Sarah Drew
Sarah Drew
Downtown St. Petersburg Office
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
I hope to work alongside you in this next step of your mental health journey to make it feel rewarding, worthwhile, and effective. My personal approach to counseling is simple- I say that it’s like a bandaid on a cut. I am not there to “fix” you, I am there to provide a safe, healthy, protected, and nurturing environment for you to heal on your own.
I have worked in a variety of professional settings, but my heart is in working with individuals in private practice. I have extensive experience working with those who are struggling with:
- Anxiety
- Depression,
- Relationship/Communication Issues, and
- Life Stressors or Transitions.
Please click “Sarah’s specialties” for the full list, then come back to read more!
I have experience working with all ages of people with a variety of stressors and diagnoses, but primarily I love to work with:
- Pre-teens
- Adolescents
- Young Adults
- Adults
I have had the privilege of working with all kinds of lovely humans, so please know that all races, cultures, religions, genders, sexualities, etc. are welcome in my office! This is a safe space to be you.
I will be there every step of the way with a tailored treatment plan to your specific needs. Too many times do I hear that someone had a negative experience with therapy, and I aim to change your perception if that is the case; or ease you in if it is your first experience. I will always meet you where you are at. If you are worried about opening up and talking, or if you feel so overwhelmed with all you have to say, do not worry- we will be able to navigate through sessions together. I want my clients to feel heard, accepted, understood, comfortable, and free to be vulnerable.
While I bring my expertise into sessions, I also understand that everyone is the ultimate authority of themselves. My approach is collaborative, meaning if there is any technique or theory of therapy that does not connect with you then I have plan B, C, D, etc. to draw from as well. This is your time, your space, your chance to heal and process the things that are weighing you down, so I want to honor that you get something out of each session.
Therapy with me would look like 50 minutes of uninterrupted time consisting of whatever you need in that moment. Sometimes we need to vent, sometimes learn skills, be lovingly challenged, process a traumatic situation, gain a different perspective, do an activity or exercise, grow in our knowledge and education of the mind, let down baggage we’ve been holding, etc. It is different for everyone, but know the focus will be on what’s healthy and appropriate for you.
My specialties are working through the following:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Relationship issues
- Communication
- Trauma
- Life Stressors and Adjustments
All of these issues above may encompass other areas that need discussion and processing, such as:
- Family conflict
- Grief
- Self-esteem
- Stress
- Suicidal Ideations
- Behavioral Issues
- School Issues
- Divorce
- Marital and Premarital Issues
- Coping Skills
- Mood Disorders
- Life Coaching
*Please note that these are specialties and do not encompass all issues with which I work. Please call us if you are unsure and would like specific clarification.
I have had the privilege of working with lovely humans, so please know that all races, cultures, religions, genders, sexualities, etc., are welcome in my office! McNulty Counseling and Wellness is a safe space to be you.
If you are feeling the nudge to move forward and come in for a session, I encourage you to listen to yourself. You do not have to be alone in this, and I’d love to get to know you better. I believe a combination of deep mental and emotional work along with practical application is critical, and I can help you get where you want to be.
If you are a parent or guardian of a teen, please know that I will work with you both- recognizing and honoring who the client is but keeping an open line of communication.
If you are an individual coming in yourself, please know that we can involve others in your sessions additionally, if needed and wanted.
I use a variety of techniques, but most commonly, I pull from- Humanistic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused, Culturally Sensitive, Emotionally Focused, Mindfulness-Based, Rational Emotive Behavior (REBT), Person-Centered, LGBTQIA+ Affirming, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
This means that I focus first and foremost on our therapeutic relationship and then also work in solution-focused techniques and emotional work that uncovers those beliefs we have that make us act the way we do. I would consider myself an Integrative therapist, meaning that I understand that no one treatment is correct for everyone. Each person is unique, and I am highly intentional in considering that as we find what is best for you.
If you are looking for a non-judgmental, safe space that allows for growth, I hope to hear from you and look forward to these next steps together.
“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.” -Nido Qubein
Even More…
- I graduated from Grand Valley State University with my Bachelor’s in Psychology and then Oakland University with my Master’s in Counseling, all in Michigan.
- Studied abroad and attended the University of Westminster in London, England
- A part of the American Counseling Association and a Certified National Counselor (NCC)
- I am in the process of becoming a Certified DBT Therapist
- I enjoy the sunshine, good food, coffee, music, and conversation
