Meet Sara Brickley, LCSW-C
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a passion for supporting adolescents and women navigating the complex effects of trauma. With years of experience in mental health care, I offer a safe, compassionate, and collaborative space for clients to explore their experiences, develop resilience, and move toward healing.
My approach is eclectic, drawing from a variety of therapeutic disciplines—including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic principles, and mindfulness practices. I tailor treatment to each individual, recognizing that no two journeys are the same.
At the core of my philosophy is the belief that healing is a journey, not a destination. I trust that each person already holds the tools and inner wisdom needed to grow, adapt, and thrive. My role is to help uncover and nurture those strengths, walking beside clients as they reconnect with their sense of self and reclaim their stories.
Trauma & Adjustment
A trauma is any distressing event or experience that causes a significant impact or impairment on functioning. Some of the symptoms of trauma are changes in mood and behavior including depression and anxiety, avoidance, difficulty concentrating or focusing, intrusive thoughts, hyperviglance and re-experiencing the traumatic event. We are here to help individuals and families coping with the symptoms of acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We will use evidence-based tools to assess for symptoms of PTSD. Together, we will determine the most effective approach to treatment to help you process, heal and move forward with your life.
Life changes may impact an individuals’ emotions and behavior in a significant way. Bright Transitions Therapy also provides support to clients who are struggling to cope with an adjustment or transition. We will help you to identify and process the challenges. Then, we will figure out strategies to communicate and cope with difficult thoughts and feelings surrounding the adjustment.
Anxiety & Depression
The symptoms of anxiety and depression can be debilitating to your life and relationships. This can lead to hopelessness and isolation from others. You may feel that you are being held back from enjoying a happy, fulfilling and productive life. Our goal is to provide a safe space for you to feel seen and heard.
We will use the principles of CBT to help you identify the connection between thoughts, emotions and behaviors. You will learn how to express and process your experiences and feelings in a healthy and productive way. Together we will find practical strategies you can use to cope with the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Bright Transitions Therapy will also offer solution-focused strategies to tackle specific life stressors.
We apply the concepts of SPACE treatment to work with parents who are coping with the challenges associated with a child who is diagnosed with anxiety or obsessive compulsive disorder. SPACE is also a helpful approach for parents of transitional age youth and young adults who are experiencing challenges related to failure to launch.
ADHD & Behavioral Challenges
Living with ADHD may present challenges to your functioning at home, school and in relationships. This can have a negative impact on your confidence and self-esteem. Bright Transitions Therapy uses a strengths-based approach when treating ADHD. We provide clients and families with useful tools and strategies to manage the symptoms of ADHD and thrive in all areas of life.
Bright Transitions Therapy also works with parents and children coping with challenging behaviors that may disrupt life at home or in other environments. We work together with parents and children to form realistic behavioral goals and attainable strategies to achieve them. Our objective is to help facilitate behavioral compliance while maintaining a safe, supportive and connected parent-child relationship.
Sometimes kids experience emotional or behavioral challenges at school. We are available to work collaboratively with you and your child’s school to help insure that they are getting the appropriate supports to be successful in the school environment.
Social & Communication Skills
You may be having difficulty communicating with others and building meaningful connections in your life. We are available to help you identify patterns or barriers preventing you from communicating effectively at home, school, work or in social settings. Together we will practice the skills of assertive communication in order to foster self confidence and build healthy and fulfilling relationships.
Bright Transitions Therapy is available to run social skills groups for children and adolescents depending on need and interest level. Please contact us to inquire about current opportunities for participation in group therapy.