Sara Sparks, LCSW
Licensed Certified Social Worker
Hello! Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here.
My name is Sara Sparks and I’m a licensed certified social worker. This means, I have the distinct pleasure of working with people just like you to navigate through life’s challenges. Genuine curiosity is at the core of my work. I believe with curiosity comes connection. I will always be coming from a place of nonjudgement and curiosity. From the second we begin, I am rooting for you. Honestly, you’re just reading this right now, and I’m already rooting for you! Great job taking the first step toward healing! Go YOU!
I operate from a range of evidence-based intervention methodologies, but I am deeply rooted in a holistic approach that is the core of social work philosophy, Person-in-Environment. I believe we are not solely impacted by our thoughts and feelings, but how we interact with the environments we live, work, and play in. Once we get a better picture of this, we can work together to create strategies to rediscover that innate joy that is in all of us. Sometimes we have to work a little harder to access it and that’s okay. What’s that Death Cab for Cutie line? Then, I’ll follow you into the dark.
Clinical Interests/Expertise:
I love working with people no matter your age or circumstance. It is literally my favorite thing.
A couple of my clinical interests include working with pregnant and postpartum birthing persons. I am deeply invested in maternal mental health as I believe it is the cornerstone of one’s ability to bond, nurture, and grow as a mother. I also believe there are times of great difficulty and duress that surround family planning such as infertility struggles and loss. I believe we need to hold space for this stage as it is so, so important! I am currently completing advanced training for the perinatal life stage in order to intervene in new and unique ways.
I also love working with adolescents and young adults. It is such a gift to be able to spend time speaking with young people about their experience. It’s a hard time to be navigating youth and identity development with the rise of social media and the pandemic. Social norms are changing and how does one decide who they are when the options are limitless? My work with adolescents focuses on their strengths and creating a toolbox of supports and skills they can access in times of struggle. It is my goal to help them get a handle on some BIG feelings and learn to harness them to their advantage.
Additionally, I am an LGBTQQIA+ ally! I will champion you every step of the way.
About Me:
My clinical background includes work in a variety of settings including – corrections, psychiatric inpatient hospital, medical hospital and college counseling center. I have worked with people all the way from birth to helping loved ones plan for the end. Every day I get the privilege of listening to someone’s story is the best day yet.
A bit of personal background, I served as a stay-at-home mom for seven years, and went back to school to obtain my Associate’s, my Bachelor’s, and most recently my Master’s degree in Social Work from Auburn University. I am a firm believer in it is never too late to go for that goal!
Nowadays, in my free time, you’ll find me hanging outside with my chickens, going camping with my family, and reading a book or twenty. Humor is my favorite thing and I’m sure we’ll have some laughs in our sessions!
Thanks so much for reading about me! I can’t wait to meet you and begin our work together!