Sara Van Slyke , LMHC

Sara Van Slyke is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) licensed in Florida with ten years of professional experience. She works with people facing stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, and those seeking greater motivation, self-esteem, confidence, or relief from depression. Sara centers her practice on the belief that each person is the expert of their own story and that existing strengths can be marshaled to address life’s challenges.

She approaches the therapeutic relationship with respect for the client’s perspective and a focus on practical steps that support growth and change. Beginning therapy can take courage, and Sara acknowledges and validates that effort while providing guidance and encouragement as clients move forward.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Sessions

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating a respectful, nonjudgmental space where the client’s priorities guide the work. It emphasizes active listening and empathy to help people explore their values, build confidence, and make choices that feel right for them. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a practical, skills-based approach that helps people identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop new strategies to manage anxiety, depression, and stress. Sessions often include concrete exercises and goal-setting to create measurable progress. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) blends acceptance and change strategies and teaches skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness - tools that can be especially helpful for managing strong emotions and improving relationships.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Sara works collaboratively with clients and licensed professionals to assess needs, set goals, and determine which methods or combination of methods will be the best fit based on each person’s preferences and circumstances.

Online therapy offers practical benefits in terms of flexibility and access. Video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging allow clients to engage from different locations and fit sessions into busy schedules. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care and to try different formats until the client and therapist find what works best.