Galloway, NJ | Therapist Spotlight: Sarah Palmer, MS
Interview by Elizabeth Earnshaw, LMFT
Sarah Palmer, MS is a therapist in our Galloway, NJ office at A Better Life Therapy. She works with individuals, couples, and adolescents, and specializes in relationship challenges, grief and loss, sexuality, trauma, depression, and life transitions.
Sarah earned her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Psychology from Holy Family University and is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She provides therapy in English and is known at our practice for a style that is personable, curious, authentic, and direct.
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Sarah to learn more about her work, her approach to therapy, and the small details that make her who she is in life and in the therapy room.
Read our interview below.
What originally drew you to becoming a therapist?
“The idea that I would get to use a lot of the traits I naturally carry to support people through their experiences. I never wanted a career where I had to turn off my personality just to get through the workday. It’s always a good day to be an empath …and a professional yapper… when you’re a therapist!
What keeps you passionate about therapy now, even on hard days?
“The human experience is truly so unique, and I get to learn something new about it from each of my clients every day. It’s the most privileged feeling, and one I never lose touch with”.
How would you describe your therapy style?
“I’d describe it as personable, curious, authentic, and direct”.
What kinds of clients or issues do you feel most energized working with?
“I really enjoy working with attachment, anxiety, and depression, especially with clients who are navigating difficult decisions, ending generational trauma, and building inner safety skills”.
What do you think good therapy should feel like for a client?
“I think therapy should feel safe and non-judgmental, allowing space for gentle internal curiosity about your experiences. You should also be learning a lot about yourself and about how complex our brains and bodies really are. There should be moments that feel challenging, but at a pace that feels transformative and manageable”.
What can someone expect in a first session with you?
“In a first session, my main goal is to assess needs and begin building the therapeutic relationship. I try to let clients see bits of my personality while also offering professional insight into the therapeutic process in a way that’s personalized to them. I also like to give an overview of my clinical experience and style so we can make sure it feels like a good fit”.
What’s a small joy or ritual that brings you comfort or happiness?
“My morning espresso and taking care of my plants… being a plant mom really is the best”.
What’s something that influences how you think about relationships or life?
“Emotions are signals, not problems.”
If you weren’t a therapist, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
“I would have loved to be a veterinarian!”
Quick Fast Facts
Go-to comfort activity: Lately, listening to the Wicked soundtrack on repeat and, traditionally, sitting in sunlight
Favorite way to unwind: An everything shower with white noise
Morning person or night owl: Night person
Coffee or tea: Espresso
Favorite season: Summer
If someone is feeling unsure about starting therapy, what would you want them to know?
“It’s totally normal to feel uncertain about starting therapy. Therapy asks a lot from clients… commitment, trust, and openness … and those are really heavy things. I’d encourage anyone who’s curious to take their time looking into different professionals and not feel defeated if the first one doesn’t feel just right. If there’s any choice to be picky about, it should absolutely be choosing the right therapist”.
Working with Sarah Palmer, MS
Sarah Palmer is a therapist in our Galloway, NJ location. Her office is located close to major shore points like Atlantic City, Cape May, Brigantine, and more. She is available to work with adolescent and adult individuals and also supports couples. Sarah offers in person therapy and telehealth appointments.
To learn more about Sarah click here to read her bio page.
Galloway, NJ Office
Our Galloway, NJ office is designed so that you feel at home. Each private office space is meant to feel like a living room - a place you can kick off your shoes (if you want), sit down, and feel comfortable talking about whatever is going on for you. The office has ample on site parking and an elevator.