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