Dr. Sarah Willey , MO Psychologist 2019045861

Dr. Sarah Willey is a licensed psychologist practicing in Missouri, holding the credential MO Psychologist 2019045861 and a PsyD from Wheaton College earned in 2018. She brings experience from college counseling centers, inpatient and outpatient mental health settings, and work with the VA, supporting people through a wide range of challenges. Her clinical focus includes stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, coping with life changes, relationship and family issues, grief, career challenges, bipolar disorder, and compassion fatigue, with additional attention to blended family dynamics, family of origin issues, forgiveness, isolation and loneliness, life purpose, mood disorders including seasonal affective disorder, women's issues, workplace concerns, and young adult issues.

Dr. Willey practices with a compassionate, client-centered stance, listening closely to understand each person and their unique story. Her approach draws from evidence-informed methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing, along with acceptance and commitment and dialectical skills when appropriate. She aims to partner with clients to identify practical strategies, clarify values and goals, and build coping skills that fit everyday life. Dr. Willey describes the therapeutic relationship as an honored responsibility - she accompanies clients through seasons of struggle and growth, witnessing both pain and progress while helping them move toward meaningful change.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Dr. Willey

Dr. Willey integrates client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing into her online practice. Client-centered therapy emphasizes empathetic listening and collaboration, helping clients explore values, relationships, and self-worth while feeling heard and respected. CBT focuses on identifying patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to anxiety, depression, and stress, and teaches practical techniques to shift those patterns and improve daily functioning. Motivational interviewing supports people who feel ambivalent about change by exploring personal motivations and strengthening commitment to goals such as career shifts, health behaviors, or relationship changes.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Dr. Willey collaborates with each client to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting strategies as progress unfolds so therapy stays relevant and responsive.

Online sessions through video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offer flexibility for busy schedules, geographic limitations, or those who prefer communicating remotely. These options allow clients to engage with licensed professionals and therapists in ways that suit their life, making it easier to maintain continuity of care and integrate therapeutic skills into everyday routines.