Sarah Axley, LCSW
Collaborative LCSW specializing in resilience
- Stress and anxiety
- Grief and loss
- LGBTQ informed care
About Sarah Axley
Sarah Axley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who blends clinical training with practical experience to help people navigate stress, loss, relationship challenges, addiction, and other mental health concerns. She completed psychology and social work studies at Virginia Commonwealth University and holds a Master of Social Work plus a Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Aging Studies from VCU's Department of Gerontology. Sarah has been providing psychotherapy since 2009 across outpatient mental health, intensive community-based settings, and now in a hospital where she is employed full time.
She earned her clinical social work license in 2012 while practicing in outpatient mental health, working with individuals of all ages and a range of diagnoses including depressive disorders, bipolar spectrum disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders, substance use disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. Sarah is LGBTQ informed and has experience supporting people through grief and loss as well as stressors related to COVID and the broader social and political climate.
Sarah describes the therapeutic relationship as collaborative and draws on evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioral techniques, motivational enhancement strategies, and mindfulness training to tailor care to each person. She practices from a strengths perspective, helping clients recognize resilience and build skills between sessions. Her typical availability includes Monday and Wednesday evenings and Saturday late morning and afternoons.
She earned her clinical social work license in 2012 while practicing in outpatient mental health, working with individuals of all ages and a range of diagnoses including depressive disorders, bipolar spectrum disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders, substance use disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. Sarah is LGBTQ informed and has experience supporting people through grief and loss as well as stressors related to COVID and the broader social and political climate.
Sarah describes the therapeutic relationship as collaborative and draws on evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioral techniques, motivational enhancement strategies, and mindfulness training to tailor care to each person. She practices from a strengths perspective, helping clients recognize resilience and build skills between sessions. Her typical availability includes Monday and Wednesday evenings and Saturday late morning and afternoons.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementBipolar disorderCoping with life changes
Additional Focus Areas
Aging and geriatric issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommunication problemsDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Sarah Axley have?
Sarah Axley has 15 years of experience.
Is Sarah Axley a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credential LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Her license details are VA LCSW 0904008055.
In which languages does Sarah Axley provide therapy?
Sarah Axley provides therapy in English.
Where is Sarah Axley located?
Sarah Axley is located in Virginia.
How can I work with Sarah Axley as my therapist?
You can work with Sarah Axley through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Sarah Axley work with international clients?
Yes, Sarah Axley works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Sarah Axley 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 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
Sarah Axley integrates client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness practices to support people in work that feels practical and respectful of their goals. Client-centered therapy focuses on creating an empathetic, nonjudgmental space where the person leads the pace of exploration and the therapist provides support and validation - this approach is helpful for building self-understanding, self-esteem, and stronger relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a skill-based method that examines the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and offers tools to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and to address unhelpful thinking patterns. Mindfulness therapy teaches present-focused awareness and stress-reduction techniques that can help with chronic worry, emotional regulation, and coping with life changes.Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Sarah works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods match their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting techniques over time as progress and circumstances evolve. Clients are invited to give feedback so the work stays practical and individualized.
Online therapy options - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - offer flexibility for busy schedules, accessibility for those who cannot travel, and multiple ways to stay connected between sessions. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into daily life while maintaining a consistent, supportive relationship with a licensed professional.