Welcome! I’m Sarah Boutros, and I provide individual and couples therapy at TBCRP. I am an integrative therapist, and I am committed to fostering a culturally sensitive approach to our work together. I specialize in supporting individuals through self-esteem issues, depression, anxiety, life transitions, addiction, communication challenges, relationship strains, identity struggles, and feelings of belongingness.

I believe that the core of effective therapy is the therapeutic alliance—ensuring that we are a good fit and that you feel comfortable and at ease, is crucial. The best therapy happens when there is an open, trusting relationship between us, where you can feel safe to explore your thoughts and feelings.

My role is to guide and empower you as you navigate your journey. I believe that you are stronger than you think, and I am here to help you find that strength and uncover patterns that you may find yourself stuck in. I am here to help you work through the areas in your life that you find yourself able to identify, but can’t seem to work past, no matter how hard you try. In addition to tailoring my approach to your unique presentation and cultural identities, I combine behavioral, emotion-focused, and psychodynamic techniques to address your specific needs.

Taking the first step in seeking help is often the hardest, and you’ve already accomplished that. Imagine how much more you can accomplish with a little guidance and support. I’m here to help you follow through with this courageous decision and to help you move towards a more fulfilling and empowered life. I look forward to the possibility of working together and cannot wait to connect.

Substance Use

Substance abuse can profoundly impact not only the individual struggling with addiction but also their partners, children, and family members, creating a ripple effect of distress and dysfunction. Therapy provides a crucial space to address the complexities of substance abuse, focusing on both the individual’s recovery and the well-being of their loved ones. Together, we will explore the underlying factors contributing to the addiction, develop effective strategies for managing cravings, and work towards rebuilding trust and relationships strained by substance use. For family members, therapy can offer support in understanding the dynamics of addiction, improving communication, and navigating the emotional challenges of supporting a loved one in recovery. By addressing these interconnected issues, we aim to foster healing and resilience for both the individual and their family, creating a more supportive environment for lasting recovery and growth.

Trauma

Trauma and adverse childhood experiences often leave a profound impact that can resonate throughout one’s life, shaping emotional responses and behaviors long after the events have passed. These early experiences can manifest as ongoing challenges such as difficulty forming trusting relationships, heightened emotional reactions, or persistent feelings of fear and inadequacy. Therapy offers a compassionate space to revisit and process these early wounds, aiming to understand their influence on your present life and well-being. Together, we will work to unravel the effects of these experiences, build resilience, and develop healthier coping strategies. By addressing and integrating these past traumas, therapy seeks to foster healing and empower you to move forward with a renewed sense of self and improved emotional stability.

Interpersonal Dynamics, Boundaries, and Communication

Navigating interpersonal dynamics and establishing healthy boundaries can significantly impact the quality of your relationships, both personal and professional. Effective communication and clear boundaries are essential for fostering respect and mutual understanding, yet these skills can often be challenging to master. Therapy provides a dedicated space to explore and refine how you interact with others, focusing on enhancing your communication skills, setting and maintaining boundaries, and addressing any patterns of conflict or misunderstanding. Together, we will work to identify and address the underlying issues affecting your relationships, develop strategies for assertive and empathetic communication, and establish boundaries that promote healthier, more fulfilling interactions. By building these skills, you can create more balanced and satisfying connections, leading to greater harmony and respect in your relationships.

Self-Esteem & Self- Worth

Struggling with self-esteem and self-worth can deeply affect how you perceive yourself and your place in the world. When self-worth feels shaky, it may impact your confidence, relationships, and overall satisfaction with life. Therapy provides a nurturing space to explore the roots of these feelings and work towards a healthier self-image. Together, we will examine the internal and external factors influencing your self-esteem, challenge negative self-beliefs, and cultivate a more positive, affirming self-view. By identifying and reinforcing your strengths and accomplishments, we aim to build a resilient sense of self-worth that supports you in achieving your personal and professional goals, and fosters a greater sense of fulfillment and self-acceptance.

Life Stage Transitions and Cultural Adjustments

Navigating shifts between life stages and adapting to new cultural environments can be both exhilarating and daunting. Whether you’re transitioning from adolescence to adulthood, adjusting to retirement, or integrating into a new cultural context, these changes can challenge your sense of identity and stability. Therapy offers a supportive environment to explore the complexities of these transitions, helping you understand the emotional and practical impacts they may have. Coming from a family of immigrants and holding multiple minority identities myself, I can personally understand the difficulties of navigating new experiences with often conflicting cultural ideals. We will work together to address the uncertainties and stresses that come with adjusting to new roles or cultural norms, develop strategies to manage these shifts effectively, and build resilience as you adapt to your evolving life circumstances. By focusing on your unique experiences and goals, therapy aims to help you embrace these changes with confidence and find a balanced path forward.

Sarah Boutros earned her Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, San Diego, where she also completed her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology in 2022. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Neuroscience from the University of Toronto. With over 4 years of experience in providing psychotherapy, Sarah interned at the Centerstone Consortium in Bradenton, FL, working in the Integrated Substance Misuse track. Her training includes psychodynamic approaches, acceptance and commitment therapy, a trauma-informed lens, integrative methods, with a focus on substance use disorders. Sarah has worked with short and long-term clients, aged 12 and older across the lifespan, gaining specific experience in crisis settings, acute and severe mental illness, in both individual and group setting. She is committed to cultural diversity and emphasizes the client as the expert in their own story. In Toronto, she led a research team in organizing and facilitating Emotion-Focused Family Therapy workshops for community members facing familial issues. She is currently pursuing certification in Emotionally Focused Therapy for both individuals and couples and is practicing under the supervision of Dr. Jeanne Peterson.