MA, LCMHCA
Certified Expressive Arts Therapist
Hello, my name is Sarah Rogers! I received my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Appalachian State University, where I was also trained and received a certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy. I completed my clinical internship experience at Appalachian State University’s counseling center and have completed a play therapy course as well. During these experiences, I developed skills for working with clients facing life transitions, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, depression, spiritual/ religious concerns, emotional dysregulation, interpersonal relationship concerns, low self-confidence, grief, and academic distress. My main theoretical approach is person-centered therapy, incorporating creative, culturally aware, and trauma-informed methods.
How I Help
I have found people fascinating throughout my life, as each person has unique stories, values, and beliefs that guide their lives. This curiosity, combined with the belief that each person has intrinsic value and worth, led me to the field of counseling. By using collaborative, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approaches, I hope to facilitate a healing space where clients can learn how to care for themselves holistically, pursue personal goals, and address mental health concerns, all while feeling accepted for who they are.
When starting counseling, I will first learn about my client’s values and goals, better understand who you are, and collaborate with you to create a plan that works best for you! Depending on the client, I can also include coping and emotional regulation techniques, as these strategies help everyone better understand themselves and their reactions. My goal as a counselor is to provide my clients with encouragement and tools to help them reach their goals!
My Specialties
Expressive Arts
Depending on the client's comfort level, I can use a range of artistic modalities to help clients better process their stories and emotions and build a deeper understanding of themselves. These modalities include oil pastels, clay, colored pencils, markers, and paint. Expressive arts are meant for everyone; no artistic ability is required! Creativity is an important part of being human, but it tends to get lost in adulthood. Because of this, I am passionate about using expressive arts in counseling!
Anxiety/Depression
Whether your anxiety/depression is clinical or you are having some symptoms of anxiety/depression, counseling can give you an avenue to discuss your concerns and build a plan to help you!
Life Transitions
Each season of life brings different stress levels, whether comfortable, happy, difficult, or sad. These different seasons can cause people to experience anxiety or depression. It is very important to talk through these times and create a plan to best care for yourself.
Play Therapy/Counseling for kids
Children are amazing in so many ways! Their creativity, curiosity, and openness to trying new things are always inspirational. Play therapy combines these traits while allowing children to work through their own issues. Children communicate through the language of play, enabling them to process any stress, hurt, confusion, or mental blocks they may have. The most important part of play therapy is the encouragement, witnessing, and anonymity that the counselor provides to the child.
More About Me
Outside the counseling space, you can find me spending time with friends, going on walks, attending fitness classes, reading, and doing anything outside! I am also an amateur painter, knitter, cook, pickleballer, and traveler! When I can go abroad, I explore the streets of Vienna, Edinburgh, London, Bergen, and Dublin. When finances cause me to remain a ‘traveler’ in North Carolina, I enjoy exploring new coffee shops, parks, towns, restaurants, and hikes!