I'm Sara Burns, an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist (AMFT #160275). Before becoming a therapist, I spent much of my life identifying as an athlete. As a competitive high school athlete, being part of a team gave me purpose, structure, and a strong sense of identity. When an injury unexpectedly took me out of the game, I experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to lose something that feels like such a core part of who you are. I found myself navigating questions of identity, purpose, and what came next. That experience continues to shape the way I show up as a therapist; with empathy, curiosity, and a deep understanding of how life's transitions can challenge even our strongest sense of self.

Today, I work with student athletes and former athletes who are navigating the mental and emotional demands of sport and life beyond it. Whether you're coping with an injury, sports performance anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, pressure to succeed, or the challenge of redefining your identity after athletics, therapy offers a space to process, heal, and reconnect with who you are beyond your performance. I also work with individuals navigating substance use and recovery, recognizing that every person's relationship with substances is unique. Whether you're questioning your relationship with alcohol or drugs, working toward recovery, or rebuilding your life after addiction, I provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental space to explore your experiences and move toward meaningful, lasting change.

I received my undergraduate degree from Florida State University in 2017 and my master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in 2025. My clinical background includes working in treatment settings supporting individuals experiencing mood disorders, substance use, behavioral challenges, and trauma. I bring together evidence-based clinical training and my own lived experience to provide care that is collaborative, compassionate, and individualized. Rather than focusing on a diagnosis, I take a holistic approach that recognizes each person as more than the challenges they face. Together, we'll build on your strengths while honoring your unique experiences, values, and goals.

At the heart of my work is connection. I believe meaningful change happens when people feel genuinely seen, understood, and accepted. In our sessions, I strive to create a space where you can show up exactly as you are, without judgment or pressure to have everything figured out. Together, we'll explore the challenges you're facing, develop practical tools for growth, and create a path forward that feels authentic and sustainable.

If you're feeling stuck, curious about therapy, or ready for change, I invite you to reach out for a free consultation. We'll explore whether we're a good fit and create a collaborative, strengths-based plan tailored to your goals. Whether you're navigating life after sport, working through an injury, managing anxiety, or pursuing recovery, I'm here to support you with compassion, honesty, and steady guidance as you build a life that feels meaningful, connected, and true to who you are.