Let’s start with a simple truth: needing mental health therapy doesn’t mean something is wrong with you—it means you’re human. Life can be complex, overwhelming, beautiful, and painful—sometimes all in one day. Therapy is a space to explore it all, without shame or judgment.
I’m Sara Sanford, LCSW. I work with teens, adults, and families navigating everything from anxiety and trauma to relationship challenges, identity shifts, grief, and more. Whether you’re feeling stuck, hurting, or simply wanting to understand yourself better, I believe therapy can help you come home to yourself—gently and with care.
What Is Mental Health Therapy?
Mental health therapy is a collaborative, structured process where we explore your thoughts, emotions, relationships, behaviors, and past experiences with the goal of healing, growth, and clarity.
It’s not about “fixing” you. It’s about:
- Making sense of what’s happening inside you
- Gaining tools to manage challenges with more ease
- Reconnecting with your strengths and values
- Learning to treat yourself with compassion
Together, we hold space for the messy, the painful, the confusing—and create room for the calm, the insight, the resilience, too.
Who Is Mental Health Therapy For?
You don’t need a diagnosis to benefit from therapy. I work with people navigating all kinds of experiences, including:
- Persistent anxiety or panic
- Depression, numbness, or emotional overwhelm
- Low self-worth or perfectionism
- Grief and loss
- Burnout, stress, or life transitions
- Identity questions (including gender, sexuality, or cultural identity)
- Trauma or PTSD
- Relationship difficulties with family, partners, or friends
Maybe you’ve tried to “push through,” but it’s not working anymore. Maybe you’re functioning on the outside but struggling inside. Therapy is a place to bring that honesty—and find what you need.
Why People Come to Therapy with Me
Every therapist is different. Here’s what clients say they appreciate about our work together:
🧠 It’s deeply respectful. You are the expert on your life. I bring professional insight and support, but we move at your pace, never mine.
💛 It’s trauma-informed. We don’t dive into pain before building safety. I help you feel grounded and supported every step of the way.
🌱 It’s integrative. I use evidence-based approaches like CBT, somatic therapy, mindfulness, and relational work—because healing is both mind and body.
🎨 It can include creativity. Art, journaling, metaphor, and imagery can all help express what words sometimes can’t.
This isn’t cookie-cutter therapy. It’s therapy designed with you in mind.
What Happens in a Session?
People often ask, “What do we actually do in therapy?” Here’s a glimpse:
- Check-In: We begin by exploring how you’re feeling—physically, emotionally, mentally. You can bring whatever’s on your mind.
- Explore: We unpack what’s showing up. Maybe it’s a conflict with a loved one. Maybe it’s an old wound that’s resurfaced. We look at patterns, thoughts, emotions, and nervous system responses with curiosity—not criticism.
- Practice: I might guide you through grounding exercises, reframing negative beliefs, setting boundaries, or working with internal parts of you that are in conflict.
- Reflect: We notice what’s shifted, what you’re learning, and how you want to carry that forward.
Each session is a step toward greater self-awareness, healing, and self-compassion.
Types of Therapy I Offer
Depending on your needs, we might use one or more of the following:
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) for understanding and shifting unhelpful thought patterns
- Somatic Therapy to connect with your body and nervous system
- Attachment-Based Work to heal relational wounds
- Mindfulness and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) to help you live in alignment with your values
- Trauma-Informed Therapy to gently process and integrate past experiences
- Creative and Expressive Tools when words don’t quite reach
You can learn more about each approach on the Therapy Approach page.
What If I’m New to Therapy (or Nervous About It)?
That’s so normal. So many people come to therapy wondering:
- “Is my problem even big enough?”
- “What if I don’t know what to say?”
- “What if I cry—or can’t cry?”
- “What if therapy doesn’t work for me?”
Here’s what I want you to know: you are welcome here exactly as you are. You don’t need to be articulate, “ready,” or emotionally put together. You just need to be you—and I’ll meet you with warmth, patience, and care.
This post on what therapy is might be a helpful starting place if you’re still unsure.
Therapy for Teens, Adults, and Families
My work includes:
🧒 Teen Therapy: Helping teens find their voice, manage stress, and build self-confidence in a world that often feels overwhelming.
🧍 Individual Therapy for Adults: A safe place to unpack what’s been weighing on you—past or present—and rediscover your inner resources.
🏡 Family or Relationship Therapy: Navigating communication, boundaries, and connection in a way that honors each person’s truth.
No matter who you are, or where you’re starting, you deserve support.
When to Seek Mental Health Therapy
There’s no “right” time—but here are some signs therapy might be helpful:
- You feel stuck in the same patterns, despite your best efforts
- You’re overwhelmed by anxiety, sadness, or stress
- You’ve experienced a loss, trauma, or major life change
- You’re struggling with self-worth or harsh self-talk
- You want a space that’s just for you—to reflect, grow, and feel
If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to give yourself permission to begin.
How to Get Started
I offer a free consultation so you can get a sense of whether we’re a good fit—no pressure or obligation.
Here’s how to begin:
- Visit the Contact Page
- Submit the short inquiry form
- I’ll reach out to schedule a quick phone consult
- If it feels right, we’ll schedule your first session and start building your personalized path forward
You can also read more on the Personalized Therapy Plans blog post to see how I tailor therapy for each person.
Common Questions
How often will we meet?
Most clients start with weekly sessions, though this can shift based on your needs and goals.
Is everything confidential?
Yes. Your privacy is deeply respected, with a few exceptions for safety, which we’ll discuss upfront.
Do you offer online therapy?
Absolutely. Online counseling is available and often just as effective as in-person sessions.
Do you take insurance?
I’m out-of-network but can provide superbills for reimbursement. We’ll talk through what that looks like.
A Final Note
Therapy isn’t just for when things fall apart. It’s for when you want to build something stronger, more grounded, more aligned—with yourself, your relationships, your life.
You don’t have to do it alone.
If you’re ready to explore therapy, or just thinking about it, reach out. I’d be honored to hold space for you.Warmly,
Sara Sanford, LCSW