About Sarah Gaughan LPCC, ATR-P

My Story:

I believe therapy works best when people feel comfortable showing up exactly as they are. My goal is to create a space where you can explore your experiences with curiosity, compassion, and without judgment.

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I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate and Art Therapist with a Master's degree in Art Therapy and a specialization in trauma from George Washington University. I work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families who may be experiencing anxiety, grief, trauma, chronic medical concerns, life transitions, or questions about identity and belonging.

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My approach is collaborative and tailored to each person. I draw from person centered, humanistic, existential, solution focused, and multicultural perspectives. I also incorporate somatic awareness to help clients better understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and physical experiences.

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As an art therapist, I enjoy incorporating creativity into the counseling process when it feels helpful. Sometimes words come easily. Other times they do not. Creative expression can offer another way to understand ourselves, process experiences, and tell the stories that matter most.

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One of the things I value most as a therapist is remaining open to learning. I am passionate about understanding the many identities, cultures, and experiences that shape our lives and about recognizing how larger systems and environments influence our wellbeing. I strive to meet each client with respect, curiosity, and genuine care.

 

Areas of Focus:

• Anxiety

• Trauma and PTSD

• Grief and loss

• Life transitions

• Chronic medical conditions

• Military personnel and families

• First responders

• Cancer patients and survivors

• Identity exploration and personal growth

 

Who I Work With:

• Children

• Teens

• Adults​

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What Therapy With Me Looks Like

I see therapy as an opportunity to better understand yourself and the experiences that have shaped you. Together, we can explore patterns, emotions, coping strategies, and beliefs that may have developed over time. My hope is that our work helps you make sense of your experiences, reconnect with your strengths, and move toward the life you want for yourself.

I want clients to feel that therapy is a place where all parts of who they are are welcome.

 

My Path to Becoming a Therapist

Before entering the mental health field, I worked in several different settings, including an art museum and as a medical assistant. No matter the role, my favorite part was always connecting with people and hearing their stories.

During the COVID pandemic, I noticed increasing burnout, stress, and hopelessness in many of the people around me. Those experiences inspired me to pursue graduate training in Art Therapy.

For me, art therapy brought together two things I care deeply about: supporting people and creative expression. I have always appreciated the way art can capture experiences that are difficult to put into words and help us connect with parts of ourselves that might otherwise go unnoticed.

 

A Little About Me

I grew up in Durango and am excited to be back in Colorado.

Outside of work, I enjoy painting, paddleboarding, wandering around the city in search of hidden gems, trying new recipes, and spending time with my Cavapoo puppy, Lina.

One of my favorite forms of self care is taking a walk and paying attention to the small details around me. I also keep a "joy jar" where I write down moments of happiness throughout the year. It is a simple way to remember meaningful moments and reconnect with things that bring me joy.

When I am not working, you can often find me reading a good novel, watching Ted Lasso or Shrinking, enjoying a cup of coffee or tea, or searching for a great local bakery.