- Goal focused
- Compassionate
- Practical tools
About Sara
Sara Barrientos is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 13 years in the field. She supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, sleep problems, grief, depression, self-esteem struggles, and life changes. She also helps with relationship and intimacy concerns, parenting stress, anger, bipolar-related challenges, and caregiver strain.
She brings long experience working across ages. Much of her recent work focused on senior citizens in an intensive outpatient group program for depression and anxiety. She has also worked with at-risk youth and with people facing relationship or parenting stresses and loss. Her background gives her practical exposure to a range of life stages and challenges.
In sessions she aims to uplift, encourage, and motivate clients to find workable solutions. She emphasizes collaboration and accountability, helping people set their own goals and stay on track. Conversations are straightforward and focused on the next steps clients can try between visits.
Sara uses tools drawn from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, among other approaches, to help with thoughts, behaviors, and values-based choices. She also uses solution-focused ideas to build concrete coping strategies. The work is geared toward measurable progress rather than labels or judgment.
She practices in Illinois and offers services in English. To begin, clients choose the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How these approaches guide online therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice their thoughts and choose actions that match their values. It can be useful for stress, anxiety, sleep disruption, and life transitions because it emphasizes action over trying to eliminate uncomfortable thoughts. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It offers concrete strategies for changing sleep habits, reducing anxiety, managing mood, and solving immediate problems. Solution-Focused Therapy concentrates on small, practical changes and next steps to move toward specific goals rather than dwelling on problems.Finding the right approach is a shared process. The therapist will work with each person to decide which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. Techniques can be adjusted over time based on what helps most, and clients are encouraged to give feedback so sessions stay useful and relevant.
The therapist's biography does not list specific online session formats, so please confirm which formats are offered before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It also lets people practice strategies in their everyday routines and bring real-life situations directly into sessions.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
13+ years
Credentials
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
Sara supports people with stress, anxiety, sleep difficulties, grief, depression, self-esteem issues, and coping with life changes. She also addresses relationship and parenting concerns, anger, bipolar-related challenges, and caregiver stress.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is encouraging, practical, and goal oriented. She focuses on uplifting clients, setting achievable steps, and providing accountability between sessions.
What professional background does she have?
She has worked in social work since 2007 and has 13 years of clinical experience. Much of her recent work involved an intensive outpatient group program for older adults with depression and anxiety.
What credentials and region are listed for this therapist?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in Illinois. Her practice location is in Illinois.
In which languages can sessions be held?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats. Please confirm current session options before scheduling.
How does pricing work for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start working with this therapist?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a time based on therapist availability.