About Sarah
Counseling Focus
Building trust is central to the therapeutic relationship and I seek to meet individuals where they are in their process. I believe clients are the experts in their own lives and I use a style that is collaborative, goal-oriented, supportive, and nonjudgmental. I am trained in evidence-based practices for the treatment of OCD, anxiety, panic disorder and phobias, hair pulling and skin picking (BFRBs), and athlete mental health. I offer the space to cope with uncertainty, develop new skills, and make meaningful adjustments for teens and adults. Together we will explore the challenges you are facing, identify goals, and develop a plan to reduce how stress or symptoms from anxiety impact daily functioning.
Background
I grew up in New Orleans (proud to call it home) and earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Bachelor of Art in Spanish from Roanoke College. I completed a Master of Arts degree in Bicultural/Bilingual Studies at the University of Texas at San Antonio, then began my psychology career in research, observing teens navigate their mental health treatment. As a researcher, I witnessed how teens and their families managed the adolescent life stage, stressful life events, and ongoing inpatient and outpatient care. My time working with families encouraged me to expand my career focus to clinical counseling, so I completed a Master of Arts in Counseling at UTSA. As a counselor in training, I gained experience helping individuals across the life span by providing therapy in a community center during practicum, a college counseling center during internships, and nursing homes during an externship. I then worked at a group private practice for several years providing counseling to busy professionals. I was drawn to the specialized treatments for OCD and related conditions and pursued advanced trainings through the IOCDF's Behavioral Therapy Training Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, and the TLC Foundation before opening my own practice in 2017.
Athletes and Advocacy
In addition to my clinical work, I'm a passionate advocate for athlete mental health. I spent 25 years in hunter/jumper equestrian sports as a rider and a trainer during college and graduate school. I witnessed how pressure and anxiety can impact performance and competition. I also recognized how exiting a sport can affect an athlete's mental health and identity. I have transitioned from the arena but participate in barbell and kettlebell programs as a certified personal trainer. I am a member of the International OCD Foundation's Anxiety in Athletes task force. As an advocate, I help to develop educational materials on how OCD and anxiety can impact sport performance. Resources are available for athletes, coaches and caregivers.
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
Illinois LPC (2013 - 2017)
Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (2017- current)
Behavioral Therapy Training Institute (2019)
Wisconsin Licensed Professional Counselor (2022 - current)
Florida Telehealth Licensed Mental Health Counselor (2025 - current)
Professional Memberships:
American Counseling Association (ACA)
International OCD Foundation (IOCDF)
Illinois Counseling Association (ICA)
Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association (IMHCA)
The TLC Foundation
Learn more about ERP and evidence-based therapy for OCD and anxiety.
Learn more about starting therapy and what to expect.
CONTACT
Chicago Mind and Body
4256 N. Ravenswood Ave
Chicago, IL 60613
info@chicagomindandbody.com
FREE CONSULTATION
Request a free consultation via email.
Text or call: 773-712-7070
Or book a 10 MINUTE CONSULTATION