Sarah Donovan , LPC

Sarah Donovan is an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) based in Wisconsin with 20 years of experience. She focuses on stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, low self-esteem, depression, addiction, trauma, and help navigating life changes. She works in a straightforward, compassionate way that helps people take the next step when life feels overwhelming.

Her approach centers on simple conversation and practical tools. Sessions are a place to talk through worries, practice new ways of coping, and set small goals. She aims to make therapy usable in day-to-day life rather than filled with jargon.

Sarah draws on client-centered methods to follow each person’s priorities. She also uses cognitive behavioral techniques to spot unhelpful thinking patterns and DBT (dialectical behavior therapy) skills to manage strong emotions. Motivational interviewing helps when people feel stuck or unsure about change.

Across two decades she has supported people dealing with family of origin issues, divorce and separation, blended family challenges, caregiver stress, fertility concerns, aging and geriatric issues, and problems with isolation or purpose. She also helps with communication problems, commitment concerns, jealousy, impulsivity, and forgiveness work.

Sessions can be scheduled in several online formats to fit different lifestyles. Sarah encourages a collaborative pace so clients can build confidence and try new strategies between meetings. If you want practical support and a calm, steady presence, she can help you sort the next steps.

Approaches that translate well to online work

Client-centered therapy emphasizes the client's own perspective and priorities. It involves active listening, reflecting what you say, and helping you shape goals that feel meaningful. This approach is useful when someone wants a respectful, nonjudgmental place to sort through feelings and choices.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and try different behaviors. In online sessions a therapist and client can work on specific thought patterns, set homework tasks, and review progress together. CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress management.

Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, offers concrete skills for managing intense emotions and improving interpersonal effectiveness. Online work can focus on skill coaching, role-play of communication strategies, and short check-ins to reinforce new habits. DBT skills are practical tools for coping with strong feelings and impulsive urges.

Finding the best approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with you about your goals, try methods that match your needs, and adjust based on what helps. Clients often mix approaches so the work fits their pace and preferences.

Online therapy offers flexibility for different needs. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and shared visual materials. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth is low or when being on camera is hard. Live chat and text-based messaging support brief check-ins, skill practice, and ongoing encouragement between sessions. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent around work, caregiving, and travel.