Sarah Beren, LCAT

We all want to love, be loved, do something meaningful, and have purpose in our lives, yet all too often prior relationships and life experiences have left us with coping skills that are unhealthy, ineffective, or just downright baffling. Spotted Rabbit therapists are experienced in working with teens and adults who have a history of childhood emotional abuse and neglect, especially those in the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities. Those we work with often find that they have difficulty with relationships, struggle to relax, and want to feel more in control of their lives. Our therapeutic philosophy is built on long-term relief of your suffering. Through the processing of past experiences we help clients make sense of their current behaviors, thoughts, and emotions, enabling them to be more effective in their relationships with others and lead more meaningful lives. Unfortunately, we cannot make the difficult emotions go away, but by using art therapy approaches and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) we can develop effective strategies to lessen the intensity and frequency of these experiences while increasing satisfaction in other areas of your life. As therapists we are committed to a strength-based, values-focused approach and believe strongly that developing meaning and purpose in your life is a necessity for overall well-being.

We don't work in a stale clinical space, or one that's filled with positivity cliches. Our therapists are real people, who will treat you as an equal on your journey toward emotional wellness. Therapy sessions are held at a table, so that you may engage in art making during your time with us. Our space is colorful and homey feeling, and is a place where you're free to make a mess or kick your shoes off. While we chat, we'll use art making to help reduce anxiety as well as provide prompts to encourage insight.

Not all therapists are the same. Many of our clients have come to us after previous attempts at therapy elsewhere and we've gotten a lot of feedback as to what makes us different. First and foremost we don't try to change people. We recognize that our diversity is what makes us special as well as validate the struggles of being queer and neurodivergent in a world designed for cishet neurotypicals (mostly because we're also queer and neurodivergent ourselves). We also really know trauma, particularly the lasting effects of childhood emotional neglect including related conditions such as eating disorders and dissociative disorders. We focus on helping you understand your trauma responses so that you can start healing your nervous system instead of fighting it. Lastly, as art therapists we offer mind and body experiences that you just can't get through talk therapy alone. We know reaching out to a new therapist can be terrifying, but we are so excited that you are here and we'll do everything we can to support you in taking that next step. Let us know how we can help!