Sara Van Slyke, LMHC

Therapist in Washington

Collaborative, skills-based counseling

Continue with Sara Review online therapy options on BetterHelp.

About Sara

Sara Van Slyke is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with 13 years of professional experience. She focuses on practical, down-to-earth support for people facing stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, and life transitions. She encourages clients to use their own strengths while working toward clearer goals.

Sara believes people are the experts on their own stories. In sessions she listens first, then helps clients map out small steps forward. She emphasizes motivation, confidence, and building skills that can be used outside the therapy hour.

Her approach draws from several well-known methods, including client-centered work, cognitive behavioral techniques, and mindfulness practices. She uses these tools to help people change unhelpful thinking patterns, manage intense emotions, and develop healthier habits over time.

Sara also brings elements of dialectical behavior therapy and existential thinking into conversations when they fit the client’s needs. That can mean learning emotion regulation skills or talking through values and life meaning. The goal is to find simple strategies that make daily life easier.

People who want clear communication and a collaborative style may find her approach useful. She invites anyone curious about therapy to take the first step and try a session to see how the fit feels.

This summary is based on the profile information listed on BetterHelp.

How therapeutic approaches shape online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and building trust. The therapist follows the client's lead, reflects what she hears, and helps people identify their own goals. This approach can be helpful when someone needs space to tell their story and clarify what matters to them.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts influence feelings and behavior. It uses simple exercises to test unhelpful thoughts and try new actions. CBT is often useful for anxiety, depression, and managing stress by teaching clear, step-by-step skills.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy offers tools for managing intense emotions and improving relationships. It teaches skills like distress tolerance and emotion regulation that can help when feelings feel overwhelming.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the therapy process. The therapist will work together with the client to choose methods that match goals, needs, and personal preferences. That collaborative planning can change as progress is made.

Many people find online therapy helps fit counseling into busy lives. It can make scheduling easier and reduce travel time. Because the biography does not specify session formats, confirm current options before booking. Online visits can make it simpler to have regular short check-ins, use mindfulness exercises between meetings, or practice new skills in day-to-day settings.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she help with?

Sara works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, self-esteem, grief, trauma and related issues such as eating, parenting, career, bipolar, and ADHD.

What is her therapy style like?

Her style is collaborative and down-to-earth. Sessions focus on listening, goal setting, and practical skills such as emotion regulation and behavior change.

How long has she practiced?

She has 13 years of professional experience supporting people with a range of concerns.

What are her credentials and location?

Sara is an LMHC licensed in Florida and Washington and practices from Washington.

Which languages are supported?

Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.

What session formats are available?

The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.

How does pricing work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

Therapists on BetterHelp do not prescribe medication. A doctor can talk with you about medical options. If you are thinking about suicide, call or text 988; in an emergency, call 911.