My approach

Hello, my name is Sarah Knakal and I am passionate about helping people increase their self awareness and emotional understanding leading to feeling more connected to themselves and their loved ones. We often remain stuck in patterns of fear, avoidance, and reactivity. I support my clients in growing their capacity for awareness, compassion, and curiosity, and turning towards their most deeply held values so that they can live more engaged and meaningful lives.

I view therapy as a collaborative, relational human-to-human process. When working with you, I will first focus on getting to know you as a whole person and understanding what is most important to you. I aim to foster a culturally responsive environment and strive to bring both flexibility and focus to my work. I use evidence-based methods in the context of your specific needs. Above all, I consider collaboration, trust, and authenticity to be essential for effective therapy.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) registered with the State of Oregon (T2191). I earned my Masters Degree in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling from George Fox University. I am also a trained EMDR therapist (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). My education continues through yearly trainings, workshops, conferences, research and reading on a broad range of relevant mental health issues and relationship related topics.

I have been married for 30 years. We have four grown children, two son-in-laws and enjoy spending time and creating memories as a family. As a family we have also had the privilege of fostering two girls. In my spare time I enjoy exercising, walking outdoors, reading, cooking and spending time with my loved ones.