Dr. Sara W. Hess is a Licensed Psychologist and Cognitive-Behavior Therapist. Sara helps people access and successfully utilize their own inner resources to create healthier, happier and more productive lives. Dr. Sara Hess currently provides psychological services to children, adolescents and adults who are undergoing some type of emotional discomfort or stress, and recognize the need to make change in order to move forward.
She provides treatment in individual, family or couples format for a wide range of problems:
- Depression
- Anxiety Disorders
- Simple Phobias
- Panic and Agoraphobia
- Obsessions and Compulsions
- Eating Disorders
- Stressful Life Events
- Family and relationship difficulties
- Chronic pain
- School and behavioral difficulties
In addition to providing consultation and psychological treatment, Dr. Sara Hess also provides comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations to children and adolescents who are facing academic challenges. While these evaluations are tailored to address the specific difficulties faced by each child, many such evaluations typically include cognitive, academic, emotional, and adaptive behavior assessment measures.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy or psychotherapy involves meeting with a therapist one-on-one for the purpose of reducing internal suffering which may occur in the form of problematic behaviors, beliefs, feelings, and somatic responses (sensations in the body). Therapy can help people to confront barriers which interfere with emotional and mental well-being.
Testing/Evaluations
For some children, growing up is complicated by learning and/or behavior problems. I am here to help you better understand your child’s unique pattern of needs and abilities; and to help you make the most informed decisions possible regarding your child’s education.
I do this by working directly with you and your child, interviewing other important individuals in your child’s life (teachers, physicians, etc.), and by reviewing all of the relevant educational, psychological and medical records concerning your child. When this is accomplished I will sit down with you and explore the ways in which your child’s needs can best be met. If you wish, I will consult with the professionals at your child’s school regarding the results of our evaluation.
Sports Psychology and Peak Performance
Sport Psychology deals with the psychological factors associated with participation and performance in athletics. I call on my on personal experience playing Olympic soccer to help athletes improve performance, and integrate sport and life.
Common reasons people may seek out sport psychology are: Anxiety/Stress, Motivation/Burnout, Self-Confidence, Goal-Setting, Imagery/Visualization, focus and concentration, Injury prevention and recovery. It is incredibly important to recognize the impact that sports injury can have on a person. And while treatment is often indicated to heal the body, it is imperative to engage in treatment to heal the mind as well.
Parent Training
Parent training is a specific treatment modality that uses behavioral principles and psychoeducation to teach parents how to effectively manage their child’s or adolescent’s behavior. This modality is appropriate for parents who are having difficulties establishing rules in the home, getting their child to listen and follow directions, or for those children who are exhibiting problematic and disruptive behavior. Common issues include bed-wetting, toilet-training, aggressive behavior towards siblings, peers and parents as well as getting children and adolescents to complete their homework or do chores.
