Sarah Thompson,
LPC, ATR

I chose to become a mental health therapist because I genuinely love helping others. As an older teenager, I experienced my first panic attack and truly believed I was dying. After multiple medical evaluations in the emergency room, I was told that while I was physically healthy, I was struggling with severe anxiety and panic attacks. That moment marked the beginning of my mental health journey. Around that same time, my parents shared that anxiety and depression run in our family. My younger sister was also facing severe major depressive disorder, which intensified my own anxiety – I wanted to help her, but I didn’t know how. We both began individual therapy and medication, and through that process, my understanding of mental health began to transform. Therapy helped me realize that I was not alone and gave me the tools to understand and manage my thoughts and emotions. I learned how to practice and implement coping skills into my daily life. Medication supported me in fully engaging with that process. While I recognize that medication is not necessary for everyone, I came to accept that my brain chemistry is simply different – and that is okay. Throughout my life, I have always been a compassionate and empathetic person. My experiences deepened my curiosity about psychology, not only to better understand myself but also to better understand others. I also discovered the power of creative expression – art became an important outlet for processing emotions, reducing anxiety, and creating a sense of calm and comfort. After several years working in the mental health field, I’ve come to understand that everyone carries some form of trauma, whether big or small. This realization led me to develop a strong interest in EMDR therapy. After experiencing EMDR myself and training in it professionally, I was amazed by how quickly and effectively it can promote healing compared to traditional talk therapy. I do this work because I genuinely care about others. I am passionate about helping people heal, grow, and feel less alone – just as I once needed. It is an honor to share the tools and healing that I have personally experienced and have witnessed in my clients throughout the years.