Sarah Malanowski
Hello, I’m Sarah! My approach is very open, informal, realistic, and compassionate. I have a decade of experience as a licensed social worker, working with clients from infants to older adults and end of life. I’ve worked a lot in the community setting, visiting clients in their homes, assisting with medical, mental health, environmental and social issues. As a medical social worker I’ve dealt with chronic and complex medical patients of all ages. I have experience working with things like depression, anxiety, trouble adjusting, life changes, transitions, self-worth challenges, relationship issues, parenting, homebound/isolation, aging issues, and chronic illness issues.
First session
First session is unlike any other session, as it’s the time we meet, get to know each other and I get to learn what you desire to get out of therapy and what has brought you to your current place in life, as well as where you’d like to be in life. It’s also the time I set professional boundaries and make sure you understand each of our roles and how I will help you accomplish what you desire.
Strengths
I have spent much of my career, “in the trenches” with various types of clients, issues and needs, so I am well versed in many different approaches to help you. I believe in providing a safe, judgment-free space for you to openly share your thoughts and feelings to get the skills and tools to help you implement the changes you desire to see.
Ideal clients
Whatever life is throwing at you, I can help you navigate life’s challenges and work towards living your best life. I can help provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to start making progress towards feeling better and being the best version of yourself. My approach is open, welcoming and professionally informal. I am here for YOU and YOUR goals! With active engagement, you can learn to improve how you experience and interact with the world to increase positive choices and healing.
Treatment methods
Solution-Focused Brief Treatment
I help clients through solution focused intervention to look at what strengths and resources you already have that you can tap into to achieve what you desire.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
This model can help clients understand better how they think and behave, especially in relation to negative mindsets and how thoughts can impact moods. Then we work to find realistic solutions to your problems, sometimes breaking down problems into smaller pieces for better resolution.
Compassion-Focused
This model helps clients learn to be more compassionate with themselves and others. You can learn to diffuse self criticism, recognize what compassion feels like and develop more positive internal feelings for better quality of life.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I will use multiple therapeutic models to best support what you seek from therapy. Person centered is focusing on you, as therapy is your time and I am here to help you meet your goals.
Location
Virtual sessions