Welcome – I'm Sara

Hi, I’m Sara, and I’m so glad you’re here.

Starting therapy takes courage—and simply being here is a step worth honoring. It can be intimidating to acknowledge when we’re struggling, especially when the outcome of opening up feels uncertain. That’s why I strive to create a space that feels steady, safe, and reliable—especially in a world that so often doesn’t.

I’m here to support you as you navigate your unique path toward growth and healing.

How I Got Here

From an early age, I found myself naturally being the person others turned to in tough moments—someone who could listen, validate, and help make sense of complicated emotions. Over time, this intuitive pull toward connection deepened. When I began experiencing my own struggles with anxiety and depression as a teenager and started therapy myself, I experienced firsthand how transformative it could be to feel truly heard and supported.

That experience shaped my passion for working with clients who are exploring therapy for the first time—or giving it another chance after a less-than-positive experience. I deeply believe that therapy doesn’t have to feel clinical or cold. It can be patient, collaborative, and even empowering.

I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Spanish from Lawrence University in 2016, and I recently completed my Master of Education in Counseling from DePaul University in 2025. I’m also a National Certified Counselor candidate.

My Approach to Therapy

Sara Nocton, Associate Therapist, NCE (Candidate)

Supervised by Iwona Florianowicz LCPC, LPC, CSC, CCTP-II

Providing online and in-person services for Illinois Residents in English and Spanish languages.

I welcome clients from all walks of life and work with a wide range of challenges and identities. I have particular experience supporting young and middle adults, and I value meeting each client exactly where they are—emotionally, mentally, and situationally.

In our work together, I’ll treat you as the expert in your own life. Therapy isn’t about me telling you what to do—it’s about us working together, learning from each other, and exploring how your current patterns of thinking and relating may be affecting your day-to-day life.

I believe therapy should feel flexible and responsive, not one-size-fits-all. I bring an integrative approach to sessions, drawing from modalities like:

● Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

● Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

● Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

● Mindfulness-Based CBT

● Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

I’m always open to feedback and see our therapeutic relationship as an ongoing, collaborative conversation.

What Makes My Work Unique

Therapy can be hard. It’s often emotional, sometimes uncomfortable, and rarely linear. I honor that. But I also believe there’s room for humor, levity, and even play in the healing process. I bring my full, authentic self to sessions—imperfections and all—and invite you to do the same.

Not every session will feel like a breakthrough, and that’s okay. Progress can be slow, and some days might feel heavy or stuck. I encourage you to bring those feelings into the room. The moments that feel “small” are often the ones that create lasting change.

I aim to create a space that feels real and human—where laughter is welcome, vulnerability is safe, and your story is honored.

Outside the Therapy Room

When I’m not in session, you’ll likely find me curled up with a book and my cat, Bella, or enjoying time at a local park or coffee shop. I love cozy atmospheres, independent bookstores, and story-driven games (I’m a big fan of Stardew Valley!).

I bring these interests into the therapy space when they feel relevant—they’re part of what makes me, me. And I love when clients share their own interests too—recommendations are always welcome.

Let’s Work Together

Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming—I get it. That’s why I offer a free 15-minute consultation, so we can explore what you're looking for, get a feel for each other, and decide together whether this is the right fit.

Let’s create a space where you can be fully seen, supported, and empowered to grow—one step at a time.