Therapists in Webster Groves, MO

Are you are struggling with where you are right now? Have you chosen to make a big change recently. . . or maybe you feel like a change chose you? Therapy can help. It is possible to decrease anxiety and sadness and feel more resilient, connected, and joyful.

I often work with people to manage issues in their lives that have become difficult and distressing, such as separation/divorce, career/job changes, grief/loss, relocation, becoming a parent, and retirement. Some clients experience symptoms of anxiety or depression and we focus on realistic, practical strategies to reduce their intensity and impact. My approach involves closely assessing how these issues impact daily life, how relationships are affected, what support has or hasn't been available and then develop a plan for working toward changes and greater satisfaction in life.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with adolescents, adults and couples. I approach psychotherapy as an opportunity to address unresolved issues and conflicts as they arise in life through the therapeutic relationship. I believe it is important to examine the various ways and places in one's life that symptoms present, and to work to understand the function and underlying meanings of the symptoms.

I understand that beginning therapy is not easy and takes many people out of their comfort zone. I believe in a warm and nurturing environment that allows clients to work at their own pace. Your journey is your own, and I offer a non-judgmental approach with each person I work with. I enjoy meeting with individuals, couples, and families. I have specialized training in Internal Family Systems (IFS). This model allows clients the opportunity to get to know each "part" of themselves and provides a way to regulate emotions and improve problem solving skills.

I currently have openings for daytime and evenings for adults seeking psychotherapy services for long term, chronic, or situational depression, stress, anxiety and chronic disorders.

I offer short-term & long-term therapy focusing on depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, LGBT and gender identity exploration, adoption and parenting issues, PTSD, complex stress and trauma, & substance use. As a clinician, I approach my work from a holistic, trauma-informed lens. An individual's mental health and overall happiness are based on a number of different factors that are unique to that individual. Therapy is a collaborative effort that takes compassion, reflection, & creativity. Therapy is a financial commitment, but it's also an investment in your emotional well-being, relationships, and quality of life.

From a global pandemic to global warming to race relations, the past several years have been overwhelming for nearly all of us. Whether you're a parent struggling with the balance of it all, a healthcare worker who's overworked and burnt out, or a therapist who feels like they have nothing left to give, I'm here to hold space for you and help you find new ways of coping. My motto in therapy is often, "It's not about feeling better but getting better at feeling". Emotions do not disappear overnight but we can find so many strategies to cope with them to improve our day-to-day life.

When you seek therapy, it is usually because something doesn't feel right. The reasons for this are not always in your consciousness. The therapy process is a journey during which, through exploration, you can uncover issues that lie beneath the surface. You become a student of the self. I can guide you on this journey. By making connections between past and present and recognizing repeated patterns of behavior, you can begin to see the "big picture," and make decisions that can bring about the changes you hope to achieve.

Therapy can provide the freedom for one to explore more about themselves and to create space for change. Some may struggle with believing things could ever be different and start to wonder if they can find their way out. My passion is to provide a safe place for connection, support, and empowerment to facilitate growth for my clients. Through the use of the Internal Family systems (IFS) Model, I invite compassion and curiosity to reestablish your inner confidence while unburdening from the past.

Sometimes when we struggle with something anxiety-related, it can be difficult to distinguish ourselves from our issues, so accustomed are we to the presence of distressing, time-consuming thoughts and feelings. We may even question whether there's value in committing to a separation from them. But who are we - and who can we become - when these unwelcome thoughts and feelings become less sticky? Obsessive-compulsive disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, and anxiety in all its forms limit our potential, detracting from what we really value. We sense we need to make a change in order to enjoy our future.

A mainstay of my therapeutic philosophy is the importance of avoiding judgment, of ourselves and others. While this is not always easy, and it is very normal to feel embarrassed or potentially judged when you first begin working with a therapist; I encourage you to try to remember that judgment and self-judgment are actually a story and this telling can be rewritten.

I love working with people are who are interested in learning more about how their long held patterns are getting in the way of living a meaningful life. Sometimes people come to me because they are struggling with relationship issues, and sometimes it's anxiety or depression or another underlying issue. I provide a gentle and safe environment to untangle some of these issues and determine a plan to let go of the struggle and begin to live more fully.

Being a child or adolescent in today's society is not an easy task. From navigating new friendships, relationships and experiences to balancing school, sports and other extracurricular activities, the world can feel pretty overwhelming at times, especially when you have been around for only a decade or so. These changes and challenges can lead children and adolescents to feel like they are on a rollercoaster of emotions.

You are the expert on your life, you determine your goals for therapy. The fact that you have survived so far and that you are here on this website is proof that you have enormous life force within you. Sure, you have lived with your pain and are tired of hurting, but you are also brave enough to know you need some support. I promise unconditional respect and attuned dialogue within a safe virtual platform. I also have limited availability for clients who would prefer meeting in person in my relaxing Webster Groves office.

Feel stuck? Misunderstood? Like you are longing for something, but do not know what? Not only are your questions and frustrations valuable, they let us in on the experience of what led you to getting stuck.

Are you looking for a therapist specializing in working with attachment based in the St. Louis area? Sarah Sanburn, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Registered Play Therapist (RPT) has experience and a passion for working with adults working through attachment wounds and looking to heal their inner child. Sarah also focuses on children and the caregivers parenting them, utilizing play therapy to help children (2+) to build emotional strength, resilience and a sense of calm.

I offer a therapy space that is safe, welcoming, and non-judging to allow you to explore the issues that may be feeling like a roadblock in your life. This might include working through past trauma experiences, managing anxiety or depression, or improving self-esteem, communication or relationships. I appreciate the resilience and strength that people find within themselves when experiencing challenges and the courage it takes to seek out support and help. During our sessions we use your personal strengths and goals to guide our work and to develop skills to move forward and feel better.

We all contain the confidence, creativity, compassion, curiosity and self-direction needed to live our most fulfilling lives. But sometimes we find ourselves driven by forces that take over our systems–like anxiety, depression, addiction, poor relationships, chronic pain or emotional outbursts–for days, months, even years. We don’t want to be the nagging partner or the depressed friend or the uptight mother, but it seems like it can’t be helped. Even when we’re aware of our trauma and our burdens, sometimes we need help to get back on track. We need support and guidance to integrate our systems and restore wholeness and choice.

Are you feeling down or depressed due to a recent loss, life change, or unknown unexplained reason? Are you struggling with daily stresses or does your life just seem out of balance? Is anxiety affecting your relationships or your overall satisfaction in life? I work with clients to assist them in finding the solutions to get life back on track. Whether you are an adult struggling with the day to day routines or a family having parenting challenges I am here to help.