Sarah O'Brien (she/her)

As a helping professional, I naturally gravitate towards this role, even when it's not good for me. I know others find themselves also in a place of codependency as a result of trying to help. It's important to recognize our own behaviors, thought patterns, and beliefs that contribute to unhealthy codependency. Together we can learn how to help without hurting ourselves in the process. I enjoy assisting folks in taking better care of themselves, with compassion for our finite humanness.

Early childhood trauma and early attachment patterns heavily impact the entire person for the rest of their life. Developing a non-secure attachment in early life does impact relationships throughout life, including into adulthood. If we don't learn about our early environments and work to heal our attachment styles then inevitably we will have difficulty in our relationships as adults. Relationships are a source of joy and stress, and the number one topic discussed in the therapy space.

I hold a special certification for treating Anxiety Disorders, and I personally resonate with those who struggle with anxiety, as this is me. Anxiety can wreak havoc on experiencing joy and being present in the moment, and the moments are what make up a life. Using Neuroscience-based interventions to treat anxiety disorders is a slam dunk because we know what brain areas and functions are impacted by anxiety and we know what works in rewiring those areas. I can help you change your brain!

I have been specifically trained in M.I. to evoke autonomous self-reflection and allow clients to come to the change they want to make naturally. Guiding folks in making the best decisions for themselves requires skills in promoting self-awareness and patience. I invite disclosure rather than demand it. I understand and operate as if the therapy space is collaborative and individually tailored. Folks will reach breakthroughs in their own time and I'm here to support you the whole way.

I am vetted and verified Trauma-informed provider, which means the way in which I show up to practice and treat clients, all clients, is done with trauma in mind. Meaning anyone could have a trauma experience in their history which requires sensitivity to that possibility. We know the therapy space should be a safe place yet without trauma sensitivity and response there is a greater possibility we open pathways for harm instead of pathways for safety. I aim to create as much safety as possible.

I have been specifically trained in M.I. and I love using this approach as it allows the client to guide the pace of change. As a clinical social worker, I believe in treating the whole person in the whole context, which means readiness for change is not one-size-fits-all but instead an individual experience. Curiosity leads the way to learning about you and your experiences. I promote healthy change while also promoting autonomous choice, and I'll be by your side the whole way.

I am a vetted and verified Trauma-Informed Provider, which is a special certification in trauma-informed care, as this is not something we're taught in school. I believe trauma work is best done with an openness and understanding that you likely are not going to show up as your best self, at least not all of the time, and that's okay. Coming from a perspective that a lived experience of trauma lives in our bodies and could be activated at any time means addressing issues with care and patience.

I use Neuroscience-based CBT to treat most things in my practice. We know the most about Anxiety, Addiction, and Trauma via brain science than other disorders. We also know how the brain works with these disorders, and how we effectively change the brain (for the better) via neuroscience-based interventions for these disorders. With brain-change interventions I have actually seen behavior change and cognition change in real time with real people. I call this a slam dunk in terms of treatment.

As a helping professional, I have a natural tendency to over-extend to my own detriment. I relate with others who struggle to enact boundaries and take care of themselves, first, before extending care to others. Relationships are hugely important in our lives, for our entire lives. We're meant to be connected, but not if it's harming us. There is no judgment for codependent behaviors, just understanding and guidance on how to get out of it. I want to see you THRIVE in life and relationships.

Early childhood trauma and early attachment trauma has a massive impact on us as we move through life. If we don't take time to reflect on our early environment and understand our unhealthy attachment style then we're bound to have difficulty in adult relationships. Good news is that we can all learn healthy attachment behaviors and reverse our attachment style! As a person with an anxious-insecure attachment, I have learned much about this for myself and to help others learn as well.

I hold a special certification in treating Anxiety disorders & I relate so much as I also have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety can wreak havoc on our happiness & our in-the-moment presence. Life is made up of all these little moments we're missing due to anxiety propelling us into future what-if scenarios with only negative outcomes. Brain & body-based interventions are really successful for managing & reducing anxiety symptoms. I have coping strategies galore to help you learn what works for you.

As a person naturally drawn to helping others, it can be easy for me to fall into codependency and over-extend beyond my capacity. So if this is you, I get you! However, learning to engage in compassionate self-care and setting appropriate boundaries can move us away from unhealthy helping. I need constant reminders that other people's issues are not my responsibility even if I care about them. Learning to take care of ourselves first is what allows us to care for others.

Our early childhood experiences and environment play a big role in how we move through life and develop relationships. If we experienced trauma in childhood and/or trauma with our caretakers then we develop an unhealthy attachment style. This has been my experience and I have an anxious-insecure attachment style, actively working to heal. Learning about our early experiences allow us to spot unhealthy attachment and the great news is that we can develop healthy attachments if we work at it!

I hold a specialty certification for treating anxiety disorders and do this using neuroscience based interventions that actually change the brain. This rewiring of the brain is what leads to both behavior and thinking changes that alleviate the symptoms and stress of anxiety. Anxiety just robs us of experiencing the present moment for what it is and learning how to be more aware/mindful can help us come back to now. I personally know the struggle of anxiety symptoms and want to help you!