I provide counseling for individuals navigating stress, burnout, life transitions, and complex personal or professional challenges. My approach is collaborative, practical, and grounded in evidence-based practices.
🌿 WHO I WORK WITH:
Children navigating big emotions or ADHD
Teens managing academic and social stress
College and graduate students adjusting to independance
Adults experiencing anxiety burnout, perfectionism, or life transitions
Parents seeking support and practical tools.
My practice is LGBTQIA+ & culturally affirming and Geek/Gamer friendly.
PARENTING SUPPORT:
In addition to typical counseling, I am trained in and able to offer the following supports, which can be provided in groups or individually:
Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) - a play-based, research supported intervention for children who present with behavioral, emotional, social, or attachment concerns. Parents are taught skills that enhance their relationship and attachment with their child, as well as learn to apply limits in a productive way. Studies indicate that CPRT reduces behavioral issues AND decreases parent stress!
Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) - developed by Yale, this treatment helps children who struggle with: Seperation Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety, Fears & Phobias, Panic Disorder, Selective Mutism, Agoraphobia, OCD, and ARFID. The fascinating thing is that the work is done completely without the child. Parents are taught ways that they can learn the skills and tools to help their child overcome the anxiety by increasing supportive comments and reducing accomodations that are made to manage the child's anxiety.
🧠 HOW I HELP:
My work is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Play Therapy.
This means we don't just talk about problems - we build skills.
Together we work on:
Emotional regulation
Anxiety management
Executive functioning
Coping skills
Communication and relationship patterns
Sustainable strategies for real life.
With children, sessions may include play and creative expression.
With teens and adults, counseling is collaborative, stuctured, and practical. Play and creative expression included as you prefer.
Insight + tools = meaningful change!
🌳IN-PERSON, VIRTUAL, OR WALK & TALK
Sessions are available:
In person in Ellington, Connecticut
Virtually for anyone in Connecticut
On the hiking trails around Vernon (walk & talk therapy)
Sunday & evening appointments available.
☺️ABOUT DR. SARAH EVANS ZALEWSKI
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, and counselor educator. I bring over a decade of clinical experience supporting children, adolescents, college students, and adults.
My approach is warm, structured, and grounded in research. I believe therapy should feel collaborative, respectful, and empowering—not intimidating.
You deserve care that honors your identity, your strengths, and your goals.
📩READY TO GET STARTED?
Taking the first step can feel hard - but it can also be the beginning of relief.
If you are ready, I would be honored to support you.
Email me to schedule a free consultation! sarah@sarahzalewski.com
It's that time again! Back to school, and it comes with anxiety, stress, and chaos - for the kids too.
I have seen the need over the years, and this year I am offering a live virtual parent workshop on September 8. We’ll talk about practical, research-informed ways to:
respond to school anxiety without accidentally reinforcing it
communicate in ways that help kids feel heard and connected
build confidence through routines for sleep, organization, and technology
recognize when something is normal back-to-school stress—and when a child may need more support
work effectively with teachers, school counselors, and other school supports
manage our own stress so we can lead with a little more calm and confidence
Parents can attend the workshop on its own or choose an option that includes an individual 30-minute Parent Strategy Consultation afterward.
Early-bird registration (ends 8/23) is $69 for the workshop or $149 for the workshop + consultation. After that it's $79 for the workshop, or $169 for the workshop + consultation.
Registration link: https://forms.gle/RfjRqqVHxVubXtWZ8