Sara Olkon

Hi. I’m Sara Olkon, LCSW, therapist and owner of Clarity Relationship Therapy.

Clients describe me as warm, direct, and engaged. Before pursuing a career as a psychotherapist, I spent more than a dozen years working as a journalist. As a newspaper reporter, I covered the 2003 war in Iraq, and reported from Cuba, Hong Kong, Thailand, Guatemala, and India. 

My background in journalism taught me how to listen deeply, ask meaningful questions, and honor the nuances of human experience. Above all, reporting showed me that empathy is the key to connection. I work to bring that same dedication into our sessions, creating a supportive space where you feel genuinely seen and understood.

Key Beliefs:

  • We are our own harshest critics; self-compassion can transform your life.

  • Emotions are messages. It's ok to feel them.

  • Dogs are perfect.  

Sara Olkon & her dog

I work with people of all backgrounds and identities, and offer a collaborative space rooted in trauma-informed care. My practice is deeply committed to being inclusive, LGBTQ+ affirming, and neurodiversity-positive.

Professional Background

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

    • California License #135761 

    • Illinois License #149027131

  • M.A. The University of Chicago’s Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice

  • B.A. Tufts University, cum laude

  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Level 1 & 2 Certified

  • Fellowship in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

  • Member of the Association of Contextual Behavioral Science

  • Maternal Mental Health Certification by Postpartum Support International

  • Trained in Trauma-Informed Care

Want to see if we’re a good match?

Let’s do a quick, 15-minute video chat to talk about what’s going on and how I can help.

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