Sarah Axley

Collaborative, practical therapy for life challenges

LCSW Virginia

Experience: 15 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Grief
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English

About Sarah

Sarah Axley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15 years of experience helping adults navigate stress, anxiety, addiction, grief, depression, and related life challenges.

Background and approach

She practices from a strengths-based, collaborative stance and draws on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and narrative techniques to tailor care to each person's needs. Sarah emphasizes practical skill-building alongside insight work to support changes in thinking, emotion regulation, and interpersonal communication.

Her clinical background includes outpatient mental health, intensive community-based programs, and hospital settings. Sarah completed graduate training in social work and a post-baccalaureate certificate in aging studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, and she earned her LCSW in 2012.

Over the years she has worked with a wide range of diagnoses and life circumstances, including mood disorders, trauma-related concerns, substance use, neurodiversity, and end-of-life issues. She also identifies as an LGBTQ+ informed clinician and has provided grief counseling and support for pandemic-related stressors.

Sessions combine evidence-based strategies with collaborative goal-setting and between-session tasks to reinforce progress. Sarah sees clients evenings and some weekend hours and offers flexible online formats for people who need alternative scheduling or remote access.

Therapeutic approaches and how they work online

Sarah commonly uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, which can reduce symptoms like anxiety and depression and improve day-to-day functioning. She also draws on client-centered therapy to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where personal goals, values, and strengths guide the work. Mindfulness therapy is used alongside these methods to teach attention and emotion-regulation skills that can ease stress and enhance coping.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist discusses goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped in the past, then tailors a blend of techniques to fit the person and the presenting concerns. Clients and clinician check in over time and adjust strategies as progress unfolds.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for varied schedules and geographic locations. These remote options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, follow through on between-session tasks, and access therapy from home or other convenient settings while coordinating around evening and weekend availability.

Frequently asked questions

Which concerns does this therapist commonly address?

She works with a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, self-esteem, depression, relationship and family difficulties, trauma and abuse, sleeping problems, parenting and anger, as well as bipolar symptoms and coping with life changes.

What is the therapeutic style and approach?

The practice emphasizes a collaborative, strengths-based relationship using evidence-informed approaches such as client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, motivational interviewing, and narrative therapy to match interventions to client goals.

How much clinical experience does the therapist have?

She has been providing psychotherapy since 2009, bringing 15 years of experience across outpatient, community-based, and hospital settings to her work.

What are the clinician's credentials and location?

She holds an LCSW license with the designation VA LCSW 0904008055 and is based in Virginia.

Can I work with this therapist if I'm outside the United States?

Yes, she accepts international clients and conducts sessions in English.

In what session formats does she offer therapy?

Therapy is available through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.

How are sessions billed and what does it cost?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What steps are involved to begin working together?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a time based on the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Addictions Grief Self esteem Depression

Also works with

LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementBipolar disorderCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommunication problemsDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMood disorders Panic disorder and panic attacksSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

15+ years

Licensed

Virginia

Languages

English