Sarah Johnston Margarida
Understanding guidance for life transitions
LCSW Maryland
- Experience
- 5 years in practice
- Focus areas
- Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Grief
- Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
- Languages
- English
About Sarah
Sarah Johnston Margarida is a licensed clinical social worker practicing in Maryland who helps people manage stress, anxiety, addiction concerns, grief, career challenges, and major life transitions. She emphasizes a collaborative relationship where clients' goals and personal values guide therapy, offering practical strategies alongside emotional support.
Background and approach
Her work draws on evidence-informed methods, including cognitive behavioral techniques and mindfulness, to address patterns of thinking and to build coping skills for everyday struggles. Sessions also incorporate client-centered principles and motivational strategies to bolster engagement and encourage gradual change.
Margarita brings five years of clinical experience to her practice and addresses a broad spectrum of related concerns such as attachment and communication difficulties, codependency, eating and substance-related issues, and family or relationship disruptions. Clients can expect a compassionate, nonjudgmental environment focused on developing clearer communication, healthier boundaries, and actionable plans for moving forward.
She frames therapy as a partnership aimed at helping individuals increase self-understanding and practical coping tools that support longer-term wellbeing.
How her approaches translate to online therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and testing new behaviors to reduce anxiety, manage stress, and address problematic habits; it is practical and goal-oriented, often involving exercises completed between sessions. Mindfulness Therapy helps clients cultivate present-moment awareness and self-compassion, which can be useful for managing stress, grief, and emotional reactivity by building skills for calming and grounding. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship where the therapist listens deeply and supports clients in finding their own solutions and values.
Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and she works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they may combine techniques from different approaches to create a tailored plan that evolves with progress and feedback.
Online formats - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - offer flexibility for people juggling work, caregiving, or other commitments, and make it easier to keep continuity of care when schedules or locations change. These options allow for a mix of real-time conversation and written check-ins, so therapy can fit into a client's life while still focusing on meaningful skill-building and problem solving.
Frequently asked questions
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Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
5+ years
Licensed
Maryland, Tennessee, Indiana, Texas, Louisiana, Washington, Nevada
Languages
English