Hi, I’m Sarah, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) working in the Athens area. Most folks report experiencing me as someone who is warm, grounded, and authentic. My aim is to build our relationship so that you can find the ability to be safe and at ease while at the same time able to dig into deeper, more difficult material. I pull from both practical approaches and more abstract, emotion based ones to dial into what you individually would most benefit from or need in an active way. This is a fully collaborative process with you; we’re a team and our relationship is the cornerstone of healing. You can expect a space that allows honesty, imperfection, humor, and perhaps some tears and choice language at times, if you choose. My style is not forceful or controlling.
If you’re interested, here’s a bit of background from the path that led me here, including my work history and education. I graduated from Florida State University with both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work. Social Work is rooted in hands on work and social justice. While in undergraduate and graduate school I interned and worked in domestic and sexual violence both at the local domestic and sexual violence agency Refuge House, and with the on campus Sexual Assault Response Team at FSU. Additionally, I interned at FSU’s Counseling Center to build and hone clinical, therapeutic skills.
I moved to Athens, Georgia to accept a position at a local nonprofit, The Cottage Sexual Assault Center and Children’s Advocacy Center. As the Adult Advocate I worked to rebuild a program across several counties, delivering 24/7 crisis support to survivors of sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse. That was tough, meaningful, and necessary work.
With a desire to further my counseling skills and really move more into the long term healing aspects of therapy with clients, I accepted a position as a mental health clinician at the University of Georgia’s Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS). Here I expanded my knowledge base as a clinician working with the following concerns: relationship issues, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, body image, self esteem, and trauma.
After becoming a new mom, I left CAPS and began my private practice in 2014. I continue to grow professionally by attending continuing education conferences and more recently, due to COVID-19, via virtual trainings. Podcasts, books and meeting regularly with a small consultation group of fellow therapists are additional ways I find support, learn, and grow.
I enjoy spending time with my people, being outside, and creating usually via various home projects. Those who know me well will also tell you that I love the thrill that thrifting brings. These things keep me grounded, sane and fulfilled.
Pronouns: she/her
Find my clinical social work licensure information here: https://verify.sos.ga.gov/verification/SearchResults.aspx
Sarah K. Chatfield, Licensed Clinical Social Worker 