Sara Hess, MS, RMHCI Dr. Phillips Office
Sara Hess is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (RMHCI) in the State of Florida (registration #IMH28287). She works exclusively with clients in the Orlando area in private practice at Orlando Thrive Therapy, Coaching, and Counseling at our Dr. Phillips counseling office.
Who Sara Works With + Sara's Approach
Sara helps people work through life's challenges, strengthen their emotional well-being, and build the tools they need to create meaningful change. She works with adolescents, young adults, men, and women who are dealing with anxiety, panic, codependency, depression, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, stress, life transitions, emotional regulation, and questions of self-worth and identity. She meets each client where they are, because everyone's experiences, needs, and goals are different.
Her approach draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Person-Centered Therapy, so treatment fits the individual and not the other way around. With couples, she also uses principles of the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to strengthen communication, deepen connection, and work through conflict.
Sara believes a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation of good therapy. She creates a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can show up just as you are and explore everything you are carrying. You will feel heard and understood. Together you will recognize your strengths, build confidence, and gain tools you can use long after a session ends. Whether you are in a difficult season or simply want to understand yourself better, Sara gives you room to grow, heal, and move toward the life you want to create.
Clinical Background
Sara is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern in the State of Florida. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Elon University and her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bellevue University. Sara began her clinical career at a non-profit agency, where she worked with people facing a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges. That work taught her how different each person's needs are, and why care has to be compassionate and individual to be worth anything.
What to Expect at Your First Session
Complete Paperwork Online
Fill out your intake forms electronically before your session, quick and easy.
Introductions & Goal Setting
Get to know your therapist and share your goals for therapy.
Personalized Therapy Plan
Your therapist will create a plan tailored to your needs, including session frequency.
Supportive, Warm Environment
Begin working immediately in a safe, welcoming space where you feel valued and understood.
Ready to begin your path toward healing? We’re here to support you.
Feeling heard and understood is an important part of therapy, but meaningful growth comes from applying what you learn along the way. At Orlando Thrive Therapy, our goal is to equip you with practical tools, healthy coping strategies, and new perspectives that help you create lasting positive change. Personal growth can take effort, but with the right guidance and support, it’s absolutely possible, and we see it happen every day.
Meet Your Thrive Therapist
Get matched with a Thrive therapist who understands your goals.
Begin Your Path to Thriving
Start your first session and begin building the tools, clarity, and confidence to create meaningful, lasting change.
Start Your Journey Toward Thriving
Connect with a compassionate Orlando therapist and take the first step toward healing, clarity, and lasting emotional well-being.