Sarah Benitez-Zandi, LCSW

Hi, I’m Sarah (she/her), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker offering virtual therapy for individuals and couples navigating trauma, fertility challenges, grief, identity shifts, and relationship strain.

With over a decade of experience, I bring a grounded, relational approach to therapy—meeting each client with deep respect, curiosity, and care. My practice is LGBTQIA+ affirming, neurodiversity-informed, and welcoming to both traditional and non-traditional partnerships.

You don’t have to hold it all together here. Whether you're managing complex trauma, rebuilding after loss, or working to break generational patterns, we’ll create space to explore what healing looks like for you.

My Clinical Focus Includes:

1. Trauma & Nervous System Regulation

  • Trauma & Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)

  • High-functioning individuals with hidden trauma

  • First responders, frontline workers, and therapists etc.

  • Co-dependency, boundaries, people-pleasing

  • Somatic and evidence-based trauma-informed approaches

I support those carrying invisible loads—helping them regulate, reconnect, and reclaim.

2. Relational Wellness & Identity

  • Relationship dynamics (monogamous, polyamorous, queer)

  • Communication & conflict resolution

  • Identity exploration (gender, sexual, cultural, and role-based identity shifts)

  • Boundary setting in personal and professional relationships

I guide people in reclaiming autonomy, deepening connection, and navigating evolving identities.

3. Reproductive & Life Transitions Mental Health

  • Fertility, miscarriage, pregnancy, postpartum, reproductive grief

  • Identity shifts in parenthood

  • Role transitions (career, caregiving, divorce, loss)

  • Grieving the life you imagined vs. the one unfolding

I hold space for the messiness and meaning-making of life’s transitions.

My Therapeutic Approach

I blend evidence-based modalities with a human-first, strengths-based lens. Some of the tools I use include:

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

  • Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

  • Mindfulness and Parts Work

My goal isn’t to “fix” you—but to help you feel safer, clearer, and more empowered in your own life.

Licensure & Availability

I'm licensed in WI, IL, FL, OH, SC, NC, MN, IA, and PA, and offer coaching services in all other states.
Sessions are fully virtual, private pay, and designed around your pace and preferences.

What You Can Expect Working With Me

Clients often describe our sessions as:

“Honest, non-judgmental, and deeply validating.”
“Like talking to someone who actually sees me.”

We’ll go at a pace that respects your nervous system and your story. I’ll offer gentle structure, active support, and space for reflection—always with the goal of helping you move toward healing that feels sustainable.