Sarah Nitschke, MA, LPC Candidate

Guided by a holistic and systemic framework, I aspire to meet you within a warm, compassionate, non judgmental space, where you can express yourself freely, feel heard and understood. Believing in the power of a co-created therapeutic relationship, I focus on identifying what health and wellness look like for each unique individual. Together we explore finding acceptance, where control is not possible, and, changing in areas where you can. This often results in a greater capacity for intimacy, joy, inner peace, confidence, and competence. I am right there with you on your path toward growth and self-discovery. I am here to help you validate, and embrace your true self, with kindness. To move forward we all need the right combination of support and challenge.

We will work to tackle the difficult challenges you are facing, identifying and setting goals while building healthy coping strategies. Discovering fresh perspectives and engaging in psychological, and emotional healing will empower you with a newfound sense of agency in how you meet yourself, your relationships, and the world. Often a crisis will bring you into my office, but it may be that you just want to grow, or want more out of life.

My counseling approach is strengths-based and trauma-informed. I use the multiple treatment modalities at my disposal, but my emphasis is always to help make our work practical and useful for you in your everyday life. In addition to the talk therapy that you are probably familiar with, I am trained in body-based approaches that can help clients foster resources within themselves in a way that talk therapy alone often can’t. I believe therapy is both an art and a science, and where appropriate I rely on the considerable body of scientific studies of therapy. I am committed to humbly meeting my clients where they are in all their diversity.

I’ve worn a lot of hats in my life, a professional mindfulness trainer, professor, filmmaker, wife, and mom to three, and even an exercise and nutrition enthusiast — all these years of experience have taught me that being of service to others is where my heart is at. Reflecting on my own journey, I know even starting the process of therapy can be daunting. I am here to walk alongside you throughout each step of this therapeutic process.

I work with individuals (12+) throughout the lifespan, couples and families.
My clinical interest and experience include working with clients struggling with:

● Anxiety & Stress Management
● Depression
● Emotional Regulation
● Interpersonal Issues & Family Conflict
● Identity Development and Acceptance
● Self-Esteem
● Parenting Challenges
● Life Transitions and Challenges
● Personal Growth and Spiritual Development

My Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling was conferred from Naropa University’s Mindfulness based Transpersonal Counseling program. I am a member of the Illinois Counseling Association and the American Counseling Association.

Billing is under the supervision of Katherine Coutrakon, LCSW an in-network provider for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO.