Sara ElMakawy, LCSW

Sara ElMakawy is a licensed clinical social worker with a broad range of clinical experience working with children, adults, and families. She has provided mental health services in private practice, school, university, hospital, and residential settings. Sara’s style is person-centered, holistic, and warm. She profoundly values building positive therapeutic relationships with her clients, as she believes this is integral to effective therapy. 

Sara integrates various schools of thought to best support each person she works with. Her approach draws heavily upon child-centered play therapy, internal family systems and cognitive behavioral therapy. Her work is primarily informed by humanistic, attachment and somatic theories. Sara specializes in providing services to children who have experienced various forms of trauma, stress and adjustments. She also specializes in treating anxiety, depression, emotion regulation and behavioral challenges. 

Sara completed her Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina Charlotte. During her graduate school clinical training, Sara provided advocacy, crisis support, counseling, and group therapy services to trauma survivors. She provided support in a mental health clinic, hospitals and shelters. For her second-year practicum, she provided mental health services to children and parents at an elementary school. 

After graduating and receiving her license, Sara began to provide therapy for adults in areas such as anxiety, depression, grief and relationship challenges. Sara later joined a private practice where she provided school-based therapy services at an elementary and middle school. 

During her years as a school-based therapist, she provided individual, family, and group therapy services. She gained extensive experience working with children experiencing complex trauma, stress, family conflict, and various mental health challenges. Sara led groups focused on social skills, self-esteem, grief, and anxiety. As part of her role at the school, she also provided parenting support, teacher consultations, classroom observations, and trauma-informed workshops. Sara has specialized training in teaching yoga and mindfulness practices to kids, and she incorporates mind-body practices into her clinical work. 

Sara supports clients in developing a more positive self-concept and becoming their most authentic and empowered selves. She incorporates the client’s interests, values, and strengths into the therapeutic process. She understands that several systems influence a person, and she is committed to fostering an inclusive environment. Sara provides a safe space that is LGBTQIA+-affirming, neurodivergent-affirming and anti-racist.

For additional clinical content written by Sara, check out these links!

• The Power of Play