Sara Rauschendorfer

I have experience helping adults, adolescents, and children experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, anger that feels hard to manage, grief, identity exploration, and life transitions. I am also deeply committed to providing inclusive, affirming therapy. I have experience supporting LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent individuals who are seeking authentic self-expression and navigating minority stress. 

When working with me, clients can expect to be met with warmth, acceptance, and mindful, compassionate presence. I respect clients as fellow human beings and honor their choices as they engage in the therapy process as a part of their healing and growth. Using a trauma-informed approach to therapy, I thoughtfully consider how trauma and negative life experiences shape mental health and holistic well-being. In addition, this means that I aim to collaborate with clients to help sessions feel safe and to help clients feel more grounded when uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations arise. 

Our work together will be individualized to help address your needs while engaging your strengths. My approach is informed by a combination of evidence-supported treatment models, including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), narrative therapy, and play therapy. Recognizing the importance of the mind-body connection, I also incorporate mindfulness practices to help clients observe and interact with thoughts, emotions, sensations, and the external world more intentionally. 

I am a Licensed Social Worker in The State of New Jersey. I hold a Master of Social Work degree from The University of Denver and an undergraduate degree from Siena University. Prior to joining Path Forward Therapy, I completed two internships where I facilitated individual therapy sessions for adults and youth.