Sarah Smithers
Are you a woman or college student always thinking of the worst case scenario, and feel anxious and on edge no matter what you do? You’re someone who's successful, yet still find yourself doubting, second guessing, and feeling fearful about the future. You struggle to put your needs first and something is telling you that you need to make a change, even though you’re not quite sure what it is yet. You want to gain a deeper insight into yourself and improve your relationships! You’re someone who's ready to change your “default” setting and finally begin to make real changes in your life. I specialize in working with women and college students struggling with anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, and narcissistic abuse understand themselves on a deeper level and make lasting changes in their lives. Clients come to me looking for a therapist who "gets" them, is relatable and open-minded, because therapy should be a space where you can be you. I’ll show up as a real person, challenge you when you need it, and be genuinely invested in you and your path. Here you can show up to reflect, process, and unravel difficult thoughts and feelings. I will help guide you in getting curious about yourself, which will lead to not just feeling better, but actually thriving!
First session
First, we explore your history, thought patterns, and relationship dynamics with curiosity, not judgment. Then we focus on building tools that support real-life change. This can include clearer communication, healthier boundaries, stronger emotional regulation, and learning how to respond to old thought patterns in new ways that feel steadier and more aligned. My goal isn’t just symptom relief. It’s helping you develop self-trust, confidence, and the ability to navigate life with more clarity and stability. You remain in control of the pace. We move toward growth in a way that feels sustainable, not rushed.
Strengths
I work with women and college students who already carry strength within them, even if it feels buried under anxiety, trauma, or years of putting themselves last. Together, we slow things down and begin to understand what’s been keeping you stuck. From there, we build the awareness and practical skills that help you move forward. When we work together, you won’t just have a trained therapist. You’ll have someone who listens carefully, takes your experiences seriously, and believes that meaningful change is possible, even if it doesn’t feel that way right now. There are many one-size-fits-all approaches to anxiety, trauma, and relationship challenges. I'll show up as a real person, challenge you when you need it, and be genuinely invested in you and your counseling goals. Here you can show up to reflect, process, and unravel difficult thoughts and feelings. I will help guide you in getting curious about yourself, which will lead to not just surviving, but actually thriving!
Ideal clients
I specialize in working with women and college students struggling with anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, and narcissistic abuse understand themselves on a deeper level and make real changes in their lives. Many of my clients are successful who often appear calm on the outside, but feel anxious on the inside. They may feel overwhelmed, stuck, and disconnected from themselves. My goal is to help clients with over functioning, burn out, perfectionism, and mind racing thoughts finally feel more like themselves again.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) to help treat: Anxiety, Depression, OCD, and PTSD.
Attachment-based
I use Attachment-based Therapy to treat: relationship challenges, codependency, fear of abandonment, trust issues, and unhealthy attachment patterns. Childhood Trauma/Neglect: Emotional wounds from early life. Depression, generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD, CPTSD, and emotional Regulation.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help treat: Depression, generalized anxiety, panic, PTSD and C-PTSD, and life Challenges.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
I use Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to help treat: PTSD and C-PTSD
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I use Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to help treat: Depression, anxiety, PTSD, CPTSD, and stress.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
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Serves
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- MichiganLicense 6801110778