- Client-centered
- Skill focused
- Mindful approach
About Sarah
Sarah Johnston Margarida helps people facing change, loss, and heavy stress find steadier ground. She works with adults who are coping with anxiety, grief, career uncertainty, addictions, and other major life shifts. Her tone is warm and straightforward, and she aims to create a calm space where people can talk through what matters most to them.
She uses a collaborative, client-centered approach that starts with listening closely to each person's story. From there she draws on practical methods like cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused work to build useful skills and small steps forward. Sessions emphasize clear goals, manageable practices, and real-world problem solving.
Over five years as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), she has supported people with body image concerns, attachment and communication issues, blended family stress, caregiver strain, and struggles with substance use and eating-related issues. She also helps individuals cope with divorce, fertility stress, forgiveness, and the fallout from natural or human-caused disasters.
Her approach aims to strengthen coping skills, improve communication, and increase emotional awareness. Many clients leave with concrete tools they can use between sessions. The work is paced to fit each person’s needs and readiness.
Sarah practices in Maryland and conducts sessions in English. To begin, prospective clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to therapist availability.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online sessions
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and building a trusting working relationship. In practice this means sessions start with the client’s priorities and move at a comfortable pace to explore concerns and set goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and actions and uses practical exercises to change patterns that cause distress; it can be useful for anxiety, stress, and addictive behaviors. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and improve emotion regulation, which often helps with grief, stress, and life transitions.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which combination of methods fits their needs, goals, and preferences. Clients can expect regular check-ins about what is helping and adjustments when needed to keep the work relevant.
Session formats are not specified here, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, shorten travel time, and allow for focused check-ins between major life events. They also let people practice new skills in their everyday settings and bring real situations into conversation with the therapist.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
5+ years
Credentials
Maryland, Tennessee, Indiana, Texas, Louisiana, Washington, Nevada
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address most often?
She commonly helps people dealing with stress, anxiety, grief, career uncertainties, addictions, and major life changes, plus related issues like communication problems and caregiver stress.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is collaborative and client-centered, focusing on listening first and then using practical methods to set goals and build coping skills.
What kind of experience does she bring?
She has five years of experience as a practicing clinician working with adults on emotional challenges and life transitions.
What credentials and location are listed?
She holds the LCSW credential and is based in Maryland.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients supported?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions scheduled and what about cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.