Sarah Olynger

(she/her)

LCSW, 20 years of experience
Empowering
Open-minded
Intelligent

Hey there. I am a License Clinical Social Worker, who began working in the social work field during my undergraduate education over 20 years ago. Through all my different career experiences, I have always worked with adults and children who have been traumatized, or experienced PTSD and were dealing with the mental health repercussions. In my therapy practice, I am proud to offer a nonjudgemental, safe space which facilitates an optimal environment for healing and growth. I have seen amazing transitions in my clients and observed an incredible capacity for healing.

Get to know me

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

In our first session, we will get to know each other a bit, discuss what brings you to therapy, and work on goals for therapy that are based on what you would like to gain from the therapeutic experience.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I use a holistic, person-centered approach to find what works for each individual. With the knowledge I have gained from working with individuals who have experienced trauma and PTSD, I have come up with a practice that helps to change the way my clients think about their traumatic experiences. I guide my clients to change their beliefs about themselves that stemmed from the trauma. I teach coping skills to help my clients deal with the trauma, and empower them to move forward in their lives successfully.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I feel most aligned working with clients, who have recent or past trauma, or are suffering from PTSD. My clients are usually experiencing negative effects from the trauma or PTSD, and I enjoy helping them re-process their experiences, heal from their trauma, and move forward empowered and ready to thrive.

Specialties

Top specialties

I identify as

Serves ages

Teenagers (13 to 17)

Licensed in

Accepts cash

$200/session

Location

Offers in-person in 230 2nd St, Encinitas, CA 92024, Suite 201

Virtual

My treatment methods

EMDR

I use EMDR therapy with clients to help them reprocess traumatic experiences which have created negative internalized beliefs ultimately relieving current distress.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

In my therapy practice, I incorporate mindfulness into sessions to help clients be present in the moment. This allows you to let go of depression about what’s happened in the past or anxiety about what might happen in the future.

Motivational Interviewing

I use motivational interviewing as a way to collaborate with clients, explore client's ideas about change, and emphasize the autonomy of the client.

Somatic

As a therapist that incorporates somatic healing, I use mind-body techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, and movement to release emotional and physical stress that is trapped in the body so my clients can process their trauma and heal.

, 32 ratings

3 ratings with written reviews

June 18, 2025

Sarah has been so kind and considerate with allowing me a platform to open up and just vent at times. Sarah is an incredible listener and is thoughtful with remembering aspects of my life by giving helpful advice and guidance. We aren't exactly alike in many ways but I believe the differences are just what I need in assisting me with moving forward when I face difficulties.

Verified client, age 35-44
Review shared after session 16 with Sarah

June 10, 2025

I just love working with Sarah. I don't know where I would be without her through this last year and a half.

Verified client, age 35-44
Review shared after session 50 with Sarah

May 19, 2025

It's too bad I can't pick all the options about what stands out. Sarah is very warm in conversation. She is direct & solution oriented while creating space for venting. My interactions with her have alway been authentic, empowering and sprinkled with humor. She has been open minded with every aspect of my session. I can't say enough good things. I feel confident I am unpacking my "stuff" for good. I am in good hands. :)

Verified client, age 35-44
Review shared after session 44 with Sarah