Sarah Saffian, Licensed Clinical Social Worker- Psychotherapy Privilege, MFA

I counsel individuals, couples, and groups, with empathy, clarity, and humor. My hybrid style is mindful and practical, and infused with unconditional positive regard for you. I consider myself another person in the room, not a blank slate, and the two of us as a team, working together through what's coming up for you as you navigate your way toward greater peace and fulfillment. I come to therapy from a writing and teaching background. I published a memoir, Ithaka, teach memoir-writing at the Iowa Summer Writing Festival, and work as a writing coach. Drawing upon my varied experiences and interests, I've created an approach to therapy that I call Therapeutic Writing. When appropriate, I encourage groups and individuals to use memoir exercises to deepen self-reflection, processing of issues, and discovery. With individuals, these writing exercises can serve as springboards for exploration in session; with groups, I alternate between on-the-spot periods of writing and discussion about what emerges. "The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change." -- Carl Rogers

Whether you're hankering for a "tune up," or in crisis, or grappling with serious, complex issues, or anything in between -- going to therapy is caring for yourself, and therefore actually an act of great strength and courage. Deciding to seek therapy is the first crucial step on the path to greater emotional and mental health.