Hello!
First of all, take a second and give yourself a ton of praise for recognizing that you are having difficulties and reaching out for help! You have already conquered one of the most difficult steps in the process!
So a little about me…My name is Sarah Axley and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I obtained my education at Virginia Commonwealth University in psychology and social work. In addition to my Master's Degree in Social Work, I also completed a Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Aging Studies with VCU’s Department of Gerontology. I have provided psychotherapy since 2009 in an outpatient mental health clinic, an intensive community-based setting and now in a hospital, where I am currently employed full time. I obtained my License in Clinical Social Work in 2012 while doing my clinical work in an outpatient mental health service where I worked with individuals of all ages, backgrounds and with various diagnosis, to include Depressive Disorders, Bipolar Spectrum Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Trauma Related Disorders, Substance Use Disorders, Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorders. I am considered to be an LGBTQ+ informed psychotherapist. I have experience working with clients dealing with grief/loss. I have also provided psychotherapy services to help clients better manage stressors due to COVID and the current social and political climate. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is a collaborative one. Whether it is to process/gain insight, to build on skills to manage symptoms, to change thinking patterns to better serve you, to improve communication, etc., we can work together to help you to better understand yourself and to help achieve your goals. I use a combination of evidence-based therapeutic approaches (cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, mindfulness training, etc.), based on your needs and preferences. I operate from a strength’s perspective. You are more resilient than you realize. With the right and knowledge and tools, you can manage anything! I see clients Monday and Wednesday evenings and Saturday late morning/afternoons. In between sessions, you will likely be completing tasks to help you work to achieve your goals. That is where a lot of the work happens!
If I sound like I could be a good fit for you and what you’re looking for in a psychotherapist, let’s do this!
Warm regards and well wishes,
Sarah Axley, LCSW
Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Aging and geriatric issues, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Co-morbidity, Communication problems, Drug and alcohol addiction, Family of origin issues, Family problems, First responder issues, Guilt and shame, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Intellectual disability, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Mood disorders, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Self-love, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
VA LCSW 0904008055
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Sarah Axley. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
We have worked with each other for many years. Sarah is a great Therapist
Written on Sep 30, 2024 after therapy with Sarah for 2 years and 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, and coping with life change
Excellent listener. Helps you work through things with just the right questions and suggestions. She has helped me tremendously. Very caring.
Written on Nov 16, 2023 after therapy with Sarah for 1 year and 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
I had the pleasure of being matched with Sarah about a year ago now and as I get ready to end my therapy journey I can’t go without singing her praises! I gained so much peace and perspective working with Sarah and I loved the feeling that she was truly in my corner. Sarah listens so well and is thoughtful with her advice, always helping you to realign with your goals (which she makes sure to check in on periodically, too).
Written on Jan 09, 2023 after therapy with Sarah for 1 year on issues concerning trauma and abuse, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd
Sarah is a phenomenal therapist. She is calming and makes me feel heard at all times. I appreciate her so much. While therapy can be hard, she makes me feel better and I have seen significant changes in myself and my behaviors because of her expertise.
Written on Mar 11, 2022 after therapy with Sarah for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, depression, family conflicts, and trauma and abuse
Sarah has already helped me understand more about myself in just the short time of us talking. I look forward to growing as we unravel the mysteries of me.
Written on Jan 07, 2022 after therapy with Sarah for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and adhd