Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Forcella.
Hi Sara , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Connecticut, but moved to North Carolina to pursue a graduate degree in Women’s and Gender Studies. My interest in this field was deeply personal—during my undergraduate years, a close friend experienced domestic violence, which inspired me to get involved in volunteer work and eventually pursue research and prevention efforts related to interpersonal violence.
My move to North Carolina was both purposeful and serendipitous. I had first visited Raleigh as a teenager while playing travel softball in a national championship, and I had always remembered loving the area. During my master’s program, I focused specifically on studying violence against women, which led me to a position at NC State’s Women’s Center as the Rape Prevention Education Coordinator. In that role, I worked closely with campus survivors, provided education and advocacy, and collaborated with community stakeholders to improve support systems for those affected by interpersonal violence.
Through this work, I realized I wanted to provide more direct, therapeutic support to survivors. While I loved advocacy, I felt limited in the ways I could help without being a licensed therapist. This realization led me to pursue a Master of Social Work at UNC, all while continuing my work at NC State.
Today, I’m a licensed clinical therapist and the owner of a private practice, where I specialize in EMDR therapy for individuals impacted by complex and relational trauma. I’ve been fortunate to continue my trauma-focused work—and now I have the freedom and flexibility to do it on my own terms, in a way that’s deeply aligned with my values and therapeutic approach.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As you can probably tell, my path wasn’t smooth or linear. I didn’t always know what I wanted to do, and for a long time, I never imagined myself becoming a therapist. Even though I minored in psychology in undergrad and loved the content, I didn’t feel “well enough” to take on that role. I really struggled with OCD, and growing up, there just wasn’t the same awareness or language around it. We didn’t have access to social media or communities that helped normalize the experience. I felt really isolated and alone in what I was going through.
It took time, support, and a lot of personal work for me to get to a more stable place. I started my career later and went back to school once I felt ready. But all of those experiences deeply inform how I show up in my work today. I know how painful it can be to feel like you’re the only one struggling. I think a lot of trauma survivors carry that same weight—and part of what I try to offer is a space where they feel seen, accepted, and not alone. Being able to sit with someone in our shared humanity, with unconditional positive regard, is at the heart of what I do.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Thriving With Therapy?
In my practice, I offer individual and group therapy for adults as well as clinical consultation for professionals across North Carolina and Connecticut. I specialize in relational and complex trauma with a special focus on supporting adult children of emotionally immature parents.
Relational and complex trauma happens when someone experiences repeated or ongoing hurt, often from close relationships like family or caregivers. These experiences can make it hard to trust others, manage emotions, and feel safe. Because the trauma comes from relationships that should have been safe, it can deeply affect how a person connects with the world and themselves.
Trauma can make life feel messy, overwhelming, and difficult to understand. It often shows up as emotional highs and lows, challenges in relationships, or memory gaps. Sometimes it’s hard to even put into words. I’ve spent over a decade in the field of trauma with advanced training including being a Level Two Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and a certified Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist and consultant-in-training. EMDR is considered the gold standard treatment for trauma, and this extensive training allows me to navigate trauma safely and effectively, helping people make sense of their experiences without judgment and at a pace that feels right for them.
I also use my education in women’s and gender studies to bring a real intersectional feminist approach to my work, always respecting and honoring clients’ identities.
What sets me apart is my deep expertise combined with an approachable, warm style. Clients choose me because I’m trusted in the community and because they feel safe, seen, and understood in our work together.
Healing gently and living authentically is at the heart of my practice. Healing happens through the genuine connection we develop; it’s the foundation for all the work we do. No matter my education or training, I always come back to the belief that my clients are the experts of their own lives and that their bodies have the inherent ability to heal. I’m simply here to offer some guidance, reflection, and support along the way.
Trauma therapy is heavy stuff, which is why I always let clients take the lead. Sometimes we’re navigating the most difficult losses or experiences in their lives, and other times we’re chatting about the latest episode of Real Housewives. I care deeply about my clients and see it as the deepest honor to be with them in their highest highs and lowest lows. How freaking cool is my work?
In addition to therapy, I offer virtual trainings and free educational resources for anyone wanting to learn more about EMDR, trauma, and the experience of being raised by emotionally immature parents. Making trauma education more accessible is something I care deeply about. I also run a separate business called Thriving Thru, which focuses on creating supportive content and tools for healing, growth, and self-understanding outside the therapy room.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the good name my practice has built and the positive conversations people have about us in the community. Simply put, I am the brand—my values, personality, and approach are at the heart of everything my practice represents.
If you’re someone who grew up feeling unseen, overly responsible, or emotionally neglected and you’re ready to explore that, make peace with it, and move forward, this is a space where you can do that safely. Clients working with me can expect not just symptom relief but real, meaningful shifts in how they relate to themselves, their past, and the people in their lives.
At the core of my practice are values of safety, compassion, collaboration, and shared humanity. I want every client and every visitor to my work—whether in therapy or through my resources—to walk away knowing you’re not too much, you’re not broken, and healing is possible.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
As a nation, we were already struggling with mental health before, and I’m worried the situation will only get worse under the current administration. Recent federal and state cuts to mental health funding—like layoffs at SAMHSA, cancellations of key grants, and the loss of specialized services such as the “Press 3” option for LGBTQ+ youth on the 988 Lifeline—are deeply concerning. These cuts risk reducing essential support for schools, veterans, and Medicaid recipients, making access to care even harder.
I also know that those who are most marginalized will be the hardest hit by these cuts, and that truly bothers me. Mental health disparities have always existed, and these changes will only widen the gap.
At the same time, I see AI playing an interesting role in mental health care. While some suggest AI might replace therapists, I disagree. Therapy relies on human connection—a computer can’t adjust its breathing to help a client co-regulate or use gentle body language to show safety. AI can assist with some tasks but can never replace the empathy and attunement essential for healing.
Still, I believe there will always be people who care deeply about mental well-being. My hope is that as a field—and as a society—we continue to advocate for what we know is right, even when it’s hard.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thrivingwiththerapypllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarathesocialworker/
- Other: https://www.thrivingthru.org
