Dr. Sarah VanMattson

I am a licensed psychologist who works with adults and older adolescents navigating identity, relationships, life transitions, and the impact of stress, trauma, and marginalization. I work as a generalist and have experience with clients from a wide range of backgrounds, identities, and concerns, with a particular interest in working with LGBTQ+ individuals around questions of identity, visibility, and authenticity.

I received my doctoral training in counseling psychology from the University of Missouri–Kansas City and completed clinical training across multiple settings, including community mental health, university counseling centers, and VA medical centers. In addition to my clinical work, I am a professor and researcher, which continues to inform my approach and understanding of psychological growth and change.

I approach therapy from a relational, psychodynamic perspective grounded in cultural and liberation-oriented frameworks. Therapy is a space where we explore who you are, the experiences that have shaped you, and how these continue to influence your life in the present. In this process, we can begin to clarify and work toward the changes you would like to see moving forward.

The work we do together takes shape through the connection we build. I bring an engaged, empathic, and curious stance, with a focus on understanding your experience as it is lived, so that you feel more fully seen and recognized. As that understanding develops, there is often more room to explore openly and approach parts of yourself that may have felt difficult to access. From there, we can work toward a more integrated sense of self and a greater capacity to experience meaning and connection in your relationships.

In our first session, we will begin by getting a sense of what brings you to therapy and what you are hoping might feel different in your life. I approach this initial meeting with curiosity and care, with the goal of beginning to build a connection where you feel comfortable engaging openly. Even early on, there is often space to start noticing patterns, making meaning of your experiences, and getting a sense of how we might work together moving forward.