Sarah Axley, LCSW

Sarah Axley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, addiction, and life changes. She offers a calm, direct approach and encourages people to notice the progress they make. Sarah is based in Virginia and works with adults needing support for mood, relationships, and coping challenges.

Sarah earned a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and also completed a Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Aging Studies through VCU’s Department of Gerontology. She has provided psychotherapy since 2009 across outpatient clinics, community-based programs, and hospital settings. She received her license as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2012.

Over 15 years she has worked with a wide range of concerns such as depressive and bipolar conditions, anxiety, trauma, substance use, autism spectrum issues, and grief. She also offers support around caregiver stress, chronic illness and disability, and end-of-life issues. Sarah describes herself as LGBTQ+ informed and has experience helping people manage pandemic-related and social stressors.

In sessions she emphasizes collaboration and strengths. Clients will work on understanding patterns, building skills to manage symptoms, and improving communication. Homework between sessions is common and focused on practical steps that move toward stated goals.

Sarah blends client-centered methods with practical techniques such as cognitive behavioral strategies, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness. She aims to match the approach to each person’s needs and preferences while helping them build skills they can use outside of sessions.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online work

Client-centered therapy puts your priorities first and focuses on what matters to you. The therapist listens closely and helps you clarify goals, build on strengths, and make choices that feel right for your life.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect. It offers concrete tools to change unhelpful thinking and behaviors, which can help with anxiety, depression, and sleep troubles.

Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and increase calm. It is often paired with skills work to help with stress, chronic pain, and mood symptoms.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what feels useful. Sessions are collaborative, and the plan can change as needs evolve.

Confirm which online session formats are offered before booking, since the biography does not list specific options. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. It can also make using tools like worksheets, guided exercises, and mindfulness practices easier to weave into everyday life.