Hey there! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania. Born & raised in PA, I graduated with my Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2017. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and certified in the use of EMDR to help clients struggling with symptoms of trauma (such as flashbacks, nightmares, feeling "on edge," etc.), anxiety, low self-esteem, & many more. I help my clients put the past in the past and learn how to make the most out of the present moment.
First sessions can cause anxiety for both the client and the therapist (calling myself out here!), so I will try to make our first session as comfortable as possible. In our first session, we'll get to know one another and discuss what therapy with Sara is all about. We'll start exploring what you hope to get out of therapy and identify some goals we can work on. I'll answer any questions you have and we'll establish a treatment plan together.
I show up to every session authentically. Clients have told me I'm funny, easy to talk to, truly non-judgmental, and down to earth. I present as a “real person” rather than a detached expert, so my clients can feel relaxed rather than intimidated like they may at a doctor’s office.
I am certified in the use of EMDR both in-person and virtually. EMDR is my go-to intervention for clients suffering from the aftermath of traumas, such as domestic violence, childhood abuse, single-incident traumas (such as car accidents), & others. I also have experience using EMDR with grief, addictions, & anxiety/fears. I've found EMDR to be an amazing, powerful tool, and feel that most clients can benefit from principles of EMDR in some way.
At my core, I am an Humanistic therapist. Humanistic theory suggests that the most important part of therapy is having a strong connection between clinician and client, which allows the client to feel confident sharing their inner world and engaging in self reflection in a safe way. For this reason, I prioritize building a strong foundation built on trust with each & every client. I will utilize empathy, authenticity, and humor to challenge you to become the best version of yourself that I know you can be!