Licensed to practice in Minnesota and accepts 11 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Child or Adolescent, Grief and 7 more.

Sara Goudge

LPCC, 17 years of experience
No reviews yet

New to Grow

VirtualAvailable

I believe therapy works best when you feel comfortable enough to show up as yourself — without judgment or pressure to have everything figured out. My approach is collaborative, person-centered, and grounded in authenticity, humor, and compassion. I strive to create a space where clients feel heard, supported, gently challenged, and empowered to discover solutions that feel meaningful to them. I work with adolescents, young adults, adults, military families, and individuals navigating grief, life transitions, anxiety, depression, stress, and serious mental illness. I have a deep appreciation for helping people move through difficult seasons while building insight, resilience, and self-understanding along the way. My style blends psychoeducation with practical tools and evidence-based approaches including mindfulness, CBT, narrative therapy, strengths-based and solution-focused therapy, somatic techniques, and play-based interventions when appropriate. Above all, I aim to meet clients where they are and help them move toward growth and healing at their own pace.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Starting therapy can feel unfamiliar or even a little intimidating, especially if it’s your first time. My goal during our first session is to help create a space where you feel comfortable, supported, and able to show up as yourself without pressure or judgment. The first appointment is considered an intake session, which means we’ll spend time getting to know you and gathering important background information. This may include discussing your current concerns, personal history, relationships, stressors, mental health experiences, coping patterns, strengths, and goals for therapy. I understand that sharing personal information can feel vulnerable, and there is no expectation to tell your entire life story all at once. We move at a pace that feels manageable and respectful for you. In addition to gathering information, the first session is also about building rapport and helping you become more comfortable with the therapy process itself. Therapy is a collaborative relationship, and finding a sense of trust and connection matters. You are encouraged to ask questions, share concerns, and be honest about what you are hoping for from therapy. My style is conversational, collaborative, and grounded in authenticity. I aim to balance compassion, curiosity, practical support, and occasional humor when appropriate. While we may begin exploring patterns or goals early on, there is no pressure to have everything figured out before you begin. Therapy is a process, and our work together will develop over time based on your needs, experiences, and goals.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

Choosing a therapist can feel intimidating, and I believe the most meaningful therapy happens when you feel comfortable showing up exactly as you are. My approach is collaborative, down-to-earth, and centered around creating a space where you feel heard, respected, and understood without judgment. I work from the belief that everyone experiences struggles, challenges, and seasons of change. Therapy is not about “fixing” who you are — it’s about building insight, resilience, and confidence while learning new ways to navigate life’s difficulties. I strive to help clients take their concerns seriously while also remembering not to take themselves too seriously. Humor, honesty, and authenticity all have a place in the therapy room. My style is person-centered and flexible, meaning I meet clients where they are and tailor therapy to fit their individual needs and goals. I gently challenge clients when helpful, encourage self-reflection, and work collaboratively to help people discover solutions that feel meaningful and sustainable for them. I also value psychoeducation and enjoy helping clients better understand the emotional, behavioral, and relational patterns that influence their lives. I have a deep passion for grief counseling and supporting individuals through loss, transition, and identity changes. I also enjoy working with adolescents and young adults navigating the often-overwhelming transition into adulthood, as well as military members and families facing the unique stressors that come with military life and service. My background also includes experience in crisis intervention and supporting individuals living with serious mental illness, always with an emphasis on compassion, dignity, and nonjudgmental care. I incorporate techniques from narrative therapy, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), strengths-based and solution-focused approaches, somatic techniques, and play-based interventions when appropriate. Above all, I aim to create a supportive environment where clients can grow, heal, and feel empowered to move forward in ways that align with who they are.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I have a deep passion for grief counseling and supporting individuals through loss, transition, and identity changes. I also enjoy working with adolescents and young adults navigating the often-overwhelming transition into adulthood, as well as military members and families facing the unique stressors that come with military life and service. My background also includes experience in crisis intervention and supporting individuals living with serious mental illness, always with an emphasis on compassion, dignity, and nonjudgmental care.

Specialties

Top specialties

Other specialties

Military/Veterans

Self Esteem

I identify as

Serves ages

Licensed in

Location

Virtual

My treatment methods

Grief Therapy

I have a particular passion for grief counseling and supporting clients through difficult seasons of change, uncertainty, and healing. Whether someone is coping with loss, adjusting to a new stage of life, or feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve them, I strive to provide a compassionate and supportive space for growth.

New to Grow
This provider hasn’t received any written reviews yet. We started collecting written reviews January 1, 2025.