Get to Know Sara Anderson, LCSW

Willamette Wellness Center is home to many talented professionals. I recently chatted with Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Sara Anderson, to learn more about her career and life outside the profession.

What brought you to this profession?
I have gone through my own healing journey that absolutely informs my practice, especially in regard to family system problems, overcoming heartache, and escaping religiously manipulative contexts. So, I’ve worked on my own growth with professional guidance, and I want to be a compassionate and supportive person for others who are going through their own healing process, whether it’s similar to mine, or not. I truly enjoy having deep conversations with individuals that want to learn new things, evolve, and take back the power in their lives, to the best of their ability. I’m here for that.

What does a win in a session look like?
When a client understands the process of change, is willing to embrace the awkwardness that often comes with practicing new skills, and ultimately is able to see the fruits of their labor.

True healing for a client comes when they can graduate from surviving to actuallythriving in life. Healing is also occurring when the person is able to enjoy more of their life, has relationships that are fulfilling, and engages in activities that are meaningful.

What brought you to WWC?
I moved back to the Portland area and Willamette Wellness Center was highly recommended by a peer and now co-worker, Alicia Sager. It’s great to be surrounded by colleagues I can trust and collaborate with. I was also ready to specialize in my niche of practice and hone my skills in several key domains, so that I can hopefully be quite effective as a therapist in the areas of trauma work, anxiety reduction, relationship improvement, and eating disorder recovery.

What do you do in your free time?
I’ve recently started skiing, which is equal parts terrifying and awesome! I also play piano, jog + weight train, cook and garden — I just finished planting onions, strawberries, kale, wildflowers and carrots in the raised beds in the backyard.

Word for 2023: Paradox

Learn more about Sara’s professional background and specialties.