Sara McCracken (she/her)

Anxiety is a natural and often adaptive response to stress, serving as our body’s way of signaling a need for attention or action. However, when our nervous systems remain in a prolonged state of heightened activation, this response can become overwhelming. Over time, we may begin to experience its effects—both physically and emotionally—such as a racing heart, sweaty palms, excessive worrying, intrusive thoughts, difficulty relaxing, or feelings of irritability and tension.

Depression often arises as a response to the body’s nervous system being overwhelmed. When we remain stuck in a prolonged state of fight, flight, or freeze, the body may eventually shift into a state of shutdown as a way of coping with the overload. This is not a failing—it is the body’s way of protecting itself when it feels there are no other options.

For those who experience persistent self-doubt and long for relief from the relentless messages of their inner critic—the ones that echo the belief of not being enough—this is a space where healing is possible. Together, we can explore these thoughts with curiosity and compassion, working to quiet that critical voice and replace it with one that reflects your inherent worth and strength.

Mindfulness-based therapy helps you stay present and fully engage with your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. By practicing mindfulness, you learn to observe your experiences with greater clarity, allowing you to respond more calmly and thoughtfully to challenges, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.

Internal Family Systems therapy is a therapeutic approach that recognizes the multiplicity of the self and the different "parts" that make up our internal world. By understanding and integrating these parts, we can cultivate greater self-awareness, self-compassion, and healing. In sessions, we will work together to identify and engage with these parts in a safe and supportive environment, promoting greater insight and personal growth.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps you explore how your thoughts and emotions shape your actions. With the guidance in therapy, you’ll learn to challenge negative patterns and replace them with healthier, more constructive ways of thinking. Typically, CBT involves a series of sessions where, through a question-and-answer process, you gain fresh perspectives and develop skills to better cope with stress, pain, and life’s challenges.