- ACT techniques
- CBT strategies
- Neurodiversity aware
About Sarah
Sarah Spurling is an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) practicing in Illinois with three years of experience. She works with adults who are wrestling with stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, self-esteem concerns, and issues related to LGBT identity, including gender dysphoria and guilt and shame.
She often meets people who feel overwhelmed or emotionally stuck. Thoughts that won’t slow down, low motivation, or going through the motions are common themes she addresses. Sarah emphasizes a relational approach where clients can be themselves without masking or over-explaining.
Her work focuses on helping people understand themselves better and develop coping skills that fit their daily life. She uses practical tools from therapies like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, combined with a client-centered stance that values the person’s experience. Sessions can also explore attachment, abandonment, body image, and family of origin issues when those relate to current struggles.
Sarah has experience working with autistic adults and those exploring a later-in-life diagnosis, and she runs autism support groups in addition to individual therapy. She also addresses caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, codependency, dissociation, and first responder issues when relevant.
Starting therapy can feel hard, and Sarah aims to help people take that first step without pressure. The initial work is usually about building trust, clarifying goals, and trying practical coping strategies that fit the client’s life.
Therapeutic approaches used in online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice painful thoughts without getting stuck in them and identify what matters most to them. It can be useful for persistent guilt, anxiety, and challenges where avoidance keeps someone from acting on values.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and offers concrete exercises to change unhelpful patterns. This approach is often used for anxiety, low mood, and intrusive self-critical thoughts that feed shame.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. That may mean trying a few techniques and adjusting what’s being used as therapy progresses.
Confirm the available session formats before booking since the original biography does not list them. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce time spent traveling. They also let clients use tools and worksheets during a session and practice skills in the context of their daily routine.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
3+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She works with adults around stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem, LGBT concerns, and related issues such as guilt and shame.
How would she approach feelings of shame or guilt?
She uses a relational, client-centered style and draws on approaches like ACT and CBT to help people name their feelings and try manageable tools for coping.
How much experience does she have?
She has three years of clinical experience working with adults on anxiety, depression, trauma, and neurodivergence.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is an LCSW licensed in Illinois and practices there.
Can sessions be conducted in other languages or with international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats does she offer?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not specify which formats are offered.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.