Licensed Social Worker
MSW, LSW
Therapy for ages 13+
Sarah Guarini
Life can feel messy, complicated, and overwhelming at times. Therapy offers a space to pause, breathe, and untangle the parts that feel heavy. My goal is to create a warm, collaborative, and judgment-free environment where you can show up exactly as you are.
I work with teens and adults navigating life transitions, grief, relationship or family challenges, ADHD or autism, anger, trauma, and the process of rediscovering yourself after major life changes. My approach is trauma-informed, flexible, and rooted in mindfulness. Together, we’ll use a blend of evidence-based approaches—including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy—to support your unique goals and pace.
I believe that healing happens through connection. In our work together, I bring warmth, curiosity, and compassion to help you feel seen and supported as you learn to make sense of your experiences. You may also get to meet my calm and gentle poodle, Ralph, who often joins sessions as a grounding and comforting presence.
If you’re feeling stuck, anxious, or ready for change, therapy can be a powerful space to find clarity and connection. I’d be honored to walk alongside you on that journey.
About Me:
I love spending time in nature, especially when I get to share that time with my dogs, friends, and family. In winter, I lean into my favorite cozy hobbies, like reading and baking. In summer, I love hiking and gardening. But I'm up for a good craft or project any time of year!
Education:
Bachelor’s in English & Secondary Education, North Central College
Master in Social Worker, Aurora University, 2025
What are your top specialties?
I love working with teens & adults, especially those with ADHD, autism, and/ or a history of trauma. It can be tough to move through a world that is not necessarily designed to support our unique needs. I also know that there is incredible strength, creativity, and resilience within all of us as unique humans. I love helping people develop a deeper understanding of how their own minds and bodies operate so that they can navigate life in a way that feels empowering and authentic for them.
What would you say to someone considering therapy with you?
You're welcome here exactly as you are. Whether you're navigating big life changes or challenges, processing past trauma, or you're simply curious about understanding yourself more deeply, I'm here to support you. My sessions are a safe, affirming space where you can be your full, authentic self as you move toward healing at your own pace.
What insurance do you accept?
BCBS PPO, Aetna, Anthem, and Cigna/Evernorth.
What does a typical session with you look like?
I do not use a "one size fits all" approach; instead, I like to tailor each session to your unique needs and what feels most helpful in that moment. Sometimes that might mean working through current patterns, and other times that might mean exploring our thought and behavior patterns. Other times, we might use art, mindfulness, or nature/ animal-assisted approaches to express and process feelings that words can't quite capture. Regardless of the differences in our approach each session, my goal is to create a space where clients can slow down, feel grounded, and connect with themselves.
Who is your ideal client?
I light up when I see someone begin to reconnect with their own sense of strength and worth. My ideal clients are folks who have gone through or are currently navigating traumatic or challenging situations. Those experiences can leave us feeling powerless and disconnected. I feel honored to walk alongside clients as they rediscover and love parts of themselves until they once again feel safe and connected.
How do clients describe you?
Authentic, thoughtful and reflective.
Sarah’s Approach
I use a strengths-based and client-centered approach. As a trauma therapist, I do not believe in rushing the therapeutic process. Instead, I like to focus on creating space for curiosity, kindness, and reflection so that you can show up exactly as you are. Together, we'll move at a pace that feels safe and supportive.
I use a blend of approaches like CBT, DBT, IFS, mindfulness and expressive therapies such as art or animal-assisted work. These tools can help us gently explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences with curiosity instead of judgement. By slowing down and creating a little space between who you are and what you've been through, we can start to ease shame and make room for self-compassion. My goal is to help you make sense of your experiences and emotions in a way that feels true to you and supports you as you navigate the ups and downs of life.
Click here for more detailed information on therapeutic modalities.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented type of talk therapy that can help manage mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, and emotional concerns, such as coping with grief or stress.
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Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) addresses the mental health needs of people suffering from the destructive effects of early trauma.
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of talk therapy, specially adapted for people who experience emotions very intensely. DBT is especially effective for people who have difficulty managing and regulating their emotions.
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Art therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensorimotor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change.
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Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a form of treatment that involves the use of trained animals to improve the physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being of individuals
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Internal Family Systems (IFS) is frequently used as an evidence-based psychotherapy, helping people heal by accessing and healing their protective and wounded inner parts.
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Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an evidence-based program designed to reduce stress & enhance wellbeing through mindfulness practices, like meditation, body scans & mindful movement. to encourage present-moment awareness & acceptance.
Top Specialties:
Animal Assisted Therapy
Autism
ADHD
Trauma and PTSD
Areas of Expertise:
Anxiety
Tweens and Teens
Cults/Authoritarian Families
Depression
Domestic Abuse
Domestic Violence
Family Conflict
LGBTQ+ Support
Life Transitions
Peer Relationships
Relationship Issues
Religious Trauma
Self Esteem
Stress
Women's Issues
Book with Sarah.
Interested in working together? Fill out the form below, call (630) 940-6828 or email scheduling@paderatherapy.com. We also offer a 15-minute free phone consultation.
Questions about insurance?
Give us a call or email scheduling@paderatherapy.com. We can often work with insurance companies if we are out-of-network. If we are an out-of-network provider or you do not have insurance, our rate is currently $135.00 for a 53 minute session. However, we also offer reduced rates in special circumstances. Finances should never be a deterrent for seeking help! We work with families to come up with a number that works for you.