Hi. My name is Sarah Dunnings-Smith. I look forward to helping you create a life experienced as worth living. I am passionate about supporting humans with complex families, relationships and personal experiences. I specialize in working with individuals who’ve experienced physical discipline, sexual abuse and assault, as well as other forms of abuse and trauma in any stage of life.  

My therapeutic approach is rooted in the science of trauma; How it impacts us physically, mentally and emotionally. Early in treatment I will focus on creating a trusting and safe relationship so that you are able to do the work, which allow you first to survive, and then thrive.  I pull from a variety of modalities (TF-CBT, DBT, psychodynamic therapy, narrative therapy, and somatic experiencing) to deliver a therapeutic approach that is flexible and unique. Meaning my approach is based on your needs and individuality.

If you are looking to better understand yourself. Understand your roots, your triggers, the things that bring you joy, I’m all in. Let me help you make sense of your journey so far and create the foundation to put you on the path you want for your future.

I hold a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan and an active CSWA license through the Oregon Board of Social Workers.
 

Before joining Health Allies, I served adolescents and their families as an outpatient school-based therapist. In my role I’ve had the opportunity to serve a diverse, and often marginalized, population of beautifully resilient humans. Building bridges between myself and other community supports to address a client’s holistic health is my passion. As a school-based provider, I facilitated connections to school-based supports, physical health providers, community activities and gender affirming care.

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Counseling Experience Areas:

• Sexual Abuse

• Sexual Assault

• Domestic Violence

• Trauma

• PTSD/Complex trauma

• Family of origin issues

• Anxiety

• Gender Identity

• LGBTQIA+ concerns

• Parenting

• Relationship Issues

• Self-Care

• Grief and loss

• Depression 

• Suicidal thoughts

Types of Therapy:

• Trauma-focused CBT

• DBT

• Polyvagal theory

• Somatic Experiencing

• Narrative Therapy

• Mindfulness

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