About Sarah
Counseling Focus
Building trust is fundamental to the therapeutic relationship. I strive to meet individuals where they are in their process, respecting their unique experiences and perspectives. I recognize that clients are experts in their own lives, and I utilize a collaborative, goal-oriented, and nonjudgmental approach. I am trained in evidence-based practices for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, panic disorder and phobias, body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) such as hair pulling and skin picking, as well as athlete mental health concerns. I provide a safe space for adult clients ages 18 and up to navigate uncertainty, develop new skills, and make meaningful changes. Together we will examine the challenges you are facing, establish clear goals, and create a plan to reduce the impact of stress or anxiety symptoms on your daily life.
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 the field of research. I spent over 6 years at the UT Health Sciences Center conducting longitudinal studies observing teen mental health risks, stressful life events, impulsivity, and their biomarkers. As a researcher, I witnessed how teens and their families managed the adolescent stage, stressful events, and ongoing inpatient, residential, and outpatient care. I contributed to papers and presentations on these topics.
My time working with families through research 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, from preschoolers to retirees, by providing therapy in a community center. I completed my counseling internship at the University of Incarnate Word's college counseling center and provided therapy to students and college athletes. Upon graduating, I moved to Chicago and completed an externship offering supportive counseling to nursing home residents. I then worked at a group private practice for nearly 5 years providing counseling to busy professionals. At that time I worked with teens, families, couples and individuals. I was drawn to the specialized treatments for OCD and related conditions and pursued advanced trainings through the IOCDF's Behavioral Therapy Training Institute (BTTI), Massachusetts General Hospital's BDD training, and the TLC Foundation's BFRB training, and opened my own practice in 2017. I now specialize in OCD and related conditions in adults.
Athlete Mental Health
I work with amateur to elite athletes that are navigating anxiety and panic attacks, OCD, perfectionism, and adjustments in their sport. 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 trained others during college and graduate school. I spent several years training and developing young horses over fences and showed in various green hunter classes. As an equestrian, I witnessed how pressure and anxiety can impact performance and confidence. I also recognized how exiting a sport can affect an athlete's mental health and identity. I have transitioned away from the arena and now enjoy strength training and participate in local events. I hold certifications in personal training and fitness nutrition, and support clients in developing balanced lifestyle habits. 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
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