PuttingFamilyFirst

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

SG Portrait of Sarah Gillespie
Online therapist

Sarah Gillespie

Experienced psychologist focused on goals

Credentials
MI Psychologist 6301013150
Experience
26 years
Licensed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Sarah

Sarah Gillespie is a Michigan psychologist with over 26 years of experience. She focuses on practical strategies to help people reach their goals, whether those goals involve mood, self-confidence, workplace growth, or parenting concerns. She uses straightforward, respectful language and aims to make sessions productive and easy to follow.

Her style is direct yet warm. She draws on clients' strengths to guide change instead of dwelling on problems. Sessions mix goal-setting, skills practice, and real-world problem solving so people leave with clear next steps.

Background and approach

Sarah uses tools from cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy to address stress, anxiety, depression, panic, and sleep problems. She also applies motivational interviewing and solution-focused techniques to support change around addictions, career moves, and life transitions. The practice includes attention to a wide range of concerns such as parenting, grief, relationship difficulties, compassion fatigue, and gender-related issues.

Additional focus areas include autism and Asperger syndrome, hoarding, hospice and end-of-life counseling, and workplace issues. Sessions are offered in English and are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. Prospective clients start by completing a short questionnaire and then scheduling based on therapist availability.

Therapeutic approaches for online care and practical change

Client-centered therapy focuses on understanding each person's perspective and building on their strengths. It aims to create a respectful space where the person's goals guide the work and choices are honored.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It teaches specific skills to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and change unhelpful habits through structured exercises and practice.

Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, adds skills for handling intense emotions and improving relationships. It is useful when stress, anger, panic, or relationship conflict gets in the way of daily life.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what has or hasn't helped in the past to find the best fit. That collaboration shapes the plan and the tools used in sessions.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to meet: video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, continue care through life changes, and practice skills between meetings.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Concrete skills for riding out strong emotion, tolerating distress, and handling relationships without things escalating. The skills are practised in daily life, so between-session support by message or phone fits naturally.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Sarah address?
She works with a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, relationship struggles, parenting, and compassion fatigue.
How would you describe her approach in sessions?
Her style is direct and supportive, using a strengths-based approach with practical steps, feedback when asked, and collaborative problem-solving.
What background does she bring to therapy?
She has 26 years of experience as a psychologist and emphasizes goal-focused work to improve mood, confidence, and functioning.
Where is she licensed and what are her credentials?
She is licensed in Michigan as MI Psychologist 6301013150.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Therapy is available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging.
How are sessions paid for?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, fill out a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.

Specialties and expertise

Also works with

Experience
26 years
Licensed
Michigan
Languages
English

Next step

Talk to Sarah

  • Takes a few minutes
  • Nothing to set up just to look
  • Stop at any point