Sarah Olson

Hi, I’m Sarah Olson, LCSW, a therapist and the owner of Champaign Counseling in Champaign, Illinois. I’ve been in the social work field for more than 20 years and have spent the last 15 specializing in therapy with individuals and couples. I work with adults who are feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in their relationships, careers, or within themselves. Many of my clients come to therapy because they have been taking care of everyone else for so long that they have lost sight of their own needs. Others are navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or patterns from the past that keep resurfacing. My role is to help you slow down, understand what is happening beneath the surface, and move toward meaningful, lasting change. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I use the Gottman Method when working with couples to help partners communicate more effectively, repair trust, and strengthen emotional connection. With individuals, I often integrate EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to process difficult experiences, reduce emotional distress, and reconnect with a sense of self-worth and calm. I also draw from mindfulness, attachment theory, and nervous system awareness, helping clients notice how their bodies respond to stress and learn new ways to regulate and heal. What makes my practice unique is how I view therapy as a space for both healing and realignment. After experiencing burnout myself, I have learned firsthand that growth does not come from pushing harder. It comes from slowing down, listening to your body, and creating space for what truly matters. I believe therapy should feel like a conversation, not a performance. Together, we will explore your story with honesty and curiosity, uncover what has been keeping you stuck, and develop new ways to move forward that feel sustainable and aligned with who you are. In our work, you can expect warmth, humor, and a focus on helping you feel safe, seen, and supported. Whether you are an individual hoping to heal from past pain or a couple wanting to reconnect and communicate more effectively, we will tailor therapy to fit your unique needs and goals. If you are ready to begin making changes, or even if you are unsure where to start, I would be honored to walk alongside you. Healing does not have to mean doing more; sometimes it means doing things differently.