Walking alongside you
I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2001. I started my career as a medical social worker working within the HIV/AIDS community and continued my professional journey in hospice care and crisis counseling. After raising a family, I was the social worker in an interdisciplinary hospital-based Psychiatric Urgent Care program at Evanston Hospital where I provided short-term crisis counseling and therapy services. My clinical expertise include grief and loss; perinatal issues; anxiety and depression, and life transitions.
With an eclectic approach, I combine many modalities to use as a therapeutic lens in my work with clients. I like to start by getting to know my clients to best understand where they are currently - both in their body, mind, as well as in their experience. I combine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness with Polyvagal Theory (PVT) to walk alongside you in your therapeutic journey.
I view the role of the therapist to be a mirror for their client. I will reflect back to you what I am seeing with a unique, nonjudgmental perspective and with strategies to help you move forward in your life. We all can benefit from extra support at times, and therapy provides a perfect opportunity to focus on ourselves. I am constantly learning and pushing myself to incorporate new therapeutic techniques that I feel will not only help my clients, but help me grow professionally and personally. I love to be able to share ideas and resources with clients. Don’t be surprised if you get an envelope in the mail with laminated coping cards!
Sarajane Giles
Licensed Clinical Social Worker