Sarah Ortiz
Sarah Ortiz
(she/her)
Hi, I’m Sarah, a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) based in Florida. I support adults navigating anxiety, trauma, addiction recovery, life transitions, and burnout—especially those in high-pressure or caregiving roles. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and rooted in evidence-based practices like CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). I understand the emotional weight carried by those who show up for others every day, often without space to process their own needs. Whether we’re working through a critical incident or everyday stress, I offer a grounded, nonjudgmental space where you can feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. I often work with clients experiencing racing thoughts, emotional exhaustion, relationship stress, or feeling disconnected from themselves and their values. Authenticity is central to my approach—I aim to show up as a real person so you can too. I offer virtual therapy throughout the week and in-person sessions on Fridays only in Tampa for clients who prefer face-to-face work.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, we’ll take time to get to know each other and talk about what’s bringing you to therapy. I’ll ask some questions to understand your background, current concerns, and what you’d like to get out of our work together. We’ll also begin building a treatment plan tailored to your goals, so you feel supported and clear about our direction. You’re welcome to go at your own pace—there’s no pressure to share more than you’re comfortable with. By the end of the session, we’ll have a roadmap for moving forward together.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
Clients often tell me they feel genuinely seen and supported in our work together. I bring a calm, grounding presence and a deep respect for each person’s unique story. My greatest strengths lie in building trust quickly, helping clients feel emotionally safe, and guiding them through difficult experiences without overwhelm. I use evidence-based tools like ART, CBT, and Motivational Interviewing to help clients gain insight, process emotions, and take meaningful action. I also have extensive experience working with first responders and others in high-stress roles, offering therapy that acknowledges the weight of the work without requiring you to explain it. Whether you’re navigating trauma, addiction recovery, or a major life shift, I’ll meet you with empathy, clarity, and a plan that fits.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I’m best positioned to support adults who are ready to do meaningful inner work—even if they’re not quite sure where to start. My clients often show up feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, stuck in old patterns, or unsure how to move forward after trauma, grief, or major life changes. Whether you're working on maintaining sobriety, healing from difficult experiences, or building confidence and clarity, I’ll meet you with compassion, practical tools, and a steady presence. I also work well with clients in high-stress roles who are used to taking care of others but are now ready to focus on themselves.
About Sarah Ortiz
I identify as
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Address
1200 W Platt St, Tampa, FL 33606, 204Appointments
Virtual & in-personMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I regularly incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients recognize and shift unhelpful thought patterns that impact emotions and behaviors. I’ve used CBT with clients struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, and substance use, focusing on building practical coping strategies. Together, we work to challenge distorted thinking, develop healthier beliefs, and create achievable goals that align with your values and personal growth.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing is central to my work with clients navigating change—especially in recovery, relationships, or major life transitions. I use MI to support clients in resolving ambivalence and reconnecting with their inner motivation. Whether you're working toward sobriety or simply feeling stuck, this method helps foster self-efficacy and builds confidence to take the next right step.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
With ACT, I help clients develop psychological flexibility by accepting difficult emotions while committing to meaningful actions. This approach is especially helpful for those dealing with grief, anxiety, or chronic stress. In session, we explore what truly matters to you and how to live more intentionally—even when life feels uncertain or overwhelming.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
When clients are looking for practical strategies and clear direction, I draw from Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. This approach emphasizes your strengths, successes, and what’s already working. We collaborate to identify short-term goals and build on your natural resilience to create positive momentum—one small win at a time.
Trauma Informed Care
With ART, I help clients develop psychological flexibility by accepting difficult emotions while committing to meaningful actions. This approach is especially helpful for those dealing with grief, anxiety, or chronic stress. In session, we explore what truly matters to you and how to live more intentionally—even when life feels uncertain or overwhelming.