Licensed clinical social worker recordVirginia
Sarah Axley, LCSW
Virginia
Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Stress and Addictions
Continue with SarahCredentials check
- Credentials
- LCSW
- Licensed in Virginia
- LCSW, licence 0904008055
- NPI
- 1457604597
- Experience
- 15 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- Virginia
These details come from information Sarah supplied to BetterHelp. A licence can be checked with the social work board of the state that issued it, and an NPI with the national registry.
AAbout
- CBT methods
- Mindfulness work
- Motivational interviewing
About Sarah
Sarah Axley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Virginia with 15 years of clinical experience. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, relationship and parenting concerns, and a range of life changes.
She trained at Virginia Commonwealth University in psychology and social work and completed a Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Aging Studies. Her career has included outpatient mental health, intensive community-based care, and hospital work. She has provided psychotherapy since 2009 and obtained her clinical license in 2012.
Sarah uses straightforward, skills-oriented work in sessions. She focuses on practical tools: changing unhelpful thinking patterns, building coping skills, improving communication, and addressing substance use when it appears. Sessions often include tasks to practice between appointments so progress carries into daily life.
She describes her approach as collaborative. Clients and therapist identify goals, try options that fit the client’s situation, and adjust as needed. She integrates methods such as cognitive behavioral approaches, motivational interviewing, mindfulness work, client-centered listening, and narrative techniques depending on what a person needs.
Sarah has experience across many presenting issues including trauma and abuse, bipolar and depressive disorders, sleep and anger problems, caregiver stress, aging and geriatric issues, autism spectrum differences, chronic illness and pain, and end-of-life or hospice-related concerns. She also identifies as LGBTQ+ informed. She works with people who are navigating big life transitions and seeks to make therapy a practical part of everyday life.
BHow sessions work
How therapeutic approaches are used in online sessions
Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening and collaboration. The therapist follows the person’s lead, reflects what they say, and helps clarify goals. This approach supports people who need acceptance and practical feedback as they decide next steps.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. It is useful for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and some relationship difficulties because it breaks problems into manageable steps and homework tasks.
Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and grounding practices to reduce stress and improve emotion regulation. It is often paired with other methods to help clients notice patterns and respond differently to difficult feelings.
Finding the right mix of methods is part of the work. The therapist will help you choose and try approaches based on your goals, needs, and preferences. Sessions are collaborative and adjusted over time if something is not working.
Session formats are not specified here, so confirm current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life because it reduces travel time and can allow for shorter check-ins around work or caregiving. It can also support continuity when regular in-person visits are difficult. Licensed professionals can tailor homework and practice tasks so progress continues between sessions.
CAreas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
15+ years
Listed in
Virginia
Languages
English
DQuestions
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, relationship and parenting concerns, and related life changes.
What is her therapeutic style?
She uses a collaborative, skills-focused style combining client-centered listening with cognitive behavioral techniques and motivational interviewing.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has provided psychotherapy since 2009 and has 15 years of experience in outpatient, community-based, and hospital settings.
Is she licensed and where does she practice?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Virginia.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She accepts international clients; confirm any location-based considerations before scheduling.
How are sessions paid for?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin working together?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, call 911, or call or text 988. More crisis numbers