LISW, 23 years of experience
With over 20 years of experience in the children services field, I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW-S) dedicated to empowering individuals and families to overcome adversity and build resilient futures. I hold a Bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University and a Master’s degree from The Ohio State University. My practice is rooted in the belief that a person’s past does not define their future. Using evidence-based approaches such as Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I help clients identify and challenge thinking errors, develop coping strategies, and rediscover their strengths. My mission is to foster hope, healing, and long-term in the live of others.
In our first session together, we’ll begin with brief introductions to help establish a comfortable and collaborative space. From there, we’ll explore the specific challenges you’re facing—whether personal, relational, or situational. This conversation will guide me in creating a tailored plan that aligns with your goals and values. In follow-up sessions, we’ll use evidence-based approaches like Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you identify thinking patterns, build coping strategies, and move forward with confidence. Your past may shape your story, but it doesn’t define your future—and I’m here to walk alongside you as you write the next chapter.
I specialize in working with individuals who are navigating significant life changes—whether personal, relational, or professional. My approach begins with identifying the root causes of your challenges, not just the symptoms. From there, I develop a personalized plan that aligns with your goals and values, leading to measurable progress and lasting transformation. Together, we’ll use evidence-based techniques to help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and resilience.
I’m passionate about working with adolescents, helping them discover their strengths and become the best version of themselves. I also specialize in supporting parents with children at every stage of development—from early childhood through young adulthood. My clients are motivated to change, and I provide the tools, strategies, and guidance they need to succeed. Whether you're navigating a life transition, parenting challenges, or emotional hurdles, I offer a safe space and a personalized approach to help you move forward with confidence.
The primary goal of motivational interviewing is to help individuals identify and resolve inner conflicts, build self-confidence, and strengthen their motivation to change behaviors that may be negatively impacting their lives. This approach fosters a collaborative, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and empowered. By enhancing intrinsic motivation and reinforcing personal agency, motivational interviewing guides individuals toward making meaningful, self-directed changes that align with their values and goals.
CBT coping skills are designed to help individuals manage difficult situations more effectively by addressing both physical and mental responses. One key technique involves learning how to relax the body—because when the body is calm, the mind can follow. CBT also teaches you to reframe how you interpret circumstances and events, fostering a more positive and balanced outlook. This process begins by identifying common thinking errors—like catastrophizing, black-and-white thinking, or overgeneralizing—and then learning practical strategies to challenge and replace those patterns with healthier, more constructive thoughts.
2 ratings with written reviews
May 2, 2025
Sara is a God send for Grow therapy. I’ve had some good therapists but none like her. She actually cares about my well being and makes me feel respected and valued. <3
March 19, 2025
Very professional and made me feel comfortable.