Sarah Likens, MS, LPCC
sarah.likens@affinitypsych.com
I’m so glad you’re here. Whether this is your first time in therapy or you’re looking for a new provider, I can appreciate how daunting the process of finding a therapist can be. This is a step that likely took a lot of thought and intention.
I’m Sarah, a licensed professional clinical counselor with experience supporting individuals, couples, and families of all ages. I have a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University, which allowed me to pursue my passion while living abroad. Now settled back in Minnesota, I have a broadened horizon and appreciation for other cultures and ways of life.
I have a special AFFINITY for working with older adolescents and young adults as they develop their sense of self, the world, and their place in it. They’re shaping identity, fostering independence and confidence, and often struggling in ways that can lead to healthy distress tolerance and resilience when given proper support and framing. I provide a neutral, grounded presence during these pivotal years of transformation and strive to help them lay a healthy foundation of self-awareness and skills that will serve them forever.
How I Work
We can all benefit from a safe space to slow things down and make sense of it all. I truly believe in the importance of the therapeutic connection and the value of the intentional experience I create in sessions. I invite you to come as you are, keep it real, and stay curious. I aim to maintain a culturally inclusive and LGBTQIA+ affirming space with warmth, compassion, curiosity, and humor.
Our body is sending us information every day. Let’s use it. If symptoms are alerting us, let’s understand why, find ways to cope, and make some intentional changes. Our work together will likely focus on identifying and understanding challenges you’re facing, highlighting strengths and skills you probably don’t give yourself enough credit for, and setting a clear plan to make the healthy progress you’re seeking. You might intend to untangle family dynamics, heal tender wounds that have shaped the way you give or receive love, learn new ways of communicating, set boundaries, or navigate major life transitions.
My approach is relational, strengths-based, holistic, grounded, open, and encouraging. Warm and welcoming but direct. You can expect to laugh, but I also celebrate the healthy release that crying provides. If you need to move, let’s move, but if you need to be cozy, curl up. If there’s a relevant podcast, show, song, poem, etc., that ties into what we’re processing, I’ll share on the spot or assign it as homework. If I’m doing my job, you’ll be pushed out of your comfort zone at times. That’s where the growth happens! Ultimately, I will always honor your timing, emotional safety, and control throughout the process.
While it’s hard to put the therapeutic experience into writing, if any of this resonates, there’s a good chance we’re going to connect.
What Sets Me Apart As a Therapist?
I’m a fierce advocate. If we need more resources, I won’t stop until we find the right fit and various options/referrals for support. I love educating, which leads to increased understanding of what’s happening in our mind and body, how it’s all connected, and why tools actually work.
I’ve been known to shock clients with the amount of details I remember. At some point, I’m sure we’ll laugh about my wild ability to recall something you mentioned six months ago in vivid detail. It will be clear how invested I am in knowing you, and it’s not lost on me what a privilege it is to enter this vulnerable space with you.
