am more than happy to be that person for you.

Family Therapy

Family Therapy is a very important practice, in my opinion. I have had many families come to me in the past and say "fix my child" for one reason or another. I am more than happy to see your child, but I want you to know what your child needs more than anything is you. That’s why family therapy is so important. Most sessions will be one on one with your preteen, teen or adolescent but occasionally we will meet with the whole family, bringing everyone together and giving everyone the tools they need to create a happy and calm home for everyone.