Sarah Lavallee

I approach anxiety as something that often develops from patterns of heightened stress, overthinking, and a sensitive nervous system. It can feel overwhelming, but it is also something that can be understood and worked with. I use a multifaceted approach, incorporating tools to regulate the nervous system while also exploring thought patterns and underlying influences, helping you feel more grounded, clear, and in control over time.

I approach career counseling from the perspective that career development is an evolving process shaped by life stages, roles, and personal experiences. It’s common to revisit career choices multiple times throughout life as priorities, values, and circumstances change. I focus on helping individuals make sense of where they are, explore what feels aligned, and move forward with greater clarity and flexibility.

I approach burnout as something that develops over time, often shaped by chronic stress, unmet needs, and patterns of overextension. I take a multifaceted approach, using tools to calm an overactive stress response while also drawing from career counseling to explore ways to make work and life more manageable. We also look at overall lifestyle patterns and how they contribute to burnout.

I often use a parts-based, imagery-focused approach because it helps bring internal experiences into clearer view. It can make it easier to understand that the parts of us we may not fully recognize are often trying to protect us. This perspective allows space to step back from the emotional intensity and develop more clarity, perspective, and compassion toward ourselves.

Exposure work can sound intimidating, but it’s done gradually and at your pace. The goal isn’t to overwhelm, but to gently build tolerance to what feels difficult—whether that’s situations or emotions. Over time, as you learn to stay with these experiences a little longer, they begin to feel less intense. This can reduce avoidance and create more confidence, understanding, and a sense of control.

I often incorporate practical skills drawn from DBT to help manage intense emotions, reduce overwhelm, and improve day-to-day functioning. These tools focus on building awareness, regulating emotional responses, and developing healthier ways of coping in challenging moments. The goal is to create a stronger sense of stability and give you strategies you can use in real time.