Profile / United States
Sarah Spurling, LCSW
Illinois
LCSW - Anxiety and Trauma
See online therapy options- CBT techniques
- ACT strategies
- Autism support groups
About Sarah
Sarah Spurling is an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) with three years of clinical experience based in Illinois. She works with adults managing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, LGBT issues, and self-esteem concerns. Many people seek her out when they feel stuck, exhausted, or overwhelmed by racing thoughts and low motivation.
Her approach centers on practical, relationship-based work rather than quick fixes. Sessions focus on noticing unhelpful thoughts and habits, trying new ways of responding, and building coping strategies that fit day-to-day life. She prioritizes straightforward tools that can reduce distress between appointments.
Sarah uses several evidence-informed methods, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Client-Centered Therapy, and Existential Therapy. She helps clients understand patterns such as avoidance, dissociation, or attachment-related fears and then practices manageable changes in session.
Sarah also works with autistic adults and people exploring a later-in-life autism diagnosis. She runs autism support groups in addition to individual sessions. In both settings she emphasizes clear communication, pacing, and strategies that respect how someone actually lives their life.
Practical goals are common in her work: reduce panic, regain focus, manage grief, build boundaries, and improve daily functioning. She encourages small experiments between sessions so clients can see what helps. Getting started involves a short matching questionnaire and scheduling a first session.
How CBT and related approaches work in online sessions
Sarah integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into focused, practical work. CBT helps identify unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and then tests small changes to see what reduces symptoms. ACT emphasizes values and flexible action, helping people act toward what matters even when difficult thoughts or feelings are present.She also draws on Client-Centered Therapy to keep sessions collaborative and on DBT skills for emotion regulation and distress tolerance when needed. Each approach is described simply in session so clients understand what will be practiced and why. This supports clear goals and step-by-step skill building.
Finding the right mix is a collaborative process. The therapist will review goals, preferences, and what has worked or not worked before. From that discussion she and the client decide which methods to try first and adjust plans over time based on what helps.
Session formats are not specified here, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, keep follow-ups brief, and practice tools in real-life settings between meetings. The practical focus is making changes that carry over into everyday routines rather than relying on long explanations.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
3+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, LGBT issues, and self-esteem problems. Additional focuses include attachment issues, body image, and caregiver stress.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is relational and practical, using structured tools to notice thoughts and change unhelpful patterns. Sessions emphasize trying small, concrete changes that fit daily life.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has three years of professional experience working with adults on anxiety, depression, trauma, and neurodivergence.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is an LCSW licensed in Illinois and provides services from that state.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people from other countries work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions scheduled and paid for?
Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time and cost varies by location. Exact pricing will be shown during the sign-up process.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session from the available times.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.