In our first session together, we will talk about what brought you to therapy, what it is you would like to shift/change, and set some goals together. I'll gather some history and context, and we'll begin to explore those areas that are difficult for you and/or causing you pain.
I will work with you to uncover stuck patterns, identify old stories about yourself that you want to re-write, manage and shift difficult emotions, figure out what you want and need, and find more ease in your life. I am collaborative and eclectic, and I recognize that no one technique works for everyone. I will draw from many different tools in our work together (including creative approaches, such as drama therapy, if you want), and encourage feedback and discussion about how you feel the therapy is progressing. Numerous studies have shown that the best predictor of therapeutic effectiveness is a “fit” with the therapist. Clients have described me as warm, non-judgmental, curious, insightful, intuitive, practical, "real", and they sometimes comment that they were surprised at how often they laughed at something during our time together.
I work with a wide array of presenting concerns, but some common treatment concerns I work with are:
Some of the theoretical foundations I draw from:
You can feel more connected to yourself, to others, and to your hopes/dreams.
I will work with you to uncover stuck patterns, identify old stories about yourself that you want to re-write, manage and shift difficult emotions, figure out what you want and need, and find more ease in your life. I am collaborative and eclectic, and I recognize that no one technique works for everyone. I will draw from many different tools in our work together (including creative approaches, such as drama therapy, if you want), and encourage feedback and discussion about how you feel the therapy is progressing. Numerous studies have shown that the best predictor of therapeutic effectiveness is a “fit” with the therapist. Clients have described me as warm, non-judgmental, curious, insightful, intuitive, practical, "real", and they sometimes comment that they were surprised at how often they laughed at something during our time together.
I work with a wide array of presenting concerns, but some common treatment concerns I work with are:
- Anxiety
- Perfectionism and a Strong Inner Critic
- Depression
- Overwhelm in work/life balance
- Life and Career Transitions
- Boundary Setting
- Vulnerability
- Living as a Highly Sensitive Person in a society that may not value it
- Parenting Concerns
- Addiction and Recovery
- Relationship Problems
- Feeling “restless”, “angsty”, “dissatisfied”, or chronically “blah”
- Religious or Spiritual trauma
- Learning to better ask for what you want and need
- Creative blocks
Some of the theoretical foundations I draw from:
- Psychodynamic
- Internal Family Systems
- Humanistic
- Relational
- Attachment-Based
- Trauma Focused
- Narrative
You can feel more connected to yourself, to others, and to your hopes/dreams.
Sarah Harkness, MA, RDT, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #88566 and Registered Drama Therapist #631 with a private practice in San Mateo and online. She has worked with people from all walks of life regarding relationship concerns, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, religious trauma, taming the inner critic, and life transitions.
