Sarah Leffler

Individual Therapy in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia

I try to tailor my approach to the needs of each person.

Because I have been hungry to find solutions that work, I have immersed myself in the study of many different approaches to psychotherapy.  These include contemporary psychodynamic psychotherapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. As an avid reader and life-long learner, I enjoy keeping up on the latest developments in the field of psychotherapy.

Some key convictions underlie my approach to therapy.

I believe that people’s experiences in early relationships, especially with primary care-givers, can have a subtle yet profound effect in later life.  Discovering these connections can be illuminating and helpful.

I believe in the mind-body connection.  Insight alone is not always enough to provide relief.  Sometimes when people feel stuck in therapy, it can be helpful to work more holistically.  My primary way of working with the mind-body connection, other than teaching relaxation techniques, is through EMDR. Although EMDR was first developed for trauma, it is now used more broadly.  You can read more about EMDR here.

I believe that talking about and working within our relationship can provide an avenue for growth.

Some of the most common issues that bring people to individual therapy with me include:

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Mood Imbalances

  • Relationship Issues

  • Life Transitions

  • Self-Esteem

  • Family-of-Origin Issues

  • Trauma

Finding the right fit with a therapist is important.  The first few sessions are an opportunity for you to get a sense of how I work and for you to determine whether you think my style and approach will be a good match for your needs.  I’m also happy to offer a free brief phone consultation before the start of therapy.