Sarah Axley, LCSW
Licensed LCSW supporting resilience and change
- Stress and anxiety
- Grief and loss
- LGBTQ+ informed care
About Sarah Axley
Sarah Axley encourages people to acknowledge the courage it takes to seek help, noting that reaching out is a meaningful first step in any healing process. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who trained at Virginia Commonwealth University, earning a master’s degree in social work after undergraduate study in psychology. She also completed a post-baccalaureate certificate in aging studies through VCU’s Department of Gerontology, which informs her work with older adults and caregiver concerns.
Sarah has provided psychotherapy since 2009 across outpatient mental health clinics, intensive community-based programs, and hospital settings, and she currently works full time in a hospital. She earned her clinical social work license in 2012 while practicing in outpatient mental health, and has experience supporting people with depressive disorders, bipolar spectrum conditions, anxiety disorders, trauma-related concerns, substance use disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and autism spectrum conditions. She is an LGBTQ+ informed psychotherapist with clinical experience addressing grief and loss as well as stress related to the COVID pandemic and the broader social and political climate.
Her approach centers on a collaborative therapeutic relationship that balances insight, skill building, and practical tools. Depending on a person’s needs and preferences, she draws from evidence-based methods including client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, motivational interviewing, narrative approaches, and solution-focused techniques. She works from a strengths perspective and encourages clients to recognize their resilience while practicing skills between sessions to support progress.
Sarah sees clients Monday and Wednesday evenings and on Saturday late mornings and afternoons, and she integrates homework and real-world practice between meetings to help people move toward their goals.
Sarah has provided psychotherapy since 2009 across outpatient mental health clinics, intensive community-based programs, and hospital settings, and she currently works full time in a hospital. She earned her clinical social work license in 2012 while practicing in outpatient mental health, and has experience supporting people with depressive disorders, bipolar spectrum conditions, anxiety disorders, trauma-related concerns, substance use disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and autism spectrum conditions. She is an LGBTQ+ informed psychotherapist with clinical experience addressing grief and loss as well as stress related to the COVID pandemic and the broader social and political climate.
Her approach centers on a collaborative therapeutic relationship that balances insight, skill building, and practical tools. Depending on a person’s needs and preferences, she draws from evidence-based methods including client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, motivational interviewing, narrative approaches, and solution-focused techniques. She works from a strengths perspective and encourages clients to recognize their resilience while practicing skills between sessions to support progress.
Sarah sees clients Monday and Wednesday evenings and on Saturday late mornings and afternoons, and she integrates homework and real-world practice between meetings to help people move toward their goals.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Additional Focus Areas
Aging and geriatric issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommunication problemsDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Sarah Axley have?
Sarah Axley has 15 years of experience.
Is Sarah Axley a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the LCSW credential, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. License details: VA LCSW 0904008055.
In which languages does Sarah Axley provide therapy?
Sarah Axley provides therapy in English.
Where is Sarah Axley located?
She is located in Virginia.
How can I work with Sarah Axley as my therapist?
You can work with Sarah Axley through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Sarah Axley work with international clients?
Yes, Sarah Axley works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Sarah Axley cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Could Remote Therapy Work for Your Situation?
People often wonder whether meeting with a therapist remotely can produce meaningful progress. For many common concerns - such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or navigating life changes - online therapy has been shown to be comparable to traditional in-person sessions in terms of effectiveness.One of the primary benefits of remote care is flexibility. Individuals can choose the format that fits their schedule and comfort level, whether that is video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging. This flexibility can make it easier to maintain regular contact and integrate therapeutic work into a busy life.
Licensed professionals provide care through remote formats, and therapists generally offer the option to change providers if someone feels a different fit would be better. For many people, remote therapy offers an accessible way to engage in evidence-based treatment while accommodating personal needs and routines.