Dr. Sara Lewis-Stankus, LPC, LMHC

Dr. Sara Lewis-Stankus welcomes people who are feeling stuck, stressed, or unsure how to move forward. She writes plainly and listens closely so clients can name what matters most. She aims to help people break repeating patterns and build confidence step by step.

She offers a calm, nonjudgmental space for people to talk through anxiety, relationship struggles, low self-esteem, career doubts, and caregiver stress. Dr. Lewis-Stankus uses familiar tools to help clients manage strong emotions and rebuild trust in themselves. Her approach is practical and focused on what a person can do between sessions.

With 26 years of experience, she draws on several therapy styles to match each person's needs. She blends client-centered work with skills-based strategies from cognitive behavioral approaches. She also uses methods that address trauma and relationship patterns when those issues are present.

She explains ideas in everyday language and helps people set small, realistic goals. Sessions often include skill practice, communication coaching, and steps for coping with overwhelming moments. The work is collaborative and paced to each person’s comfort.

Dr. Lewis-Stankus holds LPC and LMHC credentials and is based in West Virginia. Sessions are conducted in English, and she accepts international clients. To begin, a short matching questionnaire is completed and scheduling follows the therapist’s availability.

How therapy approaches fit into online work

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and responding to each person's experience. It involves empathic conversation and helps people find their own solutions to stress, self-esteem, and relationship concerns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a hands-on approach that looks at thoughts and behaviors. It teaches practical skills for managing anxiety, changing unhelpful thinking, and improving mood. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, emphasizes emotion regulation and interpersonal skills. It can be useful for managing intense emotions, impulsivity, and communication difficulties.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will work together with each person to choose methods that match their needs, goals, and preferences. This collaborative process may combine listening-focused work with skills training or trauma-focused steps, depending on what feels most helpful.

Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life. It often reduces travel time and can allow more flexible scheduling around work or caregiving. Confirm the specific session formats offered before booking, since formats are not listed here. Once formats are confirmed, people can choose options that best match their routines and comfort, such as sessions that are shorter or do not require video when that is preferable.