Sarah Girling
Hi! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I’ve worked in hospice, school settings, and private practice over the past several years. I help individuals who are feeling anxious, stuck, or overwhelmed reconnect with themselves and build confidence from the inside out. Clients appreciate my grounded yet flexible approach—I guide each session while creating space for them to lead, which helps them feel truly seen and supported.
Clients appreciate my grounded yet flexible approach—I guide each session while creating space for them to lead, which helps them feel truly seen and supported.
First session
In our first session together, we’ll start by getting to know each other and creating a space that feels safe and supportive. I’ll ask a few questions to better understand what’s been coming up for you, but there’s no pressure—we’ll move at your pace. Together, we’ll start to identify what you need most right now and begin building a flexible plan that supports your healing, self-trust, and growth.
Strengths
With years of experience supporting clients through anxiety, grief, and trauma, one of my biggest strengths is creating a grounded, nonjudgmental space where people feel truly seen. I have a strong intuition for helping clients get to the root of what’s keeping them stuck and gently guiding them forward. My approach blends structure with flexibility—so you’ll always feel supported, but never boxed in—as we work toward lasting, aligned transformation.
Ideal clients
I love working with intuitive, deep-feeling individuals who know they’re meant for more but struggle with self-doubt, anxiety, or past trauma that keeps them stuck. My clients are often the “strong ones” for everyone else—but secretly feel disconnected from their own voice. Like me, they’re curious, growth-minded, and ready to heal on a deeper level. They don’t just want to cope—they want to truly align with who they are and live a life that feels authentic, grounded, and free.
Treatment methods
Compassion Focused
I use Compassion-Focused Therapy to help clients shift from self-criticism to self-kindness, especially those struggling with shame, low self-worth, or perfectionism. This approach allows us to gently explore difficult emotions while building inner safety and self-compassion. It’s particularly effective for clients who have experienced trauma or who tend to be hard on themselves.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use ACT to help clients move through anxiety, self-doubt, and emotional pain by teaching them how to accept their internal experiences while taking meaningful action. This approach focuses on clarifying personal values, building psychological flexibility, and empowering clients to live a more authentic and purpose-driven life—even in the face of discomfort.
Somatic
I incorporate somatic approaches to help clients connect with the wisdom of their body, release stored tension, and regulate their nervous system. This is especially helpful for trauma, anxiety, and chronic stress, supporting clients in feeling safer in their bodies and more grounded in the present moment.
Grief Therapy
With several years of experience working in hospice, I support clients through the complex emotions of grief and loss with empathy and presence. My approach honors each person’s unique grieving process, helping them navigate sorrow, find meaning, and gently reconnect with life at their own pace.
Strength-Based
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I use a strengths-based approach to help clients recognize their resilience, inner wisdom, and existing coping skills. This framework empowers clients to build on what’s already working, fostering confidence, self-trust, and lasting growth—even in the face of challenge.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Serves
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Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 124785