Biography

Sterling is a Supervising Licensed Independent Social Worker by the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health from The Ohio State University, where she became passionate about understanding the contexts and lived experiences that shape people’s health. Sterling wanted to pursue a path where she could work more closely with individuals to improve their health and wellbeing, rather than studying it from afar. This lead to a Master of Social Work degree and career as a mental health therapist.

Sterling is practice owner and therapist/clinical social worker at SB Counseling & Wellness, LLC, located in Clintonville, Ohio. In her current practice, Sterling works with individuals ages 18+. She also has experience working with children, adolescents, and families in a community mental health setting. Multiple evidence-based psychotherapies and healing practices make up Sterling’s therapeutic approach, including EMDR Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, IFS-informed Therapy (parts work), Mindfulness, Polyvagal Theory and other somatic strategies.

Sterling is a Certified EMDR Therapist and Approved Consultant by the EMDR International Association. Consultation offerings include individual and group hours for those pursuing Foundational Training, EMDRIA Certification, and Approved Consultant status. Sterling is passionate about supporting consultees with complex cases, particularly those involving attachment trauma, relational trauma across the lifespan, complex PTSD, and dissociation.

Sterling is a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist by the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association, and is able to provide Expressive Arts supervision for those pursuing certification/registration, or simply wanting to add Expressive Arts to their existing therapy practice.

As a social worker supervisor, Sterling enjoys supporting emerging social workers in their professional development. The intersections of social justice, advocacy, and clinical work are of particular interest to her. Sterling is currently affiliated with the MSW program at The Ohio State University.

Whether with clients, consultees, or supervisees, Sterling views the relationship as imperative, and takes her role in creating a safe and supportive environment very seriously. Her intention is to show up as an actively LGBTQIA2S+ affirming, anti-racist, anti-oppressive individual. Sterling is dedicated to supporting others in their growth with respect and integrity.