Meet Sara



Expert Care Rooted in Trauma-Informed and LGBTQIA2S+ Affirming Practices

Sara Richmond | Professional Counselor Intern


  • Modalities: Strength Based, Solutions Focused, CBT, Mindfulness

  • Pronouns: She/Her/They/Them

  • State Practicing In: IL

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Curiosity leads my work. With my clients, I seek to co-create a space to explore their joys and struggles. My clinical interests include sexuality and gender identity development, self-worth expansion, mending relationships with others and with ourselves, understanding anxiety, depression, and personal values. I come from a person-centered, strength-based and existential framework. I practice queer, kink, and poly affirming counseling. 


Authenticity and humor are central to my approach I work from the perspective that clients are the experts in their own lives and view our time together as an invitation to harness and learn from that expertise. I believe that through unconditional positive regard and empathic understanding, a client, with the support of a counselor, can find their personal and unique strengths. 


My goal is to prioritize the client’s experience and empower them in their choices. I hope to facilitate self-awareness and an understanding of interactions with others and society at large


Sara’s Focus Areas

  • Sexuality and gender Identity Development: The majority of my clinical experience has been working with people exploring their sexuality and gender identity. Many of us carry shame and doubt when it comes to these parts of ourselves. In our work, nothing is off the table including sex, desire, pleasure, kink and beyond.

  • Self-worth expansion: Self-worth expansion is a lifelong journey that includes self-awareness, commitment, and compassion towards oneself. By actively engaging in practices that promote self-discovery and empowerment, we can cultivate a strong and resilient sense of self-worth that transcends external validations and circumstances.

  • Understanding Anxiety and Depression: We will work to understand how anxiety and depression manifests in your personal experience. These are complex and multifaceted experiences that impact individuals both emotionally and physically. We will work together to find greater understanding and explore tools that are aligned with you.

  • Personal Values: By aligning actions with personal values, individuals can cultivate a deeper sense of purpose, resilience, and emotional well-being, which are essential in managing and overcoming challenges.

Sara’s ideal client

My ideal client is someone who approaches the therapeutic process with a willingness to engage. This person values self-discovery, healing, and personal growth, driven by a deep curiosity about themselves and their journey.

What kind of therapy does Sara provide?

  • Individual therapy for those who are age 18 or older

  • Couples/partner therapy for those who are age 18 or older

  • Adolescents aged 15-18 years old

Sara’s practice locations

Sara is currently only providing tele-health appointments in the state of Illinois . You can conveniently work with them from anywhere in the state.

Who is Sara in-network with?
Private Pay and Sliding Scale

  • Aetna

  • BCBS (PPO Only)

  • Cigna

  • TriCare/TriWest

  • Reach out to verify up-to-date information!

Sara’s qualifications

Prior to returning to school to pursue a master’s degree in clinical mental health I worked as an educator, performer and in the food service industry. These experiences informed and continue to inform my work in the therapy setting.

Licensure

  • Professional Counseling Intern

Trainings

  • 2024 | Tips for Tele-Mental Health Counseling, CONCEPT Palo Alto University

  • 2024 | Foundations in Digital Therapy, CONCEPT Palo Alto University

  • 2024 | Tele-Mental Health Risk Assessment, CONCEPT Palo Alto University

  • 2024 | Beyond the Rainbow: Embracing Hope and Possibilities, Chicago Center for Psychodrama

Education

  • DECEMBER 2024 | Palo Alto University| Masters in Clinical Mental Health with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy

  • 2010 | Western Washington University | Bachelors in Sociology

Sara’s personal information

I live with my partner, our dog Jetty and cat Loopy. Outside of counseling, I enjoy writing, making theater, baking, crafting and dancing.

Ready to book an appointment with Sara?

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