Sara Riggle, MSW, LSW

Children, Adolescents, College, Young Adults, Adults

Anxiety, Depression, Attachment Wounds, Mood Disorders, Psychosis, ADHD, Behavioral Problems, Relationship Issues, Grief and Loss, Trauma and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), Narcissistic Abuse, Phobias, Phase of Life Challenges, and Self-Esteem Concerns.

Hello and welcome! My name is Sara, I was born and raised in Tennessee and am now happily planting my roots in the Chicagoland area. I specialize in providing warm, compassionate mental health support for individuals across the lifespan. Whether you’re a child, teen, or adult, my goal is to create a safe and supportive space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow.

I’m passionate about helping people work through life’s challenges, heal from painful experiences, and reconnect with their strengths. Therapy with me is a collaborative process—we’ll work together to explore what’s getting in the way, uncover patterns, and move toward meaningful change.

My clinical experience includes working in a variety of settings, including inpatient treatment, outpatient community mental health, and private practice. I’ve supported children, teens, and adults through a wide range of emotional, relational, and behavioral concerns.

I earned both my Master of Science in Social Work and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Tennessee. During graduate school, I completed a two-year Trauma Treatment Graduate Certificate Program that deepened my understanding of how trauma impacts people across the lifespan and shaped the trauma-informed lens I bring to therapy today.

My approach to therapy is integrative, relational, and trauma-informed. I believe that therapy works best when it feels like a true partnership—grounded in safety, trust, and curiosity. Each person’s healing journey is unique, and I tailor my work to fit your individual needs, goals, and pace.

I draw from a wide range of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Psychodynamic Therapy, mindfulness-based practices, somatic approaches, Attachment Theory, and Polyvagal Theory. These approaches allow us to explore your thoughts and behaviors, while also tending to the emotional, relational, and physiological layers of your experience.

Whether we’re building coping skills, processing past experiences, or reconnecting with parts of you that have been silenced or protected for a long time, I’ll be here to support you with warmth, presence, and care

Specialization in Trauma

I completed a two-year Trauma Treatment Graduate Certificate, as I have a special interest in supporting individuals who are healing from trauma, including childhood trauma, complex PTSD, and narcissistic abuse. I understand that trauma doesn’t just live in our memories, it also lives in our bodies. It can shape how we respond to stress, how connected we feel to others, and how safe we feel in our own skin.

In our work together, I hold the belief that it’s not about “what’s wrong with you,” but “what happened to you.” Trauma can dysregulate the nervous system, keeping us stuck in a state of stress long after the danger has passed. For those experiencing C-PTSD, the impact can be even more profound, affecting identity, relationships, and the ability to regulate emotions.

In therapy, we’ll gently explore your story while also working with the body to help restore a sense of safety. My approach is grounded in trauma-informed and body-based practices that honor the whole person—mind, body, and nervous system.

Whether you’re carrying the impact of a single event or years of complex experiences, I’ll be here to support you in finding relief, resilience, and a renewed connection to yourself.

Children & Adolescents

I enjoy supporting children and adolescents as they navigate the unique challenges of growing up. I understand that this stage of life can be filled with big emotions, shifting relationships, and pressures both at school and at home. Using creativity, patience, and a compassionate approach, I work alongside young clients to help them build resilience, develop healthy coping skills, and gain confidence. Whether through play, conversation, or tailored activities, my goal is to empower children and teens to feel understood, capable, and hopeful about their journey ahead.

Supporting Adults on Their Healing Journey

For adults, I provide a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your past experiences, current challenges, and hopes for the future. Life can bring many transitions and difficulties—whether it’s managing anxiety or depression, healing from trauma, or simply trying to find greater balance and meaning. Together, we’ll work at a pace that feels right for you, uncovering strengths, building coping skills, and fostering self-compassion. My hope is to support you in reconnecting with yourself and moving toward a life that feels more fulfilling and authentic.

For Fun…

When I’m not in the therapy room, I love spending time with my bubbly golden retriever, trying out new recipes, tending to my plants, and cheering on the Tennessee Vols.

To schedule an appointment, Call or TEXT (847) 919-9096 or hello@inspirecounselingcenter.com