Dr. Sarah Willey

Dr. Sarah Willey is a Missouri-licensed psychologist who focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation and loneliness. She offers steady, compassionate care and listens closely to understand each person's story and goals. Dr. Willey completed her PsyD at Wheaton College and brings three years of clinical experience across several settings.

Her background includes work in college counseling, inpatient and outpatient mental health, and more recent experience at the VA. Those roles exposed her to a variety of concerns, from mood disorders and bipolar symptoms to grief and workplace strain. She draws on that range when meeting people where they are.

In sessions she uses clear, practical tools from cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused methods. She also incorporates Motivational Interviewing to help people find motivation for change. Conversations are client-centered and paced to each person’s needs.

Dr. Willey pays attention to family matters such as blended family issues, family of origin concerns, and forgiveness work. She also supports people dealing with life purpose, career transitions, seasonal affective disorder, and compassion fatigue. Her clinical perspective keeps daily life and real-world steps at the center of therapy.

People who work with her can expect a respectful, steady presence and help building skills to cope with hard moments. To begin, readers should use the site’s Start Therapy flow to match and schedule according to the therapist’s availability.

How therapy approaches guide online sessions

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and commit to actions that match their values. It is useful for stress, loneliness, and life changes when someone wants clearer direction. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying and changing thought and behavior patterns that keep problems going. It can help with anxiety, depression, and mood regulation by teaching practical skills.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will listen to your goals and try different strategies to see what fits. Together you will set small, achievable steps and track what works over time.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the session formats available before booking. The main practical benefits are flexibility and easier scheduling - sessions can often fit into a lunch break, workday, or other busy routines. Some formats may be better for shorter check-ins or when you prefer not to be on camera, while others allow for longer, in-depth conversations. Ask about session options when you complete the matching questionnaire so you can pick what fits your life best.