Sarah Lerch-Halliday,Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Hello! My name is Sarah Lerch-Halliday and I've been working as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for 12 years. I provide therapy to people experiencing increased symptoms related to stress, relationships, depression, anxiety, and more. I’ll work with you as a compassionate and trauma-informed therapist, using evidenced-based coping strategies to help you move towards improved mental health. I utilize supportive therapy and motivational interviewing in which I will actively listen to you and provide feedback. I'll work with you to help find effective coping strategies that match your needs, often using cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and dialectical behavioral therapy interventions. My theoretical approach is mostly based upon person-centered, existential, and acceptance and commitment therapy concepts.

I work with teens, young adults, and adults who are facing problems at school, work, in relationships, recent loss, and just general life stressors. I specialize in treating symptoms of depression, anxiety (including social anxiety), anger, self-esteem, grief, and substance abuse. I'm a Registered Dual Disorder Professional (RDDP) and have worked with clients experiencing mild to severe substance abuse issues. I strive to be non-judgmental and non-assuming in my interactions with my clients. I want to work with you to understand your best route in therapy, and help you to identify "stuck points" and ways to move in a direction of growth and healing. I decided to become a therapist in my early 20s when I realized my calling of service to others. I initially worked as an intern with older adults with memory problems and loved bringing joy and positivity into our sessions. I then worked as a case manager in a residential psychiatric facility, then as a therapist for in-patient and out-patient mental health hospital settings. I've evolved to be passionate about my work with others, as well as about my continued personal growth and development.

Goal setting will be different for each client based on their readiness or desire to set and accomplish goals. I will encourage us to set small achievable goals first, then work on more big-picture goals. Clients can expect me to begin with open-ended questions to get to know you better, as well as answer any questions you may have for me. I will more about why you are seeking therapy at this time and describe your current symptoms.