After 27 years of working in the mental health field, in 3 different countries, I have an appreciation for the fact that life rarely goes according to plan. Perhaps you’re struggling with feeling anxious, depressed, misunderstood, or unfulfilled with some part of your life, or you find yourself longing for deeper, more meaningful relationships. Maybe you’ve lived through traumatic events, whether recent or long past, that have changed you in ways you don’t understand, caused you to react unpredictably, or even made you feel like a stranger to yourself and you’re struggling to cope.
Although the idea of making changes can seem overwhelming and scary, sometimes the best way out is through, and you don’t have to face the journey alone. As a therapist, I believe in meeting you where you’re at without judgment; I will walk alongside you with compassion and empathy, and I will help you figure out your own unique way forward.
I am trained in a variety of therapeutic models and practices, and I am willing to use whatever tools and methods work best to help you. I practice primarily from a Gestalt model, where you are the expert on yourself, and I am here to help guide you on your journey of self-exploration and healing. Gestalt work often incorporates evidence-based approaches, such as mindfulness and movement, Polyvagal work, guided imagery, co-regulation – all to bring about a sense of safety and build trust together, so you can tell your truth without feeling shamed, judged or revictimized. As we work together, I hope to help relieve feelings of discomfort and identify patterns that aren’t working for you.
It is important to me that my clients feel safe and respected as whole people with unique perspectives and diverse backgrounds. I am honored every time a client trusts me with the truth of their lived experience. I am open to looking at things through your eyes and I strive to be respectful and welcoming of whatever makes you uniquely yourself (incl. gender, LGBTQIA+, family/country of origin, race, religion, neurodivergence, intergenerational trauma, etc.).
My clinical personality is warm, thoughtful, empathetic, careful, and I value going at your own pace. I think it’s important not to make assumptions about my clients - I like taking the time to listen your unique themes and imagery, and I enjoy learning your patterns and hearing your stories, all of which helps me to better understand who you are, where you’ve been, and what you’re hoping to accomplish. I also believe there is no “one true way” – there are as many pathways to healing and wholeness as there are people walking them. My hope is that after working together, you will feel like you are able to be more comfortable in your own skin and you will be better able to make genuine connections with the environment that you are in, and with the people who matter most to you.
The first step is often the most difficult, and the process of beginning therapy with a new person can seem daunting. The fact that you’re here, reading this, means you’ve already found the courage to take that first step. I would be honored to walk with you on the next part of your journey, and regardless of what you choose to do next, remember that you are already Unbroken.
Please feel free to contact me for an initial 15-minute phone or telehealth session (at no charge) to discuss whether we might be a good fit/next steps. I look forward to hearing from you and wish you the best!
Additional areas of focus: Aging and Geriatric Issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain illness and disability, Communication problems, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Emptiness, Expats, Family Problems, Guilt and shame, Hospice and End of Life Counseling, Isolation / loneliness, Midlife crisis, Mood disorders , Multicultural Concerns, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Personality Disorders, Post-traumatic stress, Self-love, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Sexuality, Women's issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
IN LCSW 34009657A
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Sarah Bent. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Sarah was my first therapist ever. I felt dumb on my first day, feeling impulsive for signing up the weekend before. I came into the session with a negative attitude, not even wanting to go through with it. By the end of the session, Sarah made me feel at ease. Within the next week, I was reassessing my thoughts about the situation and seeing things differently. I am grateful for my time with Sarah. She’s a wonderful therapist!
Written on Apr 18, 2024 after therapy with Sarah for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues