At one time or another, every single one of us can benefit from engaging the perspective of another human being. I’m honored by each and every client who enlists me to participate in their journey. Are you ready to pursue healing and wholeness? If so, I hope you will consider reaching out today; I’m excited to leverage my skills and specialties alongside you and your family.

My Work:

I work with people experiencing a variety of concerns related to, for example, anxiety, behavior problems, depression, distressing thoughts, domestic abuse, family transitions, grief and loss, life adjustments, parenting, relationships, sexuality, substance abuse, or trauma. No matter what challenges clients are facing, my office is a space of acceptance, empowerment, and integration.

• I currently offer child-centered play therapy for children ages 3 to 10.

• I also offer psychotherapy to adolescents, women, couples, and families.

Stay tuned! Specialties I plan to develop are Bowenian Family Therapy, EMDR, Gottman Method, Healing Touch, and Internal Family Systems.

My Philosophy:

I believe in the goodness of humanity and my life’s mission is to love people. All of them. The values that guide my practice are the same as those that guide my life: authenticity, curiosity, humility, and integrity. Clients find me approachable, non-judging, and compassionate. I’m also a bit silly and totally nerdy. My practice is person-centered and grounded in humanistic and attachment theories. I believe respect, empathy, and connection are foundational to a therapeutic relationship in which my clients experience a sense of being known and valued. I align with feminist and social justice perspectives, and I’m inspired by the work of Glennon Doyle and Dr. Becky Kennedy.

My Background:

I earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of St. Thomas in 2004 and spent almost 20 years working with children and adolescents at some of the most renowned non-profit agencies in the Twin Cities. As of 2023, I have a freshly minted Master of Social Work degree from St. Kate’s and am pursuing independent licensure at the clinical level. In addition to my role as a therapist, I’m a mother, friend, mentor, and humanitarian real estate investor. I enjoy audiobooks, documentaries, karaoke, trivia, and attending my children’s arts performances and sporting events. I love entertaining friends, meeting new people, Taylor Swift, and Captain Marvel.

“We don’t have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to.” ~Brené Brown

I look forward to getting to know you and your story! Contact me today at sara.gumke@vaydamentalhealth.com or 612-464-3699