Sara Sutherland , LMSW

Sara Sutherland is a licensed social worker practicing in Michigan who brings a thoughtful, person-centered approach to counseling. She holds an LMSW, which stands for Licensed Master Social Worker, a credential that reflects graduate-level social work training and clinical preparation. Her academic foundation includes undergraduate studies in social work and psychology at Hope College and a master’s degree from Western Michigan University with a focus on clinical social work skills.

Sara’s professional background spans private practice, health care settings, and hospice care, experiences that have strengthened her ability to support people through a wide range of concerns. She has worked with individuals facing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, chronic or terminal health issues, life transitions, personality disorders, and related challenges. Her specialty areas also include stress, compassion fatigue, addictions, LGBT concerns, relationship and family issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related difficulties, parenting, anger, self-esteem, bipolar disorder, and ADHD, along with additional focuses such as aging and geriatric issues, caregiver stress, chronic pain and illness, and isolation or loneliness.

Sara emphasizes being present and helping people feel seen and heard. She aims to provide genuine support while helping clients work toward change and growth, using warmth and sincerity to encourage their progress and resilience. Her orientation centers on collaboration and respect as people work to become who they are meant to be.

Therapeutic Approaches and Accessible Online Care

Sara blends evidence-informed approaches to tailor care to each person's needs. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on understanding the individual’s perspective and building a trusting, empathetic relationship; it helps people feel validated as they explore goals and values. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a practical method for identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, DBT, teaches skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can be useful for intense emotions, relationship challenges, and coping under pressure.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Sara works with clients to assess their needs, goals, and preferences and then recommends strategies that fit each person’s situation. Therapists and licensed professionals often combine methods to create a tailored plan that evolves as progress is made.

Online therapy formats - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - offer practical flexibility for people juggling work, caregiving, or health concerns. These options make it easier to attend sessions from home or other convenient locations, maintain continuity of care during life transitions, and access consistent support in ways that align with individual schedules and comfort levels.