Sarah Parsons, LMFT
Therapist in Simi Valley
Hi,
I’m Sarah Parsons
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist LMFT #140373
You’re feeling fatigued and experiencing overwhelm from the world around you. It could be that you are a parent struggling to find ways to support your child or teen. Your family is in need of healing to restore broken or strained relationships. Maybe your relationship or marriage has been taking a toll on you lately, leaving you feeling drained, tired, and at the brink of giving up. Within yourself, you may be internally struggling with depression that’s leaving you feeling like you are running out of places to turn.
I believe you can discover the root of your struggles and are capable of overcoming hardships. My goal is to provide support to you and your family by helping you manage difficult emotions or life challenges – to create positive and healthy changes that lead to a happier life. I understand that seeking help and being vulnerable can be intimidating, and I am grateful to be a part of your journey. I want to create a safe space for you to feel heard, understood and comfortable sharing your story.
I am passionate about working with children, adolescents, young adults and families who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, or any challenges or transitional periods. I have personally witnessed many people, who have been affected by trauma, work through their experiences to create meaning and hope for their futures. Adolescence is an important stage of growth, and I enjoy helping these individuals develop a greater understanding and awareness of themselves and who they want to be. Children and adolescents who work through struggles at a young age are better equipped for success, especially when the entire family is involved in the process. Involving the entire family is very important to me, as I want to ensure everyone feels supported and understood.
My Therapy Specialties Include:
Child and teen therapy
Depression
Trauma
Now Offering
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):
Do you ever feel stuck reliving the same event in your mind over and over again? Or notice that certain places, smells, sensations, or even conversations can suddenly overwhelm you or bring you right back to a past traumatic moment? When someone has gone through trauma or very difficult experiences, the brain can sometimes hold onto those memories in a way that makes them feel like they’re still happening in the present. This can also lead to negative beliefs about ourselves or the world, such as “I am not safe,” “I am not enough,” or “I am unlovable.” Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy approach that helps the brain process and heal from these memories so they feel less overwhelming. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or gentle tapping, to help the brain reprocess difficult experiences in a healthier way. Over time, this can help reduce the emotional intensity of the memory and shift negative beliefs toward more supportive ones, such as “I am safe now,” or “I have people in my life who love and accept me for who I am.”
Before beginning EMDR, I take time to get to know my clients and understand their history, experiences, and goals for therapy. I take an empathetic and gentle approach, as I understand how challenging it can be to revisit painful experiences. I’m excited to offer EMDR as another way to support individuals in healing from trauma and anxiety, especially for those who may feel that traditional talk therapy alone hasn’t quite been enough.
“Sarah Parsons is not only an incredibly talented professional and confidant, but she is also one of the most kind hearted and compassionate people I have ever met. She makes you feel heard and understood as a unique individual without any form of judgment. More importantly, from the first few minutes of speaking with her, you know that Sarah’s empathy and drive to help you are genuine. With Sarah’s continued guidance and support, I feel much more confident about being able to navigate any stressor that life may throw at me.”
“Sarah Parsons is kind, respectful, trustworthy, and genuinely cares about her clients! She is an excellent group therapist and knows how to create an environment where group members can feel comfortable and supported. The groups she leads help clients to build confidence and resilience through connection, and give members the tools they need to encourage and identify with others experiencing similar struggles. Sarah relates well to teens and adults alike, and I would highly recommend her as a group or individual therapist!”
“It is difficult to find a provider who is both equal parts knowledgeable and empathetic, and Sarah Parsons truly embodies both of these attributes. Sarah has been instrumental in guiding me through multiple significant life transitions and all of the stressful emotions that come with it. For anyone looking for a kind ear to listen and tangible results, Sarah is an incredible provider who I know will be willing to help.”
“Sarah is an incredible therapist, I’ve worked with her previously and she was always very engaging, kept others in our group open minded and consistently feeling supported. Her group sessions have honestly helped others feel they have a sense of community.”
“I have always admired Sarah for the way she brings mindfulness into everyday life. She has such a natural gift for helping people slow down, breathe, and really connect with the present moment. She really creates a space that feels both grounding and restorative. Her connection to nature is inspiring. She helps people notice details they might otherwise miss and find calm in the outdoors. The way she blends therapeutic mindfulness practices with time on the trail makes her hikes feel like both an adventure and a reset. I would highly recommend joining one of her mindfulness hikes or working with her in any capacity. She brings wisdom, empathy, and presence that makes you feel more connected to yourself, to nature, and to the people around you.”
In Therapy
In the room, I value connecting with my clients in a deeper way so that we can truly get at the core of you and your families struggles. Within this process we are able to empower you to truly live your best life and be the best version of yourself. I focus on building close relationships with my clients and am compassionate, non-judgmental, and supportive in sessions.
In working with children and teens I make sure to truly get at their level and understand them while embracing the use of creative and interactive methods to connect. I value incorporating the entire family so we can truly create the change you are wanting for your family. We will work as a team to create a plan that empowers you to identify and reach your goals, improve coping skills, and develop healthy relationships. I want you to live your best life and be the best version of yourself! You can feel safe knowing that I am here to support you, no matter what.
Education and Background
I received a bachelor’s degree in psychology, with an emphasis in child and adolescent development at California Lutheran University. I furthered my education by receiving a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy, with an emphasis in Trauma at California Lutheran University. I have worked in multiple settings, beginning by working at a clinic with all ages, as well as focusing on working with children and adolescents for Conejo Valley and Ventura County school district. From there, I found my passion for working with individuals with trauma and worked closely with adolescents at a residential treatment center who were struggling with suicidal ideation and self-harm. I am truly looking forward to having the opportunity to work with you and your family.
