- ACT techniques
- CBT tools
- Group experience
About Sara
Sara Barrientos is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Illinois with 13 years of experience. She helps people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, depression, anger, and life changes. She also supports people facing relationship strain, sleep problems, parenting stress, trauma and abuse, and bipolar challenges.
She has spent much of her recent career running group programs in intensive outpatient settings for older adults coping with depression and anxiety. That work gave her regular experience with age-related concerns and caregiver stress, and it shaped how she structures group conversations and goals. She also has experience helping individuals manage relationship conflicts and grief after loss.
In sessions she focuses on practical steps and clear goals. She uses tools drawn from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address thought patterns and behavior. Solution-Focused techniques are used when people want short-term strategies they can try between meetings.
Sara describes her style as encouraging and motivational. She works with people to set achievable goals and checks progress along the way. She emphasizes actionable strategies rather than long academic explanations.
Her background in social work means she brings a broad view of life stressors, including money and financial worries, pregnancy and childbirth concerns, and questions about life purpose. Sessions are offered in English and based in Illinois. If you want to begin, follow the site's process to match and schedule a first appointment.
Approaches used online and how they help
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying values and accepting uncomfortable thoughts so they stop driving behavior. It can help when anger shows up as avoidance or as actions you later regret. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and behavior and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful thinking and reactions. That can be useful for temper control and stress at work or home.Finding the right approach is collaborative. The therapist will work with each person to identify goals and try techniques that fit their situation. If something does not feel useful, adjustments are made so the work stays practical and focused on what the person wants to change.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online appointments can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, for example by reducing travel time or allowing shorter check-ins during a lunch break. They also let people use visual exercises or written worksheets during a session. Talk with the therapist about which format would best fit your schedule and comfort level so sessions can be arranged to work around everyday responsibilities.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
13+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of anger issues does she address?
Sara works with people who notice frequent irritability, resentment that builds, losing temper with close others, or stress related to another person's anger.
What is her therapeutic style like?
She emphasizes practical steps, goal setting, and motivation. Sessions focus on strategies you can try between meetings.
How much experience does she bring?
She has 13 years of social work experience, including a decade running intensive outpatient group programs for older adults with depression and anxiety.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is an IL LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Illinois.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does billing and cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first appointment?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.