When Sadie Usilton entered the mental health field, she aimed to be the voice that wasn’t heard. 

Now, with over twenty years working as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Sadie continues  to help clients find their authentic voice and advocate for their wants and needs. 

Her approach to therapy is person-centered, solutions-focused, and trauma-informed. Sadie works collaboratively with clients, and guides them through challenges with the appropriate tools and interventions which promote healing, resilience, and long-term growth. 

She offers many treatment modalities to meet the needs and improve the well-being of the clients she works with. 

Sadie offers psychoeducation therapy to engage clients in the learning process of mental health conditions, and how to manage signs and symptoms. She utilizes Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and reframe their thoughts and feelings in the present moment, resulting in improved self-esteem, communication skills, and goal-setting. She also offers Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help clients develop mindfulness practices and coping skills to improve emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills.

We sat down with Sadie to learn more about her background in the field and approach to working with clients online in Massachusetts or in-person from our West Springfield office.

What inspired you to become a therapist?

I grew up taking care of my grandmother who was suffering from diabetes. I knew that I wanted to advocate for others and help them find their voice. 

My first experience in the mental health field was in high school, working with children with developmental disabilities. 

I’ve always loved working with kids and knew that I wanted to develop the appropriate tools and interventions to better serve the needs of vulnerable children. 

I pursued my master’s degree in Clinical and Mental Health at Springfield College and had the opportunity to support a large network of at-risk youth by engaging them in weekly dinners, collaborative play, and learning activities. I also worked with students struggling with behavioral and emotional challenges.

Over the years, I’ve developed strong clinical skills by supporting clients in a variety of settings such as ERs, corrections, substance use clinics, schools, and individual therapy.

How would you describe your approach to therapy?

My approach to therapy is person-centered, solutions-focused, and trauma-informed. 

I’ll work collaboratively with clients to gain greater awareness of what’s happening in the here and now. We’ll clarify how past experiences affect present thoughts, beliefs, emotions, and behaviors, and develop new tools to foster awareness, acceptance, and compassion towards self and others.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. I’ll utilize several evidence-based approaches such as Psychoeducation Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and mindfulness practices depending on the clients needs and individual goals. 

Above all, I strive to meet every client on their level. The client is the expert of their own lives. I’ll 

listen non-judgmentally to understand the client’s lived experiences, and encourage clients to explore their own thoughts and feelings and recognize their worth.

What mental health conditions and life challenges do offer therapy for?

I offer support for adults who are experiencing the following mental health conditions and life challenges: 

• Anxiety/Panic/Phobias
• Bipolar Disorder
• Depression
• Personality Disorders
• Self-Injurious Behaviors/Self-Harm
• PTSD/Acute Stress
• Trauma

What's your favorite part of being a therapist?

I love watching clients develop trust in their decision-making and ability to reach their goals, while simultaneously coping with life challenges.

What advice would you give potential clients?

Therapy is a guided process. Expressing your thoughts and feelings may seem nerve-wracking at first, but therapy is a collaborative effort which allows you to try out new ways of thinking, feelings, and being. As long as you put in the effort to explore your inner truth, anything, no matter how big or small, is possible.

Start working with Sadie Usilton, LMHC in Massachusetts today:

Finding your voice takes courage and patience. 

Sadie Usilton, LMHC is here to guide you with unwavering empathy and support so that you can develop authentic self-expression and speak your truth. 

To start working with Sadie Usilton, LMHC online in Massachusetts or in-person from our West Springfield office, contact us today at (413) 343-4357.

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