Sara Olivanti
Licensed Therapist, MSW, LCSW
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As someone who has struggled with OCD symptoms myself, I have a big heart and a real passion for this community. My approach to OCD therapy is laid-back, comfortable, open, and honest. I'm a compassionate, sympathetic, attentive listener. I enjoy providing people with positive encouragement while maintaining the ability to be firm and direct. The best part of my job is hearing my members say each day feels a little better than the day before. In addition to OCD therapy, I also focus on treating mood disorders, social phobias, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
As someone who has struggled with OCD symptoms myself, I have a big heart and a real passion for this community. My approach to OCD therapy is laid-back, comfortable, open, and honest. I'm a compassionate, sympathetic, attentive listener. I enjoy providing people with positive encouragement while maintaining the ability to be firm and direct. The best part of my job is hearing my members say each day feels a little better than the day before. In addition to OCD therapy, I also focus on treating mood disorders, social phobias, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
Location
Licensed in Illinois, Minnesota
About
Clinical Expertise
OCD, Anxiety, Depression, Phobias, Skin picking, Hair pulling, Nail biting, Tics, Hoarding disorder, Children and Adolescents
Cultural competencies
Christianity
Education
University of Illinois School of Social Work-Urbana
Insurance
Plans accepted by Sara
Aetna, Ascension SmartHealth, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Cigna, Curative, Forest County Potawatomi, Horizon BCBS, Imagine Health, Independence Blue Cross, Partners Direct Health, United Healthcare,
Want to work with Sara?
Talk with our team to learn more.
Get to know Sara
My personal connection to OCD and mental health
I got into the mental health field after losing my sister and ended up being diagnosed with anxiety and OCD myself. Not knowing what was going on, believing that the thoughts I was experiencing were abnormal or weird, and having parents who weren't totally understanding was rough. When I finally was able to find a therapist who was understanding and helpful and better at telling me what exactly was going on, it made the journey a lot easier. I know firsthand that ERP is well worth it.
How I create a safe, supportive environment in therapy
As a therapist who has OCD, I'm able to really relate to people. A lot of my Members feel comfortable sharing and talking with me because they know I'm going to understand. I always tell people, "Say whatever you think you need to say." I don't care if it doesn't make sense. We'll figure it out together. Because more than likely, I've experienced something similar or had experiences where someone has expressed something similar, and I can figure it out.
My message to you if you're struggling right now
It's a big step to finally let a stranger into your life to hear things that have been going on, but you're definitely not alone in this. A lot of people end up going to therapy and finding it to be one of the most beneficial things, and start seeing their lives change. I hope you take that opportunity and try it. The only thing we can do in life is give something a try. A lot of good can come from this, but you won't know until you give it a try.
The most rewarding part of treating OCD
Hearing people say, "I feel like I have parts of my life back. I feel like I'm able to do things with my family or be more engaged with friends"—that is what motivates me to continue doing what I do.
Why our members love working with Sara
J.S.
I am so thankful to be working with Sara, and I am beyond grateful that NOCD paired us for treatment. Sara makes me feel understood, acknowledged, and less alone. I feel encouraged after each session and the plans we work through together are truly making a difference in the symptoms I experience. I feel hopeful that I am healing and gaining control of my life again, and I would not be making this progress and feeling human again without Sara. Thank you Sara ❤️
M.M.
Sara is great! She was spot on with my treatment with OCD, anxiety and depression
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