Sarah Porter

What is your main goal when working with a client?

My main goal is to have honest conversations aimed at making your life better. I want to know your story; where you have been, where you are at, and where you want to go. We will dig, discover, and then empower you to choose the best course of action based on the insights we have gained.

What is your approach and what methods do you employ?

Our practice takes a very relational approach to therapy, an approach that can help individuals recognize the role relationships play in the shaping of daily experiences. A supplemental approach I regularly use is Existential Therapy. I believe that suffering is an inevitable part of the human condition. Sessions will be aimed at helping you gain self-awareness and insight to your experiences. I focus mostly on the “here and now.” I want to encourage you to take responsibility for the life choices you are currently facing and guide you towards a healthy, meaningful path.

I also supplement with a Solution-Focused “coaching” approach. This therapeutic perspective allows us to look ahead and think optimistically. We will envision what your ideal future looks like and work together in finding strategies to get you there. Ultimately, I know that each person I meet with has a unique story. Therefore, my therapeutic approach and methods will be personalized to meet the needs of the individual.

What age groups do you most often work with?

I have had experience counseling a variety of clients. I have worked with men, women, children, and whole families. I enjoy working with individuals (single or married) who are facing difficulties related to dating, marriage, divorce, loneliness, pregnancy, or parenting. I am open to working with all ages, genders, religious backgrounds or life situations.

What can a client expect sessions to be like while working with you?

I am an active “digger” during sessions. I take the role of a detective/archaeologist as I intend to analyze and excavate your experience. All I ask of you is that you be active with me. It can be uncomfortable, at times, but I also do my best to help you enjoy the process.

I am not afraid to go to the dark, painful places of your story but I also want you to experience beauty and peace along the way. I also believe that humor can be healing for the soul, and I won’t hold back from encouraging you in this way. If there’s a way, I can make personal growth exciting for you, you can expect me to try my best.

What is your background and what are your credentials?

I am a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern. I have completed my Master of Arts in Professional Mental Health Counseling. I now work as a pre-licensed professional, under supervision, earning hours towards my licensure. I have been certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors through the NCE. I am certified in SYMBIS pre-marital therapy, which I would use when working with couples.

My education and experience have led towards a focus on diagnostic assessments and evaluations. I enjoy conducting various psychological assessments (ADHD, ASD, personality, etc.)

I grew up in South-East Asia and Australia and have traveled the world. I have many years of cross-cultural experience. I enjoy meeting people from diverse backgrounds. I am willing to incorporate a faith-based approach if the client is interested in doing so. I believe spiritual healing and growth is crucial to your wellbeing. That being said, my degree is clinical, and I am willing to approach our sessions in a way that honors and respects all beliefs.

What is the reason you decided to get into counseling?

During my undergraduate experience, I enjoyed studying philosophy and psychology. I am intensely interested in the human experience; most of my curiosity is related to personality theory. I love studying what makes everyone uniquely gifted. I have continued to study personality theories over the years and would be interested in learning about your tendencies, preferences, and traits. We can discuss how your personality might impact your plan for the future.

Tell us about your education.

I graduated from the School of Behavioral Sciences at Liberty University with my Master of Arts in Professional Counseling. I also have a Bachelor of Science, double majoring in Inter-Cultural Studies & Religion from Columbia International University. I am committed to continued education beyond my Master’s degree through workshops, seminars, and personal research.