Sara Eby, MA, LPCC
sara@affinitypsych.com
(She/Her)
Hi! My name is Sara, and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I have been in practice for over 15 years in both Minnesota and Oregon, doing individual, family, and group therapy, and crisis intervention. I have worked in both short and long-term settings, but working one-on-one with clients in an outpatient setting is my favorite!
I provide individual therapy to older teens and adults who are experiencing things like depression, insecurity, anxiety, low self-esteem, grief, and anger. Often these things are related to past and present trauma, difficulty in relationships, and life transitions. My clients typically want things to change but feel at a loss as to how to make that happen. They want to understand themselves more deeply, and also feel that they are understood.
How I Work
I always say that I am a therapist who believes the past matters, because the past impacts the present, and I believe that there is always a reason for behaviors, emotions, and reactions. I practice primarily from a psychodynamic framework that focuses on treating the root of the problem rather than just symptoms.
Research shows that a positive relationship is at the core of what makes therapy successful, so I focus on creating a safe and supportive therapy experience where you will be able to express yourself without worrying about how you will be perceived. I have experienced that when people feel understood, seen, and accepted, they are empowered to make the changes that they believe will improve their relationships and quality of life.
It takes courage to come to therapy, and I am honored to be trusted to be a part of your process of healing. In sessions, I will both listen and give feedback. Because many of the people I work with have been in situations where they didn’t have control, or control was taken from them, I believe it is important that they have a sense of control in the therapy session. I will not tell you what to do, but will help you identify the decisions and choices that you feel are right for you. I will acknowledge that your experiences and feelings are valid, and will attune to you so I can better understand you and respond to you in a way that feels helpful.
What Sets Me Apart As a Therapist?
My clients tell me that I am empathetic, but they also appreciate that I have a sense of humor and a strong appreciation for sarcasm. I do not get overwhelmed, which allows me to help you contain and manage whatever feelings that are coming up for you. I appreciate surprise interruptions by pets, and apologize in advance that my own dogs occasionally show up in the sessions and can be very “assertive” in asking for attention.
