LMHC, 20 years of experience
New to Grow
Welcome! I am Sarah and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified School Counselor in Florida. My 20 years of clinical experience have given me opportunity to work with a diverse population and in various therapeutic settings from Residential treatment, outpatient, to in-home therapy. These experiences have shaped me both personally and professionally. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Although I have had opportunities to help clients work through different needs, I have a wealth of experience particularly working with clients who have experienced trauma, families who are currently going through the adoption process, and helping parents to build healthy, secure attachments to their children. I believe therapists best serve their clients by walking beside them with a strength -based and client- centered approach. Through a strong therapeutic relationship, clients are able to change the way they see themselves, heal from previous or current hurts, and change the way they interact with others. My goal is to partner and collaborate with my clients to identify what goals the client wishes to work on, identify coping strategies that work most effectively for them, and help the client better understand what has caused the current distress they are experiencing. My intention behind this approach is to support and empower clients to continuing to grow far past their final therapy session.
I fully understand that going to therapy can feel scary and intimidating. Please know that I admire you as you have taken the first step to explore who may be able to support you best in getting what you need to feel and live the life you wish to! I work hard to provide an environment that is warm and welcoming. The primary goal of the first session is to begin building a therapeutic relationship and for the client to leave the session feeling heard, understood, and experiencing a larger sense of hope. During our first session, we will have a conversation so that I can begin to understand what has brought you to seek therapy and what you are hoping to gain from engaging in therapy. One of my goals of the first session, is to not only get to know the client but, for the client to also get to know me as a clinician. I firmly believe that it is important for people to work with a therapist they feel they can connect to and trust. If for any reason someone feels it is best for them to seek a different therapist, I want a client to feel comfortable sharing that with me. In that situation, my biggest goal is to be sure the client has someone to work with even if it may not be me as my primary concern is helping people heal and seek their highest potential. I very much look forward to working with you!
I have received feedback from prior clients that they feel safe and comfortable with me. I work from a belief that everyone has the ability to make growth. The combination of my clinical knowledge and creating a space for clients to experience themselves differently is one of the specific strengths that I have as a clinician. I do not see myself as an expert, rather someone who can serve as a mirror to my clients so they are able to gain insights about themselves they have not understood previously. I believe often clients have the answers to things within themselves, they just need the right support and environment to uncover them. I also have a strength in helping clients to gain a deeper understanding of what is contributing to their current distress. Although there are times that problem solving a solution is needed, it is also imperative to gain an understanding of why things may be occurring. I am strong at creating an environment where people feel empowered, valuable, and believed in so clients are able to be vulnerable to celebrate both challenges and successes during the process. I have a strong ability to meet clients where they are at and building from there to succeed at reaching their goals. I have been told I am able to build relationships with clients of all ages and backgrounds. This is particularly important as the therapist-client relationship is the vehicle through which all change occurs.
I thoroughly enjoy working with a diverse group of clients with many different needs and backgrounds. As mentioned previously, I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults throughout my career. However, I work best with clients who are willing and ready to build a trusting relationship with a therapist so they can meet the goals they desire for themselves. It is okay to not know how to make the change that is needed and to feel apprehensive about the process but, it is important clients are willing to do the needed work with a therapist they feel most comfortable with. It is imperative to come to therapy prepared to be honest with yourself and me so that we are able to work through what is needed. I hope to work with clients who are open to considering different approaches or ways to think about things even if it initially feels uncomfortable. When I am working with children and adolescents, I find most growth and healing occurs when parents or guardians are willing to come along side their child during their journey. Parents and caregivers are such a valuable part to the therapeutic process and can play an enormous role in the healing of their child. I truly love having an opportunity to be a part of this process.
Often times, our early experiences may be impacting our current relationships and functioning more than we are aware of. As a result, I work to understand early life experiences and attachments. An attachment -based method helps me to support clients in better understanding themselves and, in turn, create healing in current situations and relationships. I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and family systems where I often use this method as well.
I have utilized Cognitive Behavioral therapy throughout my 20 years of experiences as a therapist. This approach supports clients to identify negative thoughts patterns and become more aware of how these patterns affect our feelings and behaviors. When using this method, I aid clients in changing the negative thought patterns to open up opportunity for improvement in feelings and meeting personal goals.
Person-centered is a foundational approach that I utilized with all clients, regardless of age or reason for pursuing therapy services. I have a belief that healing occurs in context of a client-therapist relationship where clients feel valued, heard, and respected. The therapist and client relationship is the primary vehicle that drives the healing and change clients are seeking.
The majority of my clinical experience has been with clients who have experienced trauma and are seeking healing. As a result, I consistently engage with clients from a trauma informed perspective. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults who are being impacted by a traumatic experience or experiences to make space for a reduction in somatic symptoms, foster a sense of safety and personal control, and healing.
Although I work to give clients an environment to understand and reflect on underlying concerns, I also utilize a solution focused approach when most beneficial to the client. A solution focused approach can help clients reflect and think about current struggles and feel empowered to problem solve and respond differently to life's challenges.