About
Background
Sarah Farris is a Licensed Counselor in Illinois and Wisconsin and holds a Specialist certificate in Fitness Nutrition through ISSA. Sarah earned bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Spanish in 2004, then completed a master’s degree in Bicultural and Bilingual Studies in 2006. She then entered the field of psychiatric research and worked for 6 years at the UT Health Sciences Center at San Antonio.
While working in research, Sarah completed a second master’s degree in Community Counseling to follow her clinical interests. As a counselor in training, she fulfilled practicum at a community counseling center. She completed counseling internships at the University of Incarnate Word, providing therapy to college students and athletes. As a pre-licensed therapist, she briefly worked as a counseling extern in nursing facilities in 2013. She then spent 4.5 years at a private therapy practice in Chicago before opening her own practice in 2017.
Counseling Focus
Sarah works with adults and specializes in treating anxiety. Her clients include young adults, college students, working professionals & adults throughout the lifespan, and amateur to elite athletes. Her style is client-centered and she primary utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness-based interventions.
Sarah has specialized training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for the treatment of OCD, Phobias, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety, and Body Dysmorphic Disorder. She completed the IOCDF’s BTTI (Behavioral Therapy Training Institute) in 2019, learning from experts in the field of treatments for OCD. She also completed trainings through the Massachusetts General Hospital for Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Stress, Relaxation and Mind Body Medicine.
Athletes and Advocacy
Sarah dedicates time outside of her practice to advocate for athlete populations. Sarah spent 25 years in Hunter/Jumper equestrian sports. In college and graduate school, she provided riding instruction and assisted in training young horses. She is now active in barbell and kettlebell programs and occasionally participates in amateur events. She is a member of the International OCD Foundation’s Anxiety in Athletes Task Force and as an advocate, Sarah helps develop mental health resources for athletes, coaches and caregivers.
Sarah also offers webinars for teams and clubs. She recently spoke with IRONMAN to help address mental health considerations for long course triathletes.
Sarah’s message to clients
I seek to meet individuals where they are, and believe that clients are their own experts. I recognize the importance of being culturally competent and reflect on my impact as a therapist. I regularly seek out continuing education opportunities that support anti-racist, LGBTQ allied, and HAES aligned values in therapy. I aim to develop a goal-oriented, non-judgmental environment where clients can cope with challenges, make space for a little humor, and make meaningful adjustments in their lives.
Degrees, Certificates, and Licenses
Bachelor of Science, Psychology Roanoke College 2004
Bachelor of Arts, Spanish Roanoke College 2004
Master of Arts, Bicultural and Bilingual Studies UTSA 2006
Master of Arts, Community Counseling UTSA 2013
Specialist in Fitness Nutrition ISSA 2015
Illinois LPC (2013 - 2017)
Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (2017- current)
Behavioral Therapy Training Institute (2019)
Wisconsin Licensed Professional Counselor (2022 - current)
Sarah’s Professional Memberships:
American Counseling Association (ACA)
International OCD Foundation (IOCDF)
Illinois Counseling Association (ICA)
Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association (IMHCA)
Learn more about what to expect.
CONTACT
Chicago Mind and Body
4256 N. Ravenswood Ave
Chicago, IL 60613
info@chicagomindandbody.com
FREE CONSULTATION
You can request a free consultation via email or phone.