Sara Sutherland, LMSW
Compassionate Michigan clinical social worker
- Anxiety and grief support
- CBT and DBT informed
- Geriatric and caregiver focus
About Sara Sutherland
Sara Sutherland is a licensed clinical social worker (LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker) practicing in Michigan with eight years of clinical experience supporting people through a wide range of challenges. She combines training and practical experience to create a compassionate, strengths-based approach that emphasizes being seen and heard while working toward meaningful change.
Sutherland completed undergraduate studies in social work and psychology at Hope College and earned her master’s degree from Western Michigan University, where she concentrated on clinical social work skills. This academic foundation informs her clinical thinking and therapeutic techniques.
Her professional background spans private practice, health care, and hospice settings, where she has worked with diverse populations. Over the years she has supported individuals facing anxiety, depression, chronic and terminal health issues, life transitions, grief and loss, personality disorders, and related concerns. Her practice also addresses stress, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, addictions, relationship and family difficulties, trauma and abuse, intimacy challenges, parenting, anger, self-esteem issues, bipolar disorder, and ADHD, along with additional focus areas such as aging and caregiver stress.
Sutherland centers genuineness and sincere support in her work. Her goals for those she works with are to help them feel validated and heard, to provide practical guidance and counseling, and to foster growth and positive change through collaborative, client-centered care.
Sutherland completed undergraduate studies in social work and psychology at Hope College and earned her master’s degree from Western Michigan University, where she concentrated on clinical social work skills. This academic foundation informs her clinical thinking and therapeutic techniques.
Her professional background spans private practice, health care, and hospice settings, where she has worked with diverse populations. Over the years she has supported individuals facing anxiety, depression, chronic and terminal health issues, life transitions, grief and loss, personality disorders, and related concerns. Her practice also addresses stress, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, addictions, relationship and family difficulties, trauma and abuse, intimacy challenges, parenting, anger, self-esteem issues, bipolar disorder, and ADHD, along with additional focus areas such as aging and caregiver stress.
Sutherland centers genuineness and sincere support in her work. Her goals for those she works with are to help them feel validated and heard, to provide practical guidance and counseling, and to foster growth and positive change through collaborative, client-centered care.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderADHD
Additional Focus Areas
Aging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCommunication problemsFamily problemsFertility issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Sara Sutherland have?
Sara Sutherland has 8 years of experience.
Is Sara Sutherland a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the LMSW credential. License details: MI LMSW 6801106679.
In which languages does Sara Sutherland provide therapy?
Therapy is provided in English.
Where is Sara Sutherland located?
Sara Sutherland is located in Michigan.
How can I work with Sara Sutherland as my therapist?
You can work with Sara Sutherland through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Sara Sutherland work with international clients?
Sara Sutherland does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Sara Sutherland 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.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Sara Sutherland
Sara Sutherland draws on client-centered therapy to create a warm, collaborative space where the person’s experiences and goals guide the work. This approach focuses on empathy, active listening, and supporting clients to identify their own strengths and solutions, which is helpful for life changes, self-esteem concerns, and relationship issues.
She also uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help people identify and shift unhelpful thought and behavior patterns. CBT is practical and structured, and it can be especially useful for anxiety, depression, and coping with stressful situations. In addition, elements of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) appear in her work to teach skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improving interpersonal effectiveness, which can benefit those experiencing intense emotions or relationship difficulties.
Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process; Sara collaborates with each person to determine which methods match their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as therapy unfolds. Licensed professionals and therapists can deliver these approaches effectively through multiple online formats.
Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility - sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone conversations, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different lifestyles and needs. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care and to use the therapeutic tools that feel most comfortable and effective for each individual.