Sarah de Araujo, LICSW
Clinical Supervisor | she/her
Ask me about…
As a first generation Brazilian-American, I am interested in how narratives of family (chosen, mixed, & biological), subculture, and normative cultures impact the way we behave & interpret ourselves in the context of others. We will talk together in order to build trust in yourself while addressing experiences & beliefs/thinking that keeps you from growing.
Language(s) spoken:
English, Brazilian Portuguese
What brought you into this field?
I am eager to hear about what has been on your mind and learn about your experiences. When life is filled with obstacles and stressors, it can feel difficult to talk about what is bothering you without feeling like a burden or worrying how sharing might impact people in your life. Life can feel lonely and discouraging when you don’t have a safe space and a warm ear to process how you are feeling. My priority is to develop a space and therapeutic relationship in which you may feel understood. I focus on helping people navigate issues regarding relationships, gender & sexuality, relationship and family dynamics, trauma, as well as immigration & race.
Counseling style:
We will work collaboratively and use therapy as a space to practice and develop skills for healthy communication, demystifying complex dynamics & emotions, and developing fulfilling relationships. I enjoy working to address trauma, gender paradigms in relationships, attachment difficulties,systemic oppression, and refugee/immigration/first generation issues.
Modalities:
Individual, Couples
Specializations:
Clinical Psychology, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Relationship distress, Immigrant, refugee, first-generation, and mixed status families.
Education:
UMass Amherst Psychology 2011
Westfield State University MSW 2016
Past Experience:
I’ve always been a caretaker and have felt pulled towards deeper understanding of the human experience and what shapes us. I began volunteering at a local hotline and shelter serving survivors of intimate partner abuse (IPA) fifteen years ago. As I learned more about the complex dynamics of abuse and power & control in relationships, I became interested in addressing the issue with people engaging in abusive behaviors and worked for several years at an IPA education program (group therapy for court mandated people with IPA charges). I have a deep understanding of community mental health and carceral and immigration systems through working in and sound those systems. I believe in order to provide quality therapy, I needed to understand and experience how those systems function and impact our sense of self.