- Stress and anxiety
- Grief and loss
- Mindfulness and CBT
About Sara
Sara Sutherland is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) practicing in Michigan with eight years of clinical experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, addictions, LGBT concerns, relationship and family difficulties, trauma and abuse, intimacy issues, parenting challenges, anger, self-esteem problems, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.
Sara trained in social work and psychology at Hope College and completed a master’s degree in clinical social work at Western Michigan University. Her background includes work in private practice, health care settings, and hospice care. That mix informs how she approaches practical problems and tough emotions.
Her style is straightforward and person-focused. She aims to listen carefully so people feel seen and heard. Conversations tend to focus on what feels most urgent and what can change now, not on jargon or long theories.
Sara uses a range of methods, including client-centered work, cognitive behavioral techniques, dialectical behavior strategies, emotionally-focused tools, and mindfulness practices. These approaches are used to reduce distress, improve relationships, and build coping skills. She discusses options and works collaboratively on what fits best.
Sessions typically focus on clear goals, manageable steps, and real-life skills. She draws on experience with chronic and terminal illness, grief, and medical settings when those issues are part of the work. People who choose her often want direct feedback, practical strategies, and steady support as they navigate early adult responsibilities.
To start, she asks people to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session. The subscription for sessions can be canceled at any time and costs vary with location.
Therapeutic approaches and how online sessions work
Sara uses client-centered methods that focus on listening, reflecting what matters to the person, and building a collaborative plan. This helps when someone needs straightforward support and wants their concerns acknowledged before moving forward.She also draws on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. CBT is practical and skills-based, and it can be useful for anxiety, depression, and stress related to work or study. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) techniques are used for emotional regulation and distress tolerance, offering concrete strategies for managing intense feelings and improving interpersonal effectiveness.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and day-to-day challenges, and they will decide together which methods to try. That collaborative view means plans can change as needs evolve.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current session options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, for example by removing travel time, allowing shorter check-ins on stressful days, or letting someone join from a quieter place. Many people use online work to practice skills between sessions and apply strategies directly to daily situations.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
8+ years
Listed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she commonly help with?
Sara works with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, addictions, LGBT concerns, relationship and family problems, trauma and abuse, intimacy issues, parenting challenges, anger, self-esteem, bipolar, and ADHD.
What is her therapeutic style like?
She takes a direct, person-focused approach and listens for what matters most. Conversations prioritize practical steps and coping skills rather than clinical jargon.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has eight years of experience working in private practice, health care, and hospice settings, which shapes her work with medical and end-of-life concerns.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) practicing in Michigan.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She is not accepting international clients at this time.
How are session costs handled?
Costs vary with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
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.