- Sleep and rest support
- Skills focused
- LGBTQ+ informed
About Sarah
Sarah Axley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who helps people manage stress, sleep problems, anxiety, grief, addictions, and life transitions. She speaks plainly and works alongside clients to build skills, change unhelpful thinking, and improve day-to-day routines that affect rest and wellbeing. Her approach emphasizes strengths and practical steps you can try between sessions.
Sarah earned her master’s degree in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University and completed a post-baccalaureate certificate in Aging Studies through VCU’s Department of Gerontology. She has provided psychotherapy since 2009 across outpatient clinics, community-based programs, and hospital settings. She received her LCSW in 2012 and currently works full time in a hospital.
Her clinical background includes treating depressive and bipolar spectrum disorders, anxiety, trauma-related conditions, substance use concerns, schizophrenia spectrum conditions, and autism spectrum disorders. She also has experience supporting people through grief and stress related to major social events and public health challenges.
In sessions Sarah blends client-centered methods with cognitive behavioral techniques, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and narrative strategies. Sessions focus on clear goals, skill building, pattern recognition, and practical homework that supports better sleep and daily functioning.
She identifies as LGBTQ+ informed and draws on that perspective when relevant. Sarah sees people in the evenings and on Saturday late mornings or afternoons, and she asks prospective clients to use the site’s matching process to schedule a consultation.
How these approaches fit into online therapy
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and responding to your goals. The therapist follows your lead, helps you clarify what matters, and supports decisions that feel right for you. This approach can help when you need someone to reflect your experience back and help you find your own solutions.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, actions, and sleep routines interact. It uses practical exercises to change unhelpful thinking and habits that interfere with rest or mood. CBT is often useful for anxiety, depression, and sleep-related patterns.
Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple awareness skills to reduce rumination and improve moment-to-moment calm. Short practices and breathing exercises are used to notice tension and gently shift attention, which can help with stress and sleep problems.
Finding the right approach is a team effort. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked in the past. Together they will try methods that fit the person’s needs and adjust as progress is made.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives, reduce travel time, and allow follow-up work between appointments. They also support shorter check-ins or flexible timing when needed, helping therapy feel more manageable alongside everyday responsibilities.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
15+ years
Credentials
Virginia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Sarah commonly help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, addictions, grief, self-esteem, relationship and family issues, trauma and related challenges.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is collaborative and practical, focusing on skill building, changing unhelpful thoughts, and setting goals you can work on between sessions.
What is her clinical background and experience?
Sarah has provided psychotherapy since 2009 across outpatient, intensive community, and hospital settings, with 15 years of experience working with diverse diagnoses.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Virginia and currently works full time in a hospital setting.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
Session formats are not specified in the biography; please confirm current session options before booking.
How does cost and scheduling work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.