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. well. I have experience working with clients facing challenges such as generalized anxiety, social anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional dysregulation, relationship concerns, low self-confidence, and grief. 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
Anxiety/Depression/Trauma- EMDR
When life happens our minds, bodies and hearts try to make sense of what is occurring. Even everyday mundane tasks can affect our spirits, hearts and minds if we are not bringing awareness to our internal world. Symptoms of anxiety, depression and long-term trauma can begin to appear as a cry for help.. Through counseling you can set aside time to build self-awareness and provide care to the parts of you that are in need. When working with clients facing anxiety and depression I focus on listening, creating a safe space while also providing emotional regulation and interpersonal relationship tools so you can care for your inner world on your own.
I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) which is a specific modality used to process events and situations that continue to cause adverse and uncomfortable reactions in your mind and body. I take a slow and gentle approach using EMDR where I continue to focus on your story and the strengths you possess while also processing difficult memories. To watch a short video on how EMDR can help you click here.
Family of Origin and Relationship Concerns
We all come from different backgrounds and stories but even the ‘best of families’ can cause struggles later in life because our world is not perfect. If you find yourself reacting like a younger version of yourself or struggling to communicate well with others, counseling can help you discover more about your story and create a clearer path moving forward. In counseling I provide a listening ear to explore more of your story as well provide tools for communication, improving self-compassion and conflict negotiation.
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.
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!
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!