Sara Dabney, LCSW - Therapist in Florida

Anxiety and stress
CBT and mindfulness
Motivational interviewing

About Sara

Sara Dabney is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Florida with five years of clinical experience. She works with people who bring stress, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, grief, trauma and a wide range of life challenges. Sara also lists work related to LGBT concerns, addictions, self-esteem, eating issues, parenting and intimacy-related worries.

Sara studied social work at the University of South Florida and completed a Master of Social Work there. While in graduate school she received Title IV funding for an emphasis in child maltreatment and took part in research on HIV and PTSD symptomatology. Before social work she trained as a yoga teacher and earned a massage therapy license in 2014.

In sessions she combines cognitive behavioral ideas with mindfulness practices and client-centered methods. She also uses motivational interviewing and elements of dialectical behavior therapy when useful. The focus is on practical skills people can use between sessions to manage overwhelming feelings and improve day-to-day functioning.

Sara says small changes in thinking can change how someone feels. She invites people from all faiths, genders and sexual orientations. Her work includes additional focus areas such as adoption and foster care, autism and Asperger syndrome, body image, chronic illness and caregiver stress.

Language of service is English and her practice is based in Florida. If someone is interested in starting, they follow the site's process to complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule a first session.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online sessions

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping people notice difficult thoughts and choose actions that fit their values. It can be useful for stress, anxiety and making decisions when feeling stuck. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings and behavior and teaches concrete strategies to change unhelpful patterns. Mindfulness Therapy uses simple attention practices to reduce reactivity and increase present-moment awareness, which can help with anxiety and emotion regulation.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and what feels helpful, and adjust methods collaboratively as sessions progress. That shared process helps decide which techniques to emphasize in future meetings.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm the available online options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, reduce commute time and allow shorter check-ins when schedules demand. It also makes it possible to bring worksheets and mindfulness exercises into sessions and to practice techniques between meetings without changing daily routines.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety LGBT Trauma and abuse Self esteem Depression

Also works with

AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGrief Intimacy-related issuesEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

Adoption and foster careAutism and Asperger SyndromeBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCommunication problemsDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingInfidelity Isolation / loneliness Life purpose Mood disorders Panic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stress Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

5+ years

Listed in

Florida

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she address?

Sara works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and related issues including relationship struggles, grief, self-esteem and addictions.

What is her therapeutic style?

She blends cognitive behavioral techniques with mindfulness and client-centered care, adding motivational interviewing and DBT skills as needed.

How much experience does she have?

She has five years of clinical experience as an LCSW in Florida and a background that includes graduate research and prior training in yoga and massage therapy.

Where is she licensed and based?

She is a Florida LCSW and practices in Florida.

Which languages are supported?

Sessions are offered in English only.

Can she work with international clients?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How does cost and billing work?

Costs vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin a first session?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, then schedule a first session.