Sara Sharnoff Chesley
About My Practice
In my counseling practice, I primarily work with two populations: Adolescents with eating disorders and gifted and talented teenagers. I utilize an integrative approach to therapy that incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness-based methods.
Here are some real-life examples of what this looks like:
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During our initial meeting, I will gather background history about your teen and the entire family to help me understand how I can best assist everyone
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During subsequent sessions, I will not only spend time with your teen individually, but I will set aside time with the parents and teach them the same skills as their child so that everyone can “speak the same language”
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For teenagers struggling with eating disorders, I will coach parents through dinner in real time to address any unhealthy eating disorder behaviors and make dinnertime more peaceful
Education and Background
Born and raised in Columbia, SC, I graduated with a BA in psychology and a minor in gender studies from Indiana University and a Masters of Science in family therapy from the University of Massachusetts Boston. After working at an adolescent outpatient eating disorder clinic in Waltham, MA, I moved to Charleston, SC to continue working as a licensed therapist with individuals, couples, and families.