I have 10+ years of experience as a therapist and advocate in community mental health and non-profit settings. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Supportive Therapy, and Psychotherapy for issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction. Everyone seeking therapy comes for various reasons; my aim will be to help you identify and examine your goals, recognize what barriers are standing in your way, and help you build the motivation, coping skills and emotional resilience to see those goals come to fruition. I am passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community and advocating for increased access to mental health support for traditionally marginalized communities. I view the therapeutic relationship as a partnership, one in which both of us is contributing, learning, and growing, so let’s work together to improve your mental health and well-being!

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

First session we will go over what I like to refer to as the 3 G's: - How did you GET here? Essentially, what brought you here, what are you struggling with? - What are your GOALS? So, what do you want from therapy, what obstacle or barrier do you hope to overcome? - How can we GROW? What kind of support do you need, what have you already tried, what modality will be the best fit based on your goals and understanding of how you learn and process information best. The first session will be about getting to know each other. It is about both of us trying to figure out if this will be the best fit for you and your goals. After working through the 3 G's, the remaining portion of that first session will be in beginning to plan how treatment will go for the next few sessions.

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

I've been been working in the non-profit world for 10 years now, working mainly with people experiencing homelessness. I've seen people at their very worst, their very lowest point, their proverbial 'rock bottom' and still been able to build on innate strengths and engender growth. No one is hopeless, no situation is unworkable. Having experience working amongst so much trauma and with a community on the receiving end of so much vitriol and bias from society at large has afforded me a greater ability to approach my therapeutic work with empathy and without moral judgements. I am adaptable and flexible; as you change and grow, so will our work together. Getting 'stuck' is exactly what we will be seeking to avoid so our sessions will change as you do. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is key to how successful any treatment modality will be, and I view communication and trust as the cornerstone of that relationship. Feedback is a two way process; just as I will be providing you with input and pushing you towards your stated goals, I am open to receiving feedback as well. We cannot be successful together unless we work together and grow together.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

Ever wonder what it might be like to not fear disaster around every corner? Ever imagine how your work or career might flourish free from debilitating negative or anxious thoughts? Ever think about how your life might be different free from addiction or substance misuse? Interested in working with a queer therapist able to understand how confusing and isolating it is to understand and come to terms with your identity? If you answered yes to any of those, I'd love to meet and see if I can be a good fit along your healing journey. I utilize real, tangible, teachable coping skills and help process past events to create a space in which growth and healing is possible.

About Sarah Higgins