Sara K. Varga, LCSW-C

About Clinical Director and Therapist Sara Varga:

Hello! I’m Sara (she/her). Thanks so much for stopping by my profile! I love being part of MCCC as a therapist and clinical supervisor. Laura and I have known each other for many years – we previously worked together supporting dually diagnosed adolescents – and I’m so glad to share this space with her and the amazing MCCC team.

Sara’s Take on Therapy

Let’s acknowledge it, therapy can be scary. It is difficult to allow ourselves to be vulnerable and change is HARD.  When working with me, I first and foremost understand the importance of building a trusting relationship. No matter how many years a therapist has been in practice or what style of therapy modality they use, all the evidence (and my personal experience) show that therapy is not effective if there is not first good rapport. As a therapist who has worked mainly with adolescents and families, I understand that this can be hard and sometimes means that things may need to be said that some people do not like. I work in session to balance both validation of our emotions and challenge to change the behaviors that keep us stuck.

That is why I believe and see the utmost value in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).  In my life and my professional work, I see that we as humans have adapted various ways of avoiding uncomfortable emotions. When we can address those unhelpful, unhealthy and sometimes dangerous behaviors, (self-harm, addiction, eating disorders, overspending, resentments) allow ourselves the space to feel through our feelings, then healing takes place and we are able to be the person we were meant to be. I can help you navigate change for unhelpful ways of thinking and behaving, as well help you accept and validate your feelings that cause them.

I also have seen how our past experiences can inform our current reality, in ways that are not helpful or healthy. I have been trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and am currently working towards full EMDR certification. I have experience and have witnessed the power in combining both DBT and EMDR work to bring about deep healing and ending destructive patterns for my clients. 

Sara’s Take on Clinical Supervision

As a clinical supervisor, I enjoy being able to help other therapists develop a deep understanding of themselves so that they can help others lead a fuller and more healthy life. I bring to the table a wealth of experience in working with children, adolescents and families in a variety of settings. I find it fulfilling to use some of my experiences (and mistakes) to help other clinicians grow in their profession. 

As a part of growing in this profession, it often involves finding ways to cultivate our own resiliency. I find it an ethical imperative that clinicians continue to create avenues not just for self care (I have a love/hate relationship with that term, btw) but for burnout resistance. We want to be our best selves in order to serve our clients as best we can. I believe in this so much that I have completed several continuing education trainings on compassion fatigue resilience and have provided trainings for other therapists and organizations and often bring this into  supervision.

Education and Experience as a Therapist

I’m an alumna of Syracuse University (Go Orange!), where I completed my undergraduate studies in public policy and women’s studies. After working at a domestic violence shelter in Fairfax County, Virginia, I earned my Master’s in Social Work from The National Catholic School of Social Service in 2006 and simultaneously completed a Certificate in Domestic Violence Policy from the University of Colorado at Denver (I’m admittedly a big nerd). I went on to complete intensive clinical trainings, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) through the Linehan Institute in 2014 and Basic EMDR training through The Center for Excellence in EMDR Therapy in 2024.

Over the years, I’ve discovered a deep passion for working with young adults and adolescents facing challenges with substance use and mental health. I’ve worked as a wilderness therapist in two programs and later created and served as the clinical director of an Intensive Outpatient Program for dually diagnosed adolescents and young adults, specializing in DBT.

In my community of Frederick, Maryland, I co-founded a nonprofit organization that opened the state’s only recovery high school. After helping to establish and launch the Phoenix Recovery Academy, I had the honor of serving as Head of School during its first year of operation.

Therapy Services and Expertise

Get to Know Sara Varga

Meet Sara in this Short Video!

Beyond the Therapy Room

I grew up in Syracuse, New York and often spent time vacationing and hiking in the Adirondack Mountains. My life and career path has allowed me to have the opportunity to bounce back and forth between the DMV area and Central & Northern New York State.

Currently, my family and I are settled in Frederick County and enjoy doing anything outside. I feel at most peace when in nature, especially the mountains.

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What Clients Say About Working With Sara Varga

She is incredibly helpful, understanding, and not judgmental at all. I felt comfortable with her from the very beginning and feel like who she is is exactly the type of person I need to work through my hardships. I have begun to develop skills to ease my anxiety symptoms and further understand why things have happened in my life the way that they have.

I was really nervous/overwhelmed to start therapy and Sara made me feel comfortable and like I could be open without judgment, and take things one bite at a time.

Contact Sara Varga

Email: sara@mccounselingcenter.com

Phone: 240-200-0997