Sarah Spurling, LCSW - Therapist in Illinois

Stress and anxiety
Autism support groups
ACT and CBT methods

About Sarah

Sarah Spurling is an IL LCSW with three years of clinical experience working with adults in Illinois. She focuses on stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, LGBT concerns, and self-esteem. Her practice often includes people adjusting to life changes or exploring identity and diagnosis later in life.

Sarah describes a straightforward, relational way of working. She pays attention to how clients actually live day to day. Sessions center on talking through what feels stuck, testing small changes, and learning coping tools that fit practical life demands. The goal is clearer thinking and steadier routines rather than quick fixes.

She also works with autistic adults and people navigating a later-in-life autism diagnosis. In addition to individual therapy, Sarah facilitates autism support groups where members can share experience and practical strategies. She supports concerns such as attachment and abandonment, caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, body image, and dissociation.

Therapeutic methods she uses include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Existential Therapy. That range lets her match approaches to a person's current needs and preferences. Sarah aims to help clients build skills that feel doable between sessions.

People who choose her often want a steady, down-to-earth therapist who listens and helps make changes feel manageable. To begin, clients complete a brief matching questionnaire and schedule a first session to see how the work would proceed.

How Sarah uses evidence-based methods online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying personal values and taking committed action even when difficult thoughts or feelings appear. It can help when life feels unmotivated or directionless. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at patterns of thought and behavior to reduce anxiety and improve day-to-day functioning. It is useful for managing worry and building practical routines. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship and helps people feel heard while they sort through decisions and identity concerns.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. Sarah will collaborate with each person to pick methods that match their goals, preferences, and what feels workable in daily life. That choice is revisited as needs change so the plan stays practical and relevant.

Confirm which session formats are currently offered before booking, since formats are not listed in the profile. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when schedules demand it. Many people find remote work helps them transfer skills into everyday routines, but the specific format and cadence are set together during the intake and first sessions.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety LGBT Trauma and abuse Grief Self esteem

Additional focus areas

Abandonment Attachment issues Autism and Asperger Syndrome Body image Caregiver issues and stress Chronic pain, illness, and disability CodependencyCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDissociationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFirst responder issuesGender dysphoriaGuilt and shame Immigration issuesLife purposeMidlife crisis Multicultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPost-traumatic stress Prejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)SexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWomen's issuesWorkplace issues Young adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family SystemsSystemic Therapy

Experience

3+ years

Listed in

Illinois

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does she help with?

She works with adults on stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, LGBT concerns, and self-esteem, plus related issues like attachment, body image, and caregiver stress.

How would she approach feeling stuck or directionless?

Her style is relational and practical. She talks through daily routines, tests small changes, and offers tools from ACT, CBT, and DBT to help people find steadier footing.

What experience does she bring?

She has three years of clinical experience working with adults and facilitating autism support groups.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

She is an IL LCSW and practices in Illinois.

Does she work in languages other than English or with international clients?

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

Which session formats are used?

Please confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not specified in the profile.

How does cost and payment work?

Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I start a first session?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.

Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.