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My name is Sarah Chavez and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I take a client-centered approach to therapy and am particularly passionate about helping clients activate and enhance the strengths within them to overcome adversity. I look forward to getting to know you!
My approach
Theoretical orientations that I frequently use or pull from are Client-Centered, Humanistic, Solution-Focused, Strength-Based, Cognitive-Behavioral, Interpersonal, Emotion-Focused, Narrative, Family Systems, and Psychoanalytic.
My focus
I typically work with adults in overcoming the barriers to their goals. I also enjoy assisting couples with bridging the communication gap in order to empower them to resolve conflict. I have experience working with justice-impacted individuals and child welfare/DV circumstances. I am comfortable treating anxiety, depression, relationship problems, identity issues/exploration, parenting concerns, sexual problems, pornography/sex addiction, and drug/alcohol addiction. I am also happy to assist and support you if you have a loved one suffering from any of these conditions.
My communication style
My approach is client-centered. You are the expert of your world. My goal is to meet you wherever you are emotionally for each session, following your lead through the details of your life. As I get to know you better, I will work to create a comfortable, friendly environment that doesn't feel overly clinical, so that our professional relationship can truly do its work in allowing you to navigate your problems with someone by your side.
My journey to mental healthcare
Growing up as an introvert, I've enjoyed listening to the stories of people's lives since I was a child. As I developed my professional career, I became passionate about the resilience within each person, and being privy to watching them blossom into their true, empowered selves. It gives me immense, personal satisfaction to be able to help people conquer their problems with their strengths in their own, unique way.
My goals for you
Goal setting can vary slightly with each client. Some clients prefer SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Others may not yet know the source of their condition, and therefore, have a less clear picture of their goal. In those cases, we can explore the relevant details together until we can establish goals that make sense for your current circumstances.
My first session with you
In our first session, there will first be some brief housekeeping addressed in order to keep you safe. From there, I'll focus primarily on allowing you the space to tell your story so that we can start to build our therapeutic relationship. By the end of the session, we will determine your diagnosis and initial goals collaboratively, so that I can quickly start to implement your treatment.
