Interview with Graduate Student Intern, Sara Jawhar

Sara Jawhar is a graduate student pursuing an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Eastern Michigan University. Sara is offering individual therapy at our East office location in Ann Arbor, MI, and she’s passionate about working with clients ages 18 and up who are dealing with a range of mental health concerns. Contact us to schedule an intake appointment with Sara.

 

1. What is your specialty?

I have experience working with adults on a wide variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and life transitions.

2. What made you want to become a therapist?

In my own personal journey, I have found therapy to be very helpful in navigating through the inevitable difficulties of life. I truly believe that one of my roles on this earth is to help others, and becoming a therapist has helped me to fulfill this role.

3. What can clients expect when they first come to therapy? What is a typical therapy session like with you?

During the first couple of sessions, I will ask you a variety of questions in order to get to know you better and to get a fuller picture of your life, including what your goals are for therapy. Typical sessions afterwards will involve discussing matters that are important and most relevant to you at the time, working with you to help you understand your emotions, thoughts, and feelings, and helping you work towards achieving your goals. I play an active role in therapy, which includes asking relevant questions, providing support and validation, and offering feedback.

4. How have you seen therapy be helpful to your clients?

It has been so rewarding to see how therapy can be helpful in clients’ lives. I have seen clients become empowered and gain an understanding of their past experiences and how their past plays a role in their current life and patterns. I have seen clients achieve increased confidence and self-esteem, and experience relief from their difficult feelings and emotions. The support and validation that clients receive in counseling has also helped them renew their sense of hope and self-compassion.

5. What do you think are the most important considerations when looking for a therapist?

I think that a strong therapeutic relationship is essential for therapy to be successful. Therefore, it is so important that the client and therapist are a good fit. A client needs to feel comfortable with their therapist’s style and approach, they need to feel that they can trust their therapist, and they need to feel that they can be open and honest, in order to make desired changes and experience the many benefits of counseling.

6. What do you hope your clients walk away with?

I hope that my clients walk away feeling validated, understood, and supported. I hope they walk away with a sense of hope, strength, courage, and peace.

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Visit Sara’s profile to learn more about her counseling services, or to schedule an appointment.