Hi, I’m Sara Gaarn-Larsen.
I’m an individual, relationship, and sex therapist in the Philadelphia area.
I’m a Danish-American who was born in Denmark, grew up in California and fostered a home here in Philly to work as a sex-therapy specialized therapist.
The concept of hygge is one of the most beautiful parts of Danish culture and strongly contributes to the overall well-being of the Danish people. In essence, to hygge is to come together and create a space of cozy, joyous connection with others. It celebrates being fully present with those we love in a space that feels inviting and safe. I strive for hygge in my own life and as a therapist.
In my practice, I work with clients to build emotional safety within themselves and in their relationships. An important part of this work is being open and transparent with my clients about myself and my thought process in therapy. I like to take a collaborative approach with clients that encourages problem solving as a team and providing them with resources and exercises to make actionable change in their lives.
As a cancer survivor myself, I am also passionate about helping folks who are currently in treatment or are in remission. Cancer can have a tremendous impact on relationships, sexual health, and self-image. Therapy for cancer-specific mental health struggles and relationship challenges can help.
You can learn more about the types of therapy that I provide by visiting my Therapy Services page.
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My Values:
I operate my therapy practice through my values and believe that it is important for therapists to be transparent with clients regarding them. This transparency is necessary for a true sense of emotional safety to exist in a therapeutic space.
As an LGBTQ+ affirming, diverse-body affirming, sex positive, poly-friendly, and kink aware therapist, I welcome and aim to provide a safe space for all identities and relationship styles. I also advocate for my clients in any way that I can, which includes writing letters to other members of their healthcare team if desired to help them receive the care that they deserve.
I hold an anti-capitalist perspective that influences my views on our culture’s expectations around a healthy work-life balance and I challenge beliefs around the nature of success being tied to productivity. I am an advocate for pleasure and believe that it is a human right which does not need to be earned. Above all else, I am passionate about helping others to discover and love who they are as their unique, authentic selves.
My Modalities:
Emotionally Focused Therapy / Attachment Theory
Emotionally Focused Therapy, or EFT, focuses on strengthening emotional connection in relationships by identifying negative relational patterns and promoting healthy communication to foster security and intimacy. It is based on Attachment Theory, which aims to understand how our life experiences have impacted the way that we behave in our current relationships. This process is important for healing old emotional wounds and fostering relational empathy. EFT is also used with individual clients to deepen their understanding of themselves, their needs, and their self-concept.
Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy explores the stories that we tell about our lives and how these stories can shape our identity and experiences. Stories can be powerful in that they control how much agency we feel that we have to make positive change in our lives. They also impact how we view ourselves within them, which can either empower us or tear us down. By understanding and reframing personal narratives, Narrative Therapy emphasizes challenging the beliefs that hold us back, accessing self-compassion, and re-authoring our stories.
The Gottman Method
The Gottman Method is a research-based therapy approach for partners looking to build intimacy and trust in their relationship. I like to use The Sound Relationship House and other Gottman assessments early in my work with couples to learn more about their strengths and challenges. I then continue to incorporate exercises from The Gottman Method with the aim of building a strong foundation of emotional security between them. This method is particularly useful when working with couples who feel emotionally distant, undervalued, or insecure in their relationship.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is an evidence-based model that I often use with clients to identify negative thought patterns and behaviors which no longer serve them. These thoughts can be disruptive and lead folks to feel trapped in their situation. CBT skills can help us to challenge these unhelpful patterns, build an awareness of when we are falling back into them, and emotionally regulate in order to develop more helpful patterns instead. I often use CBT with clients who struggle with emotion regulation, relational conflict, anxiety, and low self-worth.