Interview with Sarah McCartney, MSW, LMSW (she/her)
Interviewed by Jessica Harvath, Ph.D. (she/her)
May 13, 2026
Interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Interviewer: What is your favorite part of the therapeutic process?
Sarah: I love building relationships. That is why I sought private practice and counseling rather than working at a hospital, inpatient, or residential treatment. I truly value building that rapport, getting to know someone, and digging deeper. Ideally, I want clients to feel like they are talking to a friend. The key difference is the education, background, and training I bring. It's all about focusing my attention on you; I'm not going to relate your experience back to my own.
Interviewer: What is a common myth about therapy you’d love to bust?
Kurt: A common misconception is that the therapist is there to tell you what you are doing wrong and how to live your life. That is certainly not my approach. I am focused entirely on your goals—your goals are my goals. I don't believe I know better than you; I'm here to meet you where you are and collaborate with you to figure things out.
Another myth I often encounter relates to the speed of progress. Some people expect to be done with therapy in a few months. While that sometimes happens, it is more likely, depending on the presenting issue, that you might be in therapy for six months to a year or two. Being in therapy for a longer period does not mean you aren't making progress that entire time.
Interviewer: What can a client expect during their first session with you?
Sarah: I start by introducing myself and spend 10 to 15 minutes explaining my therapeutic approach, my background, and different styles I may use. I also explain who I am as a person—I can be sarcastic when appropriate, I use humor, and I'm very expressive—and how I bring that into my work as a therapist. I review practice policies and paperwork to help ease any anxiety the client may have, ensuring we are both on the same page and answering any questions.
Once we've done that, I turn the focus to them. I pull up their history form and ask what brought them in and what they are looking for in therapy. The rest of the session is dedicated to gathering information about their history, any previous diagnoses, discussing goals, and setting session frequency. I work to connect with them, build rapport, and make them feel safe in a relaxing, comfortable, and judgment-free zone.
Interviewer: What led you to become a mental health therapist?
Sarah: I have always wanted to help people. Growing up, when people would ask what I wanted to do, I wanted a career focused on helping others. Initially, I thought I would be a teacher, but I realized my strengths lie in one-on-one work.
As early as middle school and high school, people often told me I would make a great counselor because I am a good listener and give great advice. Hearing that feedback enough times led me to seriously look into the field.
Interviewer: Who is your "ideal" client? Who do you feel you are best equipped to help?
Sarah: I especially enjoy connecting with young women who are navigating their identity and going through life transitions—whether figuring out high school, college, or life post-college. I am best equipped to help those who struggle with depression, anxiety, or have a trauma history, as well as those dealing with relationship or family issues.
My goal is to empower my clients, help them find their voice, and feel more comfortable in their own skin. A big part of my work involves discussing boundaries, both internal and with other people.
Interviewer: How do you handle it if a client feels like you aren't the right fit for them?
Interviewer: I don't take it personally. I know I'm not everyone's cup of tea, and I only specialize in a certain amount of presenting issues. If a client feels I'm not the right fit, or if I feel I cannot meet their needs, I ask questions to learn what they are looking for. Then, I provide referrals to other clinicians who may be a better fit.
Interviewer: What do you do for your own “self-care” or to decompress outside of the office?
Sarah: For self-care and decompressing, I enjoy yoga and going for walks. I like to read, sit outside with my family, and talk to my family and friends, which is a huge way I process my day. I am a huge book lover. I also enjoy skincare and baking—sourdough, banana bread, or cookies, or really any baked good.
Interviewer: What is one book, podcast, or resource you find yourself recommending to clients over and over?
Sarah: While I don't read a lot of non-fiction, I found The Body Keeps the Score (a must-read for survivors of trauma by Bessel Van Der Kolk) to be very insightful when I read it during my master's program. I reference and recommend that book quite a bit to clients with a trauma history. It is especially helpful when discussing trauma responses and educating clients on how the body can remember stressful situations, even if we cannot consciously recall the experience.