Sara Anderson
Licensed Professional Counselor
Sara Anderson joined The Counseling Affect in 2023 and has been working in Mental Health since 2014.
She has experience treating Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, ADHD, Grief, Adjustment Disorders, Anger Management, and OCD.
Sara counsels adolescents through adults, ages 16 and up.
"My role in therapy is that of a 'change agent'. I view therapy as a forum for reflecting, processing and addressing thoughts and emotions that serve as barriers to positive growth and wellbeing.."- Sarah AndersonApproach
As a therapist, Sarah brings a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to mindfulness, both of which are rooted in her personal journey. Her ability to reflect on her own challenges and successes allows her to guide others in doing the same, helping them identify sources of support and resilience. She believes in the power of small actions and the importance of perspective, which she integrates into her approach with clients. Her background in business also provides a unique perspective, allowing her to approach challenges with a blend of practicality and compassion.
Trust & Safety
In the initial stages of treatment, Sarah employs a person-centered approach to build trust and explore areas of need while working collaboratively setting goals for therapy. This foundational trust allows clients to feel safe and open, creating an environment conducive to growth. Once goals are identified, she integrates cognitive-behavioral techniques to provide psychoeducation and coping strategies, helping clients identify patterns of behavior. Together, they work on learning and applying strategies to address specific areas of need, empowering each client to achieve positive change.
More About Sarah
In 2005, Sarah graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Administration and began a career as an accountant. However, her life took a dramatic turn in 2008 with the loss of a close friend to an accidental drug overdose. It was the most significant trauma of her life to that point, and she suddenly found herself in the painful yet transformative process of grief, reflection, and reassessment of her own values and purpose.
It was through this period of profound loss and reflection that Sarah realized she needed to pursue a career that would allow her to help others navigate their own struggles, particularly those who have experienced significant life changes or trauma. She returned to school to study Community Counseling, and it became clear that her path lay in the helping profession. The resilience she developed through her own challenges deepened her empathy for others. She found a calling in helping people find strength and healing through reflection, mindfulness, and positive change.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Administration, University of the Ozarks, 2005
Master of Science Community Counseling, University of Central Arkansas, 2013