Key details
- CredentialsLMSW
- LicenseLMSW, Michigan / 6801106679
- NPI1063004455
- Experience8 years
- LanguagesEnglish
- LocationMichigan
About
- CBT and DBT skills
- Grief and life changes
- Chronic illness support
About Sara
Sara Sutherland is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) practicing in Michigan with eight years of clinical experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, anger, addiction, relationship and intimacy concerns, and life changes. Sessions are aimed at helping people feel seen and heard while they talk through practical next steps.
Sara studied social work and psychology at Hope College and earned a master’s degree in clinical social work from Western Michigan University. Her work history includes private practice, health care settings, and hospice care. That mix shaped her approach to serious medical and end-of-life issues as well as common mood and adjustment problems.
Her style is straightforward and genuine. She focuses on listening first, then helping people identify small, manageable changes. Conversations cover how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact, and what can be tried between sessions to reduce distress and improve day-to-day functioning.
Sara uses several evidence-informed approaches. She draws on Client-Centered Therapy to create a respectful therapeutic relationship. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills help with emotion regulation and changing unhelpful thinking patterns. Mindfulness techniques are offered to build present-moment awareness.
People who have dealt with chronic illness, caregiving strain, grief, or relationship strain are within her experience. She also supports those facing challenges related to ADHD, bipolar mood patterns, body image, and LGBT concerns. Sessions are conducted in English and follow Michigan practice standards.
How sessions work
Approaches for online work and practical benefits
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship where the therapist listens and helps clients clarify what matters most. It helps when someone needs a consistent person to reflect their concerns and goals.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact. CBT offers concrete exercises to test unhelpful thoughts and practise different responses, which can be useful for anger, anxiety, and depression. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) contributes specific skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improving communication in heated moments.
Sara treats the choice of approach as a collaborative process. She will talk with each person about goals and preferences and suggest which methods to try first. Changing approach is part of the work if something isn’t helping.
The therapist’s biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm which options are offered before booking. Many people find online sessions helpful when they need to fit therapy into a busy week, use shorter check-ins during a lunch break, or avoid travel time. Phone sessions can use less bandwidth and may be easier when video is difficult, while video sessions allow direct face-to-face conversation. Discussing practical needs during the first appointment helps tailor session rhythm and tools to everyday life.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
8+ years
Listed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of anger or temper issues does she support?
Sara works with adults managing anger related to relationships, work stress, resentment, and reactions to life changes. Anger is listed among the concerns she helps people address.
What is her therapeutic style and approach?
She uses a direct, listening-first approach that combines Client-Centered Therapy with CBT and DBT skills and mindfulness. The goal is practical change through understanding patterns and trying small strategies between sessions.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has eight years of clinical experience across private practice, health care, and hospice settings. That background informs work with grief, chronic illness, and mood concerns.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
She is a Licensed Master Social Worker, listed as MI LMSW, and practices in Michigan.
Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. She is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats does she use?
The original profile does not specify session formats. Confirm current session options before booking to know whether video, phone, or in-person sessions are available.
How does pricing work for sessions?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing is provided during the sign-up process.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session to get started.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is unsafe, use the crisis numbers.