IFSTherapists

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LCMHC, LCPC

Sara Nielsen, LCMHC, LCPC

  • Experience19 years
  • LocationAlabama
  • Focus areasStress and Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, and Eating
  • Therapy approachesInternal Family Systems and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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About Sara

Sara Nielsen is a licensed counselor with nearly two decades of clinical experience who works with people facing a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma and abuse, eating-related problems, and relationship difficulties.

Background and approach

Holding LCMHC and LCPC credentials, she draws on well-established therapeutic methods to create a collaborative, guided process that responds to each person’s needs. Her practice in Alabama emphasizes a nonjudgmental atmosphere where clients can explore challenges like addiction, grief, bipolar mood concerns, compassion fatigue, ADHD, and issues around intimacy and self-esteem.

Her style blends cognitive-behavioral tools, acceptance and commitment ideas, dialectical behavior strategies, mindfulness, and client-centered principles to tailor care to what the client brings. Sara aims to work interactively with clients so goals are clear and therapy stays practical and relevant.

The work often includes addressing body image, family of origin patterns, communication problems, and co-occurring concerns such as codependency or impulsivity. She invites clients to take steps toward change while acknowledging how difficult that process can be, offering steady support through each stage of therapy.

Approaches that inform online collaborative care

Internal Family Systems (IFS) frames the mind as composed of different parts and helps people develop a curious, compassionate relationship with their inner experiences, often supporting work with trauma, self-criticism, and conflicted emotions. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying values and building psychological flexibility through acceptance and mindful action, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathic listening and a nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship to encourage personal growth and self-directed change.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process; the therapist will collaborate with clients to determine which methods best match their goals, preferences, and presenting concerns. Together they explore what tools feel most helpful and adapt the plan as progress unfolds.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and communication preferences. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives while maintaining continuity of care across weekly work, life changes, or travel.

Frequently asked questions

What issues does she commonly address?
Sara works with many presenting concerns including stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, eating and food-related issues, addictions, relationship and intimacy-related problems, grief, and self-esteem challenges.
What is her general therapeutic style?
She describes a collaborative, interactive, and client-guided approach that combines practical skills with reflective work to match each person’s needs and preferences.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She brings 19 years of professional experience working with a wide range of concerns and therapeutic methods.
What credentials and location are listed?
She holds LCMHC and LCPC credentials with license details NH LCMHC 3364 and KS LCPC LCPC 2756 and is based in Alabama.
Does she offer sessions in languages other than English?
Sessions are provided in English only and she is not accepting international clients at this time.
Which session formats are available for therapy?
Clients may use video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to meet with her.
How is cost handled for therapy?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a brief matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on the therapist’s available times.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseEating disordersDepressionCoping with life changes

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

Body imageCo-morbidityCodependencyCommunication problemsDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHoardingImpulsivityInfidelityJealousyLife purposeMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaWomen's issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

19+ years

Licensed

Missouri, Kansas, New Hampshire, Alabama

Languages

English