About Sarah
Sarah Axley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 15 years of experience. She works with people dealing with stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, self-esteem and depression, and lists social anxiety and phobia among her areas of focus.
She trained at Virginia Commonwealth University, earning a Master of Social Work and a Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Aging Studies. Sarah has provided psychotherapy in outpatient clinics, in intensive community-based programs, and currently works in a hospital setting. She earned her LCSW in Virginia in 2012 and has long experience with mood disorders, trauma, substance use, and autism spectrum conditions.
Sessions emphasize a collaborative relationship. Sarah helps people talk through problems, learn practical skills, and shift patterns of thinking that get in the way. She often uses cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, motivational interviewing, narrative methods, and client-centered work to support goals.
Work between sessions is expected and encouraged. Clients commonly complete short tasks or exercises that reinforce skills and make progress between meetings. Sarah also has experience supporting people through grief and stress related to public events and health crises.
She identifies as LGBTQ+ informed and notes experience with caregiving, chronic illness, aging, and challenges that can come from isolation or long-term health conditions. Sarah helps people set clear goals and takes a strengths-based approach to helping them manage life changes and difficult emotions.
How her approaches translate to online work
Sarah commonly uses cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness therapy in her work. CBT focuses on noticing and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns through clear steps and practice. Mindfulness therapy teaches attention and breathing exercises to lower reactivity and improve concentration, which can help with anxiety and sleep.She also uses client-centered approaches that prioritize listening and building trust. Figuring out which mix of methods fits best is part of the process. The therapist and client choose approaches together based on needs, goals, and preferences so sessions remain collaborative and practical.
The original biography does not specify session formats, so confirm current online options before booking. Many people find online work helps fit therapy into a busy week and makes it easier to keep appointments. Online sessions can reduce travel time, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and make it simpler to balance therapy with work or caregiving responsibilities. Licensed professionals adapt exercises, homework, and mindfulness practices for remote sessions so progress can continue between meetings.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
15+ years
Listed in
Virginia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, low self-esteem, depression, relationship and family concerns, trauma, sleep problems, parenting strain, and related issues.
What is her general approach in sessions?
Sessions are collaborative and practical. She uses client-centered conversation alongside techniques from CBT, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and narrative work.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has practiced psychotherapy for 15 years in outpatient, community, and hospital settings.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She is a Virginia LCSW and practices in Virginia.
In which language are sessions offered?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original profile does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How does cost work for sessions?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work with her?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.