Therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp. We will earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you use our links to purchase.

Sarah Axley

Sarah Axley, LCSW

Virginia

Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Family concerns and mood issues

See online therapy options
  • Client-Centered Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Mindfulness Therapy

About Sarah

Sarah Axley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Virginia with 15 years of clinical experience. She works with adults dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, relationship and family concerns, and other life changes. She also notes experience with LGBT issues, sleep problems, parenting strain, bipolar spectrum concerns, and family of origin issues.

She trained in psychology and social work at Virginia Commonwealth University and completed a Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Aging Studies through VCU’s Department of Gerontology. Since 2009 she has provided psychotherapy across outpatient clinics, intensive community settings, and hospital-based care. She earned her License in Clinical Social Work in 2012 while working in outpatient services with people facing a range of diagnoses and life situations.

Sarah bases her work on a collaborative relationship. Sessions can focus on gaining insight, building coping skills, changing unhelpful thinking patterns, or improving communication. She commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness approaches, Narrative Therapy, and Client-Centered methods, selecting tools that match a person’s needs and preferences.

Her practice includes support for grief and loss and for people managing stress related to public events or health crises. She uses a strengths perspective and assigns practical tasks between sessions to reinforce progress. That homework often becomes where new skills take hold.

Clients should expect straightforward, focused sessions that mix talk, skill practice, and goal-setting. International clients may be accepted; confirm session options and formats when scheduling to ensure they match your needs.

How therapeutic approaches shape online sessions

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on the person’s perspective and aims to build a strong working relationship. In sessions this looks like reflective listening, open questions, and letting the client's priorities guide the work. It is useful for building insight and improving communication.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets specific thinking and behavior patterns that contribute to stress or low mood. Online CBT typically includes setting goals, practicing new skills, and tracking changes between sessions. This method helps with anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and unhelpful coping habits.

Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to manage stress and reactivity. Online sessions may introduce short exercises and then recommend brief daily practice to reduce rumination and improve focus.

Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels workable for the client. Together they will try methods, review what helps, and adjust the plan as needed.

Session formats are not listed here, so confirm the current options before booking. Many people find online work helpful because it can fit into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and make it easier to continue therapy while traveling or between obligations. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises, homework, and communication to the format agreed during intake.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementBipolar disorderCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommunication problemsDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

15+ years

Listed in

Virginia

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does she help with?

She helps with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, relationship and family concerns, and related life changes. Family of origin issues are included among her focus areas.

What is her therapeutic style?

She works collaboratively and uses practical approaches like CBT, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, narrative work, and client-centered methods. The focus is on insight, skills, and communication.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has 15 years of psychotherapy experience, providing care in outpatient clinics, intensive community settings, and hospital environments since 2009.

What are her credentials and where does she practice?

She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Virginia and practices there.

Can I work with her if I live outside the U.S.?

She accepts international clients. Confirm session logistics and any regional considerations when arranging appointments.

Which session formats are offered?

Session formats are not specified here. Please confirm the current session options before booking to know how sessions will be conducted.

How does payment work and what does it cost?

Cost varies with location. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time; check the platform or intake materials for exact pricing details.

How do I begin working with her?

Choose the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session to get started.

Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.

Sarah AxleyLCSW

See online therapy options