Adult Psychotherapy

 
 

Introduction from Sarah Lax, MSW, CSWA, CHN

While the letters after my name identify me as a clinical social worker and therapist today, in my first career I spent over 15 years as a licensed midwife in the states of Oregon and Washington, assisting pregnant people through their labors at home, in birth centers, and in the hospital. I walked with families through their darkest moments of pain and in their most joyful, heart bursting experiences. And while life has taken me out of the birthing room and into the therapy space, I will always identify with the root of what it means to be a midwife. The word midwife means “with women” or “one who assists women in giving birth.” Those who walk through the process of birthing are offered a glimpse into the deepest truths of what it means to be a human, to feel the highest highs and the lowest lows. Beginning the courageous journey of therapy offers its own possibility of birthing oneself into a life that may be both a place of vulnerability and the unknown, but also rich with potential for unimagined transformation of the relationship to self and the relationships we hold with others.

What does a session with me look like?

In our first few sessions together, we will be spending time understanding what brought you to therapy, your goals, and what progress looks like to you. We will walk slowly into relationship building, as that is the core of successful therapeutic work. Feeling safe, seen, and connected are the cornerstones of emotional growth, and we will take time to allow that process to unfold with you, the client, at the center. My work is grounded in somatic therapy, which means that while I care deeply about what you are thinking, I equally desire to know how your soma (your body) is feeling and what it is experiencing. It is from that space that we can begin to weave together and truly strengthen the mind-body connection that is the heart of healing. 

Therapy techniques and areas of specialty

In our work together, I utilize trauma-focused and strengths-based therapies and draw from my training in somatic EMDR, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness. I also offer support as a Certified Holistic Nutritionist and as a Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE®) instructor, and use these modalities to deepen client care when requested. I have extensive experience working with people struggling with trauma, anxiety, and depression in the perinatal period and supporting expecting families as they transition into parenthood. Additionally, I specialize in infertility challenges, pregnancy/birth/postpartum trauma, PMADS (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders), fetal/infant loss, and parenting stressors. I am LGBTQIA+ affirming and strive to be anti-oppressive and culturally humble in my therapy relationships. While I have a great deal of experience working with the perinatal and parenting populations, I welcome anyone who desires to be seen in their struggles and build a stronger relationship to self. I look forward to connecting with you!

Psychotherapy sessions offered at Spero Psychology in SE Portland

Credentials

  • Master of Social Work, Loyola University

  • Bachelor of Arts, Seattle University- Honors Program

  • Bastyr University (Formerly Seattle Midwifery School), Certificate in Midwifery

Areas of Focus

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Infertility challenges

  • Reproductive health

  • Pregnancy/birth/postpartum trauma

  • Fetal/Infant Loss

  • PMADS (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders)

  • Postpartum Depression/Anxiety

  • Parenting stressors

  • Life stage transitions

  • Medical trauma and provider burnout 

Techniques Used

  • Somatic EMDR 

  • Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)

  • Psychodynamic therapy

  • Motivational interviewing

  • Mindfulness

  • Nutrition Counseling

  • Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE®)

Clinical Supervisor- Haley Atherton, LCSW (#L10962)