- Stress and anxiety
- Family of origin issues
- CBT and ACT methods
About Sarah
Sarah Spurling is an Illinois licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with three years of experience working with adults. She supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, and concerns related to LGBT identity. Family of origin issues and attachment concerns are also among the topics she addresses.
Sarah typically sees adults who feel emotionally stuck or worn out by daily life. She listens to how family roles and expectations still affect current decisions and relationships. Sessions focus on making sense of those patterns so they feel more manageable.
Her approach emphasizes a collaborative relationship rather than quick fixes. She uses practical skills from cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy to help with thinking patterns and emotion regulation. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy techniques are used to clarify values and take small, doable steps toward change.
Sarah also draws on client-centered and existential ideas to focus on each person’s present experience and choices. Therapy often includes straightforward conversation about coping strategies that fit a client's routine, and pacing that respects readiness for change.
She has worked with autistic adults and with people exploring a later-in-life neurodivergent diagnosis. In addition to individual sessions she facilitates autism support groups, helping participants share practical tools and mutual support.
To begin, clients complete an initial matching questionnaire and schedule a first meeting. Early sessions aim to identify immediate priorities and the kinds of tools that will help in everyday life.
How therapeutic approaches guide online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and commit to actions that match their values. It can be useful when someone wants to reduce avoidance and take small steps toward important parts of life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying thinking patterns that increase anxiety or low mood and trying practical experiments to shift those patterns. It suits people who want concrete strategies for everyday problems.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels doable and then try methods that match those priorities. That collaborative process makes it easier to pick strategies that fit a client's life and timing.
The therapist's biography does not specify session formats, so confirm available online options before booking. Many people choose online sessions because they can fit appointments into work breaks, avoid travel time, or use a shorter check-in when needed. Online meetings can also make it easier to keep continuity of care across life changes while using the ACT, CBT, and client-centered tools described above.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
3+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, grief, self-esteem issues, LGBT concerns, trauma and abuse, and family of origin issues among other related topics.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
She uses a relational, supportive approach with practical skills work. Sessions combine conversation with tools from CBT, DBT, and ACT as appropriate.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has three years of professional experience as an LCSW working with adults on anxiety, depression, trauma, and related concerns.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is an IL LCSW and practices in Illinois.
Are sessions offered in other languages or internationally?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are used?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How is cost handled?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with therapy?
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, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.