- Years in practice
- 13
- Credentials
- LCSW
- Licensed in
- Illinois
- Languages
- English
- Focus
- Stress, Anxiety
- Focus
- Grief
- Focus
- Self esteem
About Sara
Sara Barrientos is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 13 years of clinical experience. She focuses on practical help for parents and individuals facing stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, depression, and change. She also addresses parenting concerns, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, sleep problems, anger, and mood challenges such as bipolar symptoms.
She uses clear, goal-oriented methods in sessions. Conversations are straightforward and collaborative. She helps people identify small, doable steps and keeps them accountable to the goals they set.
Background and approach
Sara’s background includes long-term work in outpatient group programs for older adults with depression and anxiety. She has also worked with at-risk youth, adolescents and adults in behavioral health settings, and people coping with loss and relationship strain. That range gives her many perspectives on common family and life stresses.
In sessions she blends approaches to match the person in front of her. She draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for skills and behavior change. Solution-Focused techniques help when people want focused, short-term progress.
Her style is compassionate and motivating. She aims to respect each person’s values and choices while helping them make practical changes. Sara works from Illinois and holds an IL LCSW license.
What Sara works with
Everything Sara lists, in the therapist's own terms. Parenting is the reason this directory exists; the rest shows what else Sara helps people with.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Grief
- Self esteem
- Depression
- Coping with life changes
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Intimacy-related issues
- Sleeping disorders
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Bipolar disorder
- Aging and geriatric issues
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Communication problems
- Forgiveness
- Life purpose
- Money and financial issues
- Pregnancy and childbirth
Approaches Sara lists
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Existential Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
Approaches that guide online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, focuses on clarifying values and taking committed action even when emotions are difficult. It helps people who feel stuck by encouraging meaningful steps that align with what matters to them. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical skills to change patterns that worsen anxiety or depression. Both approaches suit parenting stress, mood concerns, and coping with life changes.Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked before. Together they’ll try techniques, see what helps, and adjust the plan over time to fit the client’s needs.
Online sessions use video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to offer flexibility. Video is useful for deeper conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging allow brief updates, quick coaching, or support between longer sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy family routines and life changes.
Questions people ask about Sara
What concerns does Sara help with?
Sara supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, low self-esteem, parenting issues, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, sleep problems, anger, and bipolar-related challenges.
What is her therapeutic style?
She takes a compassionate and motivating approach. Sessions focus on straightforward conversation, setting goals, and taking small actionable steps toward change.
What experience does she bring?
She has 13 years in social work and extensive experience in outpatient group programs for older adults with depression and anxiety, plus work with youth and adults in behavioral health.
What are her credentials and location?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, IL LCSW, practicing from Illinois.
Which languages are supported and can international clients work together?
Sessions are offered in English, and she is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs.
How are costs handled?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule based on therapist availability.
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