Sara Hayes

Welcome to my practice! I'm Sara Hayes, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Dialectical Behavioral Therapist. I graduated with my MSW from Arizona State University and continued my professional development at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. With a wealth of experience in treating depression, anxiety, and trauma utilizing evidenced-based modalities, such as DBT, CBT, and SFBT, I am committed to supporting adolescents, families, and adults on their mental health journey. My diverse background includes crisis stabilization, individual, family, and group therapy with adults and adolescents. I look forward to helping you navigate your challenges and building a healthier, more fulfilling life.

As a licensed clinical social worker, I believe that while life can knock us down, we all have the capacity to get back up—with the right support. I view therapy as a collaborative process where we work together to move from merely surviving to truly thriving.

Change is often difficult, but I believe each of us has the inner strength to move through pain and toward healing. My role is to walk alongside you in that process—helping to identify what’s holding you back, what strengths you already possess, and how we can use both to reduce suffering and create meaningful change.

I provide treatment for anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and trauma, working with both adolescents and adults. My practice is grounded in a trauma-informed, client-centered approach that honors each person’s unique journey.

I draw on a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities, including:

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Mindfulness practices
• Strengths-Based approaches
• Systems Perspective

These frameworks allow me to tailor our work to your individual needs, supporting you in building insight, developing new tools, and creating a more fulfilling life. I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered to take meaningful steps toward healing.

After each session, clients can expect to leave with a greater sense of clarity about their challenges and progress. They’ll often gain practical tools or strategies to manage difficult emotions, cope with stress, or navigate specific situations between sessions.

Clients also take away a deeper understanding of their strengths and patterns, helping them build resilience and self-awareness over time. Above all, sessions offer a space to feel heard, validated, and supported, which can itself be healing.

Each session is a step forward—a chance to reflect, regroup, and move closer to the life they want to create.