Sarah Axley , LCSW

Sarah Axley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who brings a steady, experienced presence to therapy. She completed her education at Virginia Commonwealth University, earning degrees in psychology and social work, and also finished a Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Aging Studies through VCU’s Department of Gerontology. Sarah has provided psychotherapy since 2009 across outpatient mental health clinics, intensive community-based programs, and in her current full-time role at a hospital. She earned her clinical social work license in 2012 while delivering outpatient services to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Her clinical experience spans a wide range of concerns, including depressive and bipolar spectrum disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related conditions, substance use disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. She is considered an LGBTQ+ informed psychotherapist and has supported individuals coping with grief and loss as well as stress related to COVID and changing social and political environments. Sarah approaches therapy from a strengths perspective, helping people recognize resilience and build practical skills.

She integrates evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness practices, and narrative and client-centered techniques, tailoring her approach to each person’s needs and preferences. Between sessions, clients often work on practical tasks to support progress. Sarah sees clients Monday and Wednesday evenings and Saturday late morning and afternoons.

Approach-Focused Online Therapy with Sarah Axley

Sarah Axley draws on client-centered therapy to create a collaborative space where the person’s own goals and strengths guide the work. This approach emphasizes empathy, validation, and helping individuals build on what already works in their lives, making it useful for issues like self-esteem, life transitions, and relationship concerns.

She also uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help identify and shift unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. CBT is practical and skills-focused, often supporting work on anxiety, depression, and stress management. Mindfulness therapy is another tool she integrates, teaching attention and grounding practices that can reduce reactivity and improve coping with chronic stress or trauma-related symptoms.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Sarah works collaboratively with each person to tailor methods to their needs, goals, and preferences. Licensed professionals can combine these strategies over time to adapt as progress is made.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which increase flexibility for scheduling and access. These formats allow therapy to fit into varied routines and support continuity of care across different locations while preserving the collaborative, evidence-based nature of treatment.