Profile

Meet Sara Olkon—Therapist at Best Therapists

Sara Olkon, LCSW

Illinois, LCSW #149.027131

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About Sara | She/her

Clients often describe Sara as warm, approachable, and engaged. She strives to create a space that is non judgmental and affirming, understanding that a therapeutic relationship built on trust and authenticity are necessary for change. To that end, she encourage open communication to ensure clients feel they are getting what they want from their time together. She's sex-positive, LGBTQIA+/BDSM/Kink-friendly, and trauma-informed. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Tufts University and her master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of Chicago’s Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. Before pursuing a career as a therapist, she spent more than a dozen years working as a journalist. As a newspaper reporter, she covered the 2003 war in Iraq, and reported from Cuba, Hong Kong, Thailand, Guatemala, and India. In her years of reporting, she learned to listen deeply, ask insightful questions, and understand the nuances of human experience. Journalism also taught her the importance of empathy in connecting with others. She carries that lesson into client sessions, fostering an environment where you feel understood and supported. Her goal is to help you navigate your challenges with compassion, allowing for genuine healing and growth.

Message to clients

As a therapist specializing in relationship work, I help couples resolve conflicts, more effectively communicate, and foster deeper understanding and empathy for each other. I often work with clients who are moving through a difficult chapter in their lives, or are feeling weighed down by feelings of disconnect and burnout. Many seek concrete tools and strategies to help them better navigate life and relationships. I also work with clients who are exploring non traditional relationships, including ethical non-monogamy. Whether you're facing communication issues, navigating the complexities of divorce and co-parenting, or seeking to deepen your connection with your partner, I’m here to help. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space where you can express yourself freely. I draw from evidence-based therapy methods including The Gottman Method, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, modalities that focus on how a client is living, what is keeping them stuck, and ways to increase one’s sense of vitality and purpose. I sometimes incorporate mindfulness meditation in sessions as a way to help people understand their thought patterns and move toward living in the present moment. I lead with compassion and curiosity, taking a collaborative and strength-based approach to client care. Together, we will uncover underlying patterns, identify areas for growth, and develop personalized strategies to help you thrive. Relationships require effort and understanding, and seeking help is a sign of strength. If you’re ready to enhance your relationship skills, overcome challenges, or navigate the dating scene, I invite you to reach out.

Education

Masters of Social Work | University of Chicago, 2022

Race and ethnicity

White, Jewish

Cultural and experiential knowledge

White culture, Jewish culture

Languages spoken

English, Spanish

Spiritual knowledge

Judaism, Christianity, Catholicism, Buddhism, Non-religious (Agnosticism, Atheism, Secular), Islam

None listed

Nothing to see here :)

Virtual or in person

Virtual Only

Specialties

Couples counseling, Dating, Divorce counseling

Additional areas of focus

Aging, Anxiety, Blended families, Coparenting, Step parenting, Body image, Burnout, Codependency, Self esteem/self worth, Sex therapy, Premartial counseling, Polyamory/non-monogamy, LBGTQ+ sexuality, Infidelity/affairs, Intercultural/interfaith relationships, Polyamorous/non-monogamous couples counseling

Therapeutic style

Affirming, Conversational, Empowering, Solutions-oriented, Holistic

Modalities

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment based, Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Gottman method, Mindfulness based, Strengths-based therapy

Nothing to see here :)

Cost

$180

/

Individual Session

$200

/

Couples Session

/

Family Session

Sliding scale

Offers sliding scale spots

Insurance accepted
Does not work directly with insurance companies
Works with your out of network benefits to get you reimbursed for therapy
Click here to check your benefits with our free out of network benefits checker
Peer review

Sara is an engaging, warm, insightful therapist who is particularly great in working with couples. She would be fantastic in supporting couples feeling really stuck, overwhelmed with life changes, and/or are dealing with burnout and parenting challenges.

—Julia Howard, LCSW
Peer review

I went to graduate school with Sara and I have worked with her over a year as licensed therapists. Sara is insightful, professional, and cares deeply about her clients.

—Jennifer Nemecek, LCSW
Peer review

Sara has been a colleague of mine for many years, and I have a strong sense of her approach and impact with the individual and couples clients she has helped. Sara is a great choice if you are interested in learning more about yourself and your relationships, and how to fill your life with more connection and meaning. She is a deeply caring and supportive person and therapist. She listens and explores strengths and struggles, seeks to understand what holds people back, and provides the encouragement and resources to help folks thrive in life and relationships. I recommend reaching out to her to see how she can help you!

—Regan Murphy, LCSW
Online reviews

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