- Stress and anxiety
- Self esteem work
- Career coaching
About Sara
Dr. Sara Lewis-Stankus is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with 26 years of experience in clinical practice in West Virginia. She works with adults on stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, self-esteem, career questions, and coaching for life changes. She also addresses issues such as abandonment, attachment, body image, caregiver stress, chronic illness, communication problems, and loneliness.
Her work is straightforward and practical. She helps people spot patterns that get in the way, name fears and doubts, and try new ways of responding. Sessions focus on real-life goals like improving confidence, repairing or letting go of relationships, resolving conflict, and finding motivation at work or school.
Dr. Lewis-Stankus draws on a range of therapeutic approaches to match what a person needs in the moment. She may use client-centered work to clarify values and goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior. Other methods listed in her practice include dialectical behavior strategies, EMDR, and relationship work influenced by the Gottman Method.
Her style is direct and nonjudgmental. She encourages honest conversation and practical steps between sessions. People often come for help with anxiety, chronic stress, relationship struggles, and life transitions such as career changes or caregiving challenges.
She offers services from West Virginia and conducts sessions in English. International clients are accepted. To begin, visitors complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session through the online options button.
How her approaches fit into online work
Dr. Lewis-Stankus uses client-centered work to help people clarify what matters to them and set concrete goals. That approach focuses on listening, reflecting, and helping someone name priorities so they can take practical next steps.She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which looks at how thoughts and actions affect mood and behavior. CBT includes exercises to try between sessions that can reduce anxiety and improve daily functioning. Dialectical Behavior Therapy techniques add skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication when feelings run high.
Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. She will talk with each person about their concerns, goals, and preferences and recommend methods to try. It is normal to adjust the approach as therapy progresses so it matches what is actually helping.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm the available options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a student or work schedule, avoid travel time, or use a shorter check-in when days are busy. Therapists can also suggest at-home exercises, communication practice, and coping skills that fit into everyday life without needing extra appointments.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
26+ years
Listed in
West Virginia, California, Florida
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She helps with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem, career questions, and coaching. She also addresses areas like abandonment, attachment, body image, caregiving stress, chronic illness, and loneliness.
What is her approach in sessions?
She uses a mix of client-centered conversations and practical techniques. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and dialectical behavior tools are part of her approach when they fit the client's needs.
How long has she been practicing?
She has 26 years of professional experience working with adults on a range of life and mental health challenges.
What credentials and region are listed?
She holds the credential LPC and the credential LMHC, with licensure in West Virginia and Florida noted; her practice base is in West Virginia.
Can I work with her if I live outside the US?
International clients are accepted. Sessions are offered in English.
Which session formats does she offer?
Session formats were not specified in the biography. Confirm current session options before booking to know which formats are available.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.