About Sarah
Hi, I’m Sarah, a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (1179) in the state of Tennessee and a licensed Independent Marriage and Family Therapist (F.2500538) in the state of Ohio. I hold a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Drama Therapy from California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. I am a Registered Drama Therapist, an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, and a Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner. I founded Creative Counseling Nashville, my private practice, in 2016, co-founded Experience Therapy Group in 2022, and have over fifteen years’ experience. My office is located in East Nashville (37207), and I work with clients throughout the greater Nashville area — including Inglewood, Madison, and Donelson — as well as virtually across Tennessee and Ohio.
Prior to becoming a therapist I was an actor and theater educator. My passion for the cathartic power of self-expression led me to psychology and to studying the application of creative forms for therapeutic means. I strongly believe we could all use little more fun and playfulness in our lives, and healing is only enhanced by creative thinking and a touch of humor.
In fifteen years of practice, I have explored a wide range of theories and techniques. My approach draws from attachment and psychodynamic concepts, Buddhist psychology, CBT, ACT, behavioral, and solution-focused therapies. I intentionally tailor my approach to each client, and I strongly believe in the importance of the body and experience to support integration and growth. I have special training in EMDR and Brainspotting, drama therapy, and am a Somatic Experiencing™ Practitioner (SEP).
I particularly enjoy working with people struggling to own their full selves, women who are highly achieving but anxious, individuals feeling deeply stuck, those experiencing the impact of a narcissistic relationship or emotionally immature parent, and clients who have experienced trauma. I have experience working with people recovering from religious or spiritual injury or a high-control group, people struggling with unknown somatic symptoms, and people recovering from complex, single-event, and attachment trauma. I have previous experience in addiction recovery, community mental health, and public school settings.
I have had the pleasure of being a guest on various podcasts, presenting for professional organizations such as Nashville Psychotherapy Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Grand Rounds, and at the TNAMFT Conference, and a guest lecturer for Vanderbilt Human Development Counseling and Northcentral University’s graduate programs. I am also a proud co-creator of the Improv for Anxiety class at Unscripted Improv.
Outside of my profession, I enjoy hikes and nature, yoga and meditation, cooking, making crafty things, seeing live art, and connecting with my amazing friends and wonderfully weird family. I have made my home previously in both New York City and San Francisco and am currently enjoying my home in Nashville with my human husband and dog Dennis.