Sara Scruggs, LCSW

Sara Scruggs is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with ten years of practice in Illinois. She focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, compassion fatigue, and changes in life. Sara aims to make therapy practical and down-to-earth so people can use what they learn day to day.

She draws on several well-known approaches to tailor work to each person's needs. Sessions often include client-centered listening to understand what matters most to the client. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tools are used to identify unhelpful thoughts and try out manageable behavior changes. Emotionally-Focused ideas help when strong feelings and relationship patterns get in the way.

Sara has supported people facing family strain, blended family challenges, communication or control issues, and struggles with commitment or jealousy. She also assists with guilt, shame, impulsivity, and finding life purpose. Her experience includes helping those coping with workplace stress and low self-esteem.

Her style is collaborative and practical. She helps people set small, achievable goals and practices during sessions. The work is aimed at building self-awareness, better emotional responses, and clearer communication.

To begin, people complete a brief matching questionnaire and schedule according to therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. Prospective clients in Illinois may choose this pathway to see if her way of working fits their needs.

How these approaches fit into online therapy

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and understanding each person’s goals. The therapist follows the client’s lead and helps them name what matters most, which can be useful for stress and self-esteem work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It offers straightforward exercises to test new ways of thinking and to try small behavior changes that reduce anxiety and improve coping.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the client about what feels useful and try different techniques as needed. This is a collaborative process that adapts to the person’s goals, whether that means short-term problem solving or deeper emotional work.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life by removing travel time and allowing appointments during breaks or between other commitments. It can also allow for shorter check-ins when needed, or more focused sessions for skill practice, depending on what the therapist offers.