BIO

My name is Sara (she/her), and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Certified Mindfulness-Informed Practitioner. I have over 15 years of experience in behavioral health with individuals, couples, and families needing support through complex life problems. I recognize how difficulties in emotional health can impact all life areas and limit one’s ability to grow into the person they’re meant to be. I am experienced in treating a variety of issues in children, teens, and adults. My therapeutic approach centers around the identified needs of the person in treatment, as well as the strengths they possess. Ultimately, therapy is meant for developing a deeper understanding of ourselves and our environment. In doing so, we are able to access love, happiness, peace, balance, and/or purpose where it has been difficult to otherwise. You are the healer; therapy is the catalyst. It is my responsibility to support and empower my clients while holding them accountable to the goals they have set for themselves.

My theoretical platform draws from humanist, attachment, and feminist theories. I find somatic processing and cognitive behavioral strategies to be effective–with an emphasis on the mind-body connection. I often incorporate polyvagal theory, functional breath work, and other mind/body strategies in treatment. In regard to trauma resolution specifically, I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Narrative Exposure Therapy. I am also trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy. I am practiced at treating the needs of LGBTQIA+ ‘family’, including required letters for gender affirming procedures. I also facilitate Body & Breath group meditation/vagus nerve stretching. Come check it out sometime! 

Outside of Catalyst, I serve on the Board of GenderNexus and am the Director of Counseling at a local university. Additionally, I am a wife and Mama of three sweet peas (human children), 2 dogs, 3 cats, and 1 bunny. I love spending time with them, doing home projects, and gardening. I also do my best to make time for movement and meditation.