Sara Sanford, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional-II

You might be here because something isn’t working — even if you can’t fully name what it is. Maybe you feel anxious, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that are painful but familiar. You’ve probably been holding it together for a long time — doing what’s expected, showing up for others, managing the day-to-day. But inside, it’s exhausting. You might feel like you’re unraveling, like something is missing, or like no one really sees what you’re carrying. If any of this resonates, I want you to know: you're not alone, and you don't have to keep holding it all by yourself.

I work with adults, teens, and couples who are ready to explore what’s underneath the surface. Many of the people I work with have lived through trauma, emotional neglect, or chronic stress — and while they’ve learned how to function, they don’t always feel connected, safe, or whole. You might be navigating anxiety, relationship difficulties, burnout, self-doubt, or patterns that feel impossible to break. I’m here to help you slow down, listen to yourself more deeply, and begin the process of healing from the inside out.

My approach to therapy is relational, trauma-informed, and grounded in compassion. I’m not a therapist who sits back in silence. I show up as a real person — present, engaged, and attuned to you. I bring warmth, curiosity, and deep respect for your story. We move at your pace. I don’t believe in pushing or pathologizing. I believe in creating a space where all parts of you are welcome — even the ones you’ve learned to hide, dismiss, or silence.

With adults, our work often focuses on healing attachment wounds, reducing anxiety, softening self-criticism, and building more authentic, connected relationships. I help you notice and shift patterns that were once protective but are no longer serving you. We look at how your past might be living in your present — not to stay stuck there, but to understand how it shaped you and how you can move forward with more freedom and self-trust.

With teens, I create a calm, grounded space where they can begin to make sense of what they’re feeling and who they’re becoming. Many of the teens I work with feel deeply but don’t always have the words. They might be navigating anxiety, identity questions, family dynamics, or emotional overwhelm. Therapy can be a place where they feel safe to be themselves, ask hard questions, and develop the tools to manage life’s complexities with more resilience.

For couples, I support both partners in slowing down reactive patterns, improving communication, and rebuilding emotional safety. Many of the couples I work with are dealing with the impact of past trauma, ruptures in trust, or a sense of emotional disconnection. Together, we create space for honest conversations, deeper understanding, and more meaningful connection — even when it’s hard.

At the core of my philosophy is the belief that healing happens in safe, attuned relationship. I don’t see you as a problem to be fixed — I see you as a person worthy of care, curiosity, and compassion. Therapy is not about changing who you are — it’s about reconnecting with yourself in a way that feels empowering and true.

I also understand that beginning therapy can feel vulnerable. You don’t have to know exactly what you need or how to say it. You just have to be willing to show up — and I’ll meet you there.

Therapy with me is a space where you can breathe. Where you don’t have to minimize your experience or pretend to have it all together. Where you can explore your past without getting stuck in it, and imagine a future that feels more aligned, grounded, and real.

If you're ready for therapy that goes beyond coping — therapy that helps you feel more like yourself — I invite you to reach out. Let’s talk about what you’re hoping for and see if working together feels like the right fit. You deserve support that honors your story and helps you move forward. I’d be honored to walk with you.