About Sarah

Sarah Kaufman, Eugene Oregon Counselor

My Approach

I believe in our individual and collective capacity to heal and grow. We are each shaped by our experiences through time and each acquire habits, beliefs and values that carry us through the many tasks, roles and relationships of our lives. It is often when we encounter loss, trauma or conflict that we can gain new perspectives about what is working well in our lives, what we'd like to change, and how we can deepen our awareness—about ourselves, others and the world we live in. Change does not happen in isolation from the world. So many of the challenges we face in life are informed by our relationships and so our healing and growth is also informed by relationships. 

Desired changes tend to evolve from a therapeutic relationship founded in mutual trust, respect, and compassion. Therapy can be creative and life-affirming work. I support clients in developing insight and healthy coping skills, and challenge clients in their development towards a more congruent and meaningful existence. 

I meet primarily with clients who’d like support in the following areas: trauma and PTSD, grief, anxiety, family of origin issues, spiritual and creative concerns, and relationship issues. My therapy practice integrates evidenced-based approaches with the wisdom of somatic awareness, mind-body psychology, mindfulness practices, and expressive arts. I love working with creatives, eccentrics, eclectics and welcome diversity of all kinds to my therapy practice.

My Life Experience

I arrived to this work after many deep encounters with loss, adversity and the healing power of creativity. I have been a hospice volunteer and yoga teacher. I have worked in higher education as both a private tutor and writing instructor, and served as a writer-in-residence at the Sitka Center for Art and Ecology. I am a life-long student of the healing arts and maintain a personal movement and meditation practice. These life experiences allow me to offer you compassionate and empathic care as you encounter your own transformation.

My Educational Credentials

  • MS, Couples and Family Therapy, University of Oregon

  • MFA, Creative Writing, Oregon State University

  • BA, English, Kent State University

  • SEP (Somatic Experiencing Practitioner)

  • PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy) Level 1 & 2

  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1 & 2

  • Felt Sense Polyvagal Model, Certificate Program

The models of therapy that most inform my practice include: Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, and psychodynamic theory.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Oregon. I regularly attend workshops and training programs to expand my competence, knowledge and skills in areas that will best serve the needs of my clients.