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About Sarah Burns LMSW, Anxiety & Eating Disorder Therapist

Serving Clients in St. Louis & Across Missouri

I’m the kind of person who sometimes believes that a new planner will solve all of my problems (no matter how many times this theory has been debunked). I love the rush of a new organizational tool, but quickly the novelty wears off and suddenly there are random sticky-notes scattered around in its place. The next thing I know, I’m in the stationary aisle looking for the next “life-fixer” in planner form. Despite my background, I sometimes find it difficult to face the reality that life can feel out of control and there is no quick fix to the stressors in life. My own therapeutic work has allowed me to challenge these beliefs and patterns, understand who I am, and learn to work with these parts of myself, not against them. I now see my behaviors as communicators of something deeper. Once I listened to what they were telling me, I was able to enjoy a more authentic and meaningful life


I work with people with eating disorders, OCD, and anxiety, especially those who might be on the fence about letting their comfort behaviors go. Many of my clients fear the unknown and often engage with familiar patterns, because they are consistent and reliable, over trying a new and unknown alternative – even if the alternative will relieve some distress. Letting go of what you know can feel terrifying and out of control. I get it! In my work, I have developed an approach that is genuine and down-to-earth, but effectively targets the root of the issue for sustained recovery. I believe that we are all looking for ways to cope with life, some of us just have less helpful ways of doing so. In our work together, we will find more effective ways to respond to what life throws your way. This process will allow you to spend more time and energy pursuing the things that matter.

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If you are considering what life could look like without your eating disorder/OCD/anxiety, it would be an honor to walk through that possibility with you. It is a privilege to watch my clients reclaim control over their lives and kick the voice that says “you can’t” to the curb. If you’re looking for someone to sit quietly and nod along, I’m probably not your girl. I am a therapist who will engage with you, share my thoughts and impressions, and maybe even utilize some humor (all when the timing is right, of course). As your therapist, it is my goal to help you find freedom from the things that are no longer serving you. If you’re ready to be challenged, but also have a little fun, you’re my people. 

 

Board Certified TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH)
University of Missouri - St. Louis
Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW)

 

Queer and Neurodivergent affirming

Health at Every Size (HAES) aligned

Rooted in Social Justice Values

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