What is therapy like? What does a typical session with you look like?

I provide individual, couple, and family therapy. I specialize in blended families and pre- and post- marital couple counseling for blended family couples. My approach is person-centered and experiential. I meet clients where they are collaborate with them to help them thrive and have a healthier life and relationships.

Every client has a unique set of circumstances and issues that they carry with them. Therefore, my approach to therapy involves tailoring a unique and collaborative treatment plan that focuses on reaching your specific goals. My treatment in therapy involves proven and evidenced based approaches that have been effective in research and in real life circumstances for decades with countless individuals, couples, and families. For the past several years I have committed to partnering with non-profits, hospitals, and community mental health clinics treating individuals, couples, and families with complex issues ranging from depression, anxiety, life stage distress, traumatic experiences, and cancer related mental health issues. My efforts within these frameworks has been to focus on and address my clients’ needs from a whole person approach. This translates into thoughtfully assessing the biological, psychological, and social components and stressors of each unique individual.

I believe all people inherently possess the capacity to make life- enriching, meaningful change. Sometimes, we just need extra support to sort through all that life might throw at us in order to make those changes. I provide clients with a safe, understanding, and nonjudgmental environment. Together, we will work to identify barriers, address challenges and implement plans to make meaningful change: to start connecting, managing, and truly living. I work from a person-centered approach, by which you will feel heard, understood, and in control of your progress. I truly believe that a therapeutic relationship grounded in trust is the key to strengthening resilience and facilitating growth. You no longer have to do this alone. It will be my privilege to walk along side you; to explore opportunities to address challenges and achieve goals. I offer a complimentary 15 minute consultation to discuss how we can move forward together.

I focus on providing a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your foundations, current experiences, and potential. I am currently practicing with children, adolescents, adults, parents, and families. I have worked extensively with people of all ages who have experienced trauma/significant stress, and those who live with anxiety, anger, substance abuse, and depression. I also enjoy supporting people who are experiencing life transitions (grief/loss, becoming parents, divorce, job changes, etc.), and those who struggle with perfectionism, shame, and guilt.

We’re all in the process of becoming ourselves, aren’t we? Therapy can be a powerful tool that allows us to be seen, heard, and supported. The most significant growth I’ve had in my own life has been a direct result of therapy centered around self-love and acceptance— it’s why I’m so passionate about creating space for others and why I founded this private practice. While there are all sorts of technical terms I could use to describe my theoretical orientation – relational, psychodynamic, interpersonal – my aim is to get to know your unique story and to be with you as you are and where you’re going. I founded Tobin Counseling in 2018 and am fully licensed in the state of Michigan. I provide Supervision Services for LLPCs in the state of Michigan. I also offer consulting services to therapists across the country. I specialize in the following areas: Sexual Identity, Gender Identity, Trauma, Oppression, Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Familial/Relational Boundaries, Spiritual/Religious trauma As a queer, non-binary individual, it is important to me to provide competent, tauma-informed therapy to queer and trans folks.

Is past trauma holding you back from reaching your fullest potential? I help people recognize where they’re getting stuck and figure out what’s holding them back so they can overcome those obstacles and reach their goals. When clients work with me they know they are receiving expert treatment with modern, effective techniques such as EMDR and DBT. 

I am a licensed mental health counselor and believe that change is possible with dedication, perhaps setbacks, and perseverance along the way. I will journey with you as you define your personal goals and strategies for the changes you want to see. Whether you are looking for extra support through a challenging situation or preparing to shift in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working alongside you to achieve the outcomes you desire.

Sometimes life's struggles and transitions have led to pain and feelings of being paralyzed and lost. You are not alone even though day after day it might feel like a daily battle. Counseling can be the answer to finding hope and a new beginning to finding answers, self-awareness, and self-compassion for making new choices and having a new outlook. Sarah helps you find connections between your thoughts, feelings and actions to be emotionally healthy and face past hurts that are holding you back. Thoughts aren't facts and you can learn to change that inner voice that criticizes you and shed faulty beliefs that lead you down the wrong path time and again. Sarah is certified in EMDR, a highly researched and supported therapy for trauma and PTSD. EMDR enables people to heal from symptoms and emotional pain and is also used to address multiple mental health issues. Using techniques that align with neuroscience, this therapy uses the body’s ability to heal, often producing relief from many symptoms quickly. For children, Sarah integrates play techniques with EMDR because children heal through play and imagination. The effectiveness of EMDR results in clients who feel empowered rather than paralyzed by life experiences that in the past caused them great pain. EMDR does not require extensive homework or hours of talking about the pain to find relief. Simply said, talk therapy helps clients handle emotional pain, but EMDR removes the emotional pain! This is why EMDR is almost always Sarah's go to choice for most of her clients regardless of therapy issue.

I focus on helping people with chronic pain and chronic illness to regain control over their lives. Chronic pain and illness can take a major toll on the whole person- mood, relationships, work, sleep- the list goes on and on. When it starts to feel like pain or illness are impacting all parts of your life, it can lead to depression, sadness, worry, and loneliness; talking with a therapist who understands both the emotional and physical parts can help. In addition to my work with chronic pain and chronic illness, I also work with people going through the process of cancer treatment and recovery, as well as people with insomnia. I am a Board Certified Clinical Health Psychologist with years of experience helping those with medical conditions AND I myself live with a a chronic illness. My personal connection to this work is what makes me passionate about helping others dealing with pain and illness to live a full, meaningful life even with physical challenges.

As someone exploring ethical non-monogamy, you’ve found yourself experiencing jealousy and feeling insecure. You may be fed up with feeling not good enough in your relationship or tired of jealousy ruining date nights. You might not even remember a time when things didn’t feel this way. But one thing is for sure: you’re ready for some sweet relief. You’re ready to put an end to doubting your relationship and get a good night’s sleep. You’re ready to feel confident in yourself. Most of all, you’re ready to embrace love and conquer jealousy. As someone exploring ethical non-monogamy, you’ve found yourself experiencing jealousy and feeling insecure. You may be fed up with feeling not good enough in your relationship or tired of jealousy ruining date nights. You might not even remember a time when things didn’t feel this way. But one thing is for sure: you’re ready for some sweet relief. You’re ready to put an end to doubting your relationship and get a good night’s sleep. You’re ready to feel confident in yourself. Most of all, you’re ready to embrace love and conquer jealousy. Clients come to me looking for a therapist who specializes in ENM, relationship anxiety, and will actively engage them in resources outside of therapy. I am direct and use humor with clients and work with you to bring out emotions and unmet needs, to feel secure in your relationship. I respect your pace and won't push you to a place you're not ready for. As an experienced therapist helping people-pleasing millennials navigate non-monogamy, I believe that your needs matter. You don’t have to continue feeling like the problem in your relationship and you don't have to do it alone. Hop on my website to schedule your free consultation to see how we can get you from jealousy to joy. Can’t wait to hear from you!