Sara Au, LPCC

Therapist in California

Compassionate counselor for stress and depression

Continue with Sara Review online therapy options on BetterHelp.

Focus on practical steps
Respectful and sensitive
English sessions

About Sara

Sara Au is a licensed professional clinical counselor who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, and grief. She talks with clients about relationship struggles, self-esteem, motivation, and the impact of past trauma and abuse. Her approach is grounded in respect, sensitivity, and steady support for each person she meets.

Sara adapts conversations and the treatment plan to each individual. She pays attention to how past experiences shape current reactions and focuses on practical steps people can try between sessions. Work may include improving communication, examining patterns like avoidance or codependency, and building clearer personal boundaries.

Clients can expect a collaborative process that balances listening with concrete strategies. Sara draws from evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address issues such as attachment concerns, dissociation, body image, and guilt or shame. Her aim is to help people feel more capable of handling daily stresses and emotional setbacks.

With five years of professional experience and the CA LPCC credential, Sara brings steady clinical experience without judgment. She encourages realistic goals and small changes that add up over time. The tone in sessions is practical, compassionate, and focused on what helps in everyday life.

People interested in starting work with Sara complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule sessions according to her availability. She offers services in English and does not take international clients at this time.

This summary is based on the profile information listed on BetterHelp.

Side note

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Grief Self esteem Depression

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBody imageCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purpose Mood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issues Young adult issues

Experience

5+ years

Credentials

California

Languages

English

Licenses listed

LPCC, California: 14234
NPI: 1689235558

As listed on the therapist's profile. You can check a license with the state licensing board and an NPI in the national registry.

Approaches in online therapy and how they help

Many of the techniques Sara uses come from evidence-based therapeutic practices that focus on present-day problems and patterns. One approach emphasizes identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing them against real-world evidence to reduce anxiety and low mood; this can help with stress, worry, and depressive thinking. Another approach looks at how early attachments affect current relationships and coping, exploring patterns like avoidance, codependency, or fears of abandonment to improve connection and boundaries.

Figuring out which approach fits best is part of the work. The therapist and client will decide together what methods to try, based on the client's concerns, goals, and personal preferences. That makes sessions collaborative and flexible rather than following a single fixed plan.

Confirm the specific session formats available before booking, as the profile does not list them. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow brief check-ins when needed. It also lets people use quieter spaces, limit video when desired, or choose sessions that match bandwidth or time constraints. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises and homework to work well in remote sessions while keeping the focus on progress and practical life changes.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Sara commonly help with?

Sara works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem issues, and depression. She also addresses related areas like attachment problems, body image, codependency, and communication struggles.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Sessions combine attentive listening with practical strategies. The focus is on tailoring dialog and small, achievable steps to each person's situation.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has five years of professional experience in clinical settings. That background informs a steady, supportive approach to common emotional and relational challenges.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

She holds the CA LPCC credential and practices in California. The listing shows her professional license as part of her qualifications.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with her?

She is not currently accepting international clients.

How does payment and cost work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin therapy?

To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Therapists on BetterHelp do not prescribe medication. A doctor can talk with you about medical options. If you are thinking about suicide, call or text 988; in an emergency, call 911.