Services That I Offer:
Sara is a licensed clinical social work associate and certified clinical trauma professional with Master's Degrees in Clinical Social Work and Women's and Gender Studies (with an Interpersonal Violence focus).
Get To Know Me
Sara Forcella,
LCSWA, CCTP, MSW, MA-WGS
(she/her/hers)
Hey there! I'm Sara. I am a provisionally licensed psychotherapist based in Raleigh, NC.
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I obtained my first Masters in Women's and Gender Studies from UNC Greensboro and acted as the Rape Prevention Education Coordinator and Primary Victim Advocate at NC State for four years. As I'm sure many of you have experienced before, while I loved my job I still felt unfulfilled career-wise. After a brief quarter-life-crisis(ish), some introspection, and self-work I found my way back into grad school. I obtained my Masters in Clinical Social Work from UNC Chapel Hill, then obtained my clinical trauma professional certification. My educational background coupled with my professional and personal experiences allow me to do two of the things that I enjoy most: provide psychotherapy and facilitate trainings.
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Now that all the boring stuffs out of the way: When I'm not in the office I'm spending time with my four furkids (yes, just ask and I'll show you pics!), attempting to honor my Italian heritage by recreating my nonie's recipes, dancing to a T.Swift song, lifting weights, or listening to Audible smutt.
A Snapshot of Therapy with Sara
Thriving With Connection and Collaboration
Are you constantly stressed out and anxious? Do you spend your free time scrolling through Instagram only to remind yourself that you're not (insert judgey word here) enough? Maybe you currently feel unsure or unsettled with where you are in your life. You might have just gone through a breakup or feel like you're constantly jumping around from one dysfunctional relationship to the next. The struggle can be real ya'll, but you are not alone.
Regardless of what brings you into therapy, I believe together we can get you out of the unhelpful cycle that you're currently stuck in. While friends, partners, or family members may be great sources of support they are often quick to give advice or try to fix your problem. As much as you might not like to hear it—you won't find that here. I envision my role to be a non-judgmental, empathetic and supportive space in which I walk along side you as you do your own hard work. Talk therapy is more than just simply venting about your problems; it's about you learning new skills and tools to find solutions to your problems with the support and guidance of a therapist.
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As a therapist, my style is collaborative, creative, empathetic and grounded in feminist theory. I firmly believe that all individuals have different and intersecting identities which impact how they experience the world and therefore impact their mental and emotional health. That's where I come in! I provide an LGBTQ+ affirming, body positive, and anti-racist space for all clients to feel safe and supported in. I have experience working with members of the LGBTQ+ community, women of color, undocumented individuals, individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds and differently abled women.
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While I tend to be eclectic, the therapeutic modalities that I most often are Cognitive Behavioral, Acceptance and Commitment, and Compassion-Focused. Overall, I believe that therapy is all about you! Your needs, your goals, your past experiences, your world view, your symptoms, your presenting problems and YOUR thriving. Are you ready for it?
Interpersonal Violence Trainings
Thriving with Education and Support
As a natural extrovert, I absolutely love connecting with folks outside of a clinical setting. I have been providing on-going training and education for folks in the field of interpersonal violence prevention and response for 7 years. I have experience working with very large groups (300+ rowdy incoming freshmen) and smaller, more intimate groups (5+ people). Some groups who I especially enjoy working with include athletic teams, student organizations, university housing staff members, police departments, and fraternity/sorority life.
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My presentation style is flexible and can be hands-on, lecture based or somewhere in between. While I offer pre-set trainings I am happy to work with you/your organization to create something custom. Please feel free to contact me for more information.
@sarathesocialworker
Connect with me on Instagram.
My Referral Policy
I know how time consuming, confusing and overwhelming it can feel to search the internet looking for virtual connection with a human you've never met, yet plan to spill the tea to. I often tell my clients that finding the right therapist can be a lot like dating—you may meet with a really great therapist who you just aren't feeling. It's not your fault, nor the therapist’s AND that does not mean you should settle for a meh therapeutic relationship. It's OKAY if after one or two sessions you decide that I am not the right fit for you. With that being said, I care about you and your well being and I also know some pretty rad therapists who may fit your needs better. I am always more than happy to connect folks with therapists other than myself.
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On a similar note, I am happy to offer brief phone consultations prior to your first appointment.
Client Handouts
Available for Download
Setting Up Your Client Portal
This document provides instructions on creating a log in for your client portal on Theranest. It also shows step-by-step instructions for starting video sessions.
Professional Disclosure Statement
This document is my professional disclosure statement which discusses my educational and professional background.
Get In Touch With Sara
Mental Health Resources
You don't need to struggle alone! Here are free and confidential resources that are at your fingertips 24/7.
1-800-273-8255
Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-877-565-8860
Trans Lifeline
Text HOME to 741741
Crisis Text Line
1-877-626-1772
Wake County Mobile Crisis Unit
Substance Abuse + Mental Health Service Administration
Please Note:
This website does not contain any legal, medical or counseling advice. All information on this website is for advertising or educational purposes only. If you are experiencing a crisis, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room and ask for the psychiatrist on call.
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