About
Sarah McElvain, LMSW
Diving into therapy can feel a bit like starting a new book—you’re not quite sure where the story will go, but you’re ready to turn the page. Feeling a mix of trepidation? Totally normal. But the best part? You’re not reading this one alone. I’m here to help you navigate through those chapters, shining a light on the moments that make you uniquely you. My job is to help you highlight your strengths, decode the challenges, and uncover some hidden gems along the way. Therapy with me is like having a conversation with an old friend—related, open, and always enlightening. Let’s have some fun!
"Imagine if we measured success by the amount of safety that people felt in our presence." - Jonathan Louis Dent
My Story
Hi! I’m Sarah McElvain and it’s an honor to be a part of the ABC Counseling team. Originally from a small town in Illinois, I spent the long winters getting lost in books. Growing up, "Reading Rainbow" was my favorite show, and it sparked my dream of becoming an author. Though spinning fiction isn’t exactly my strong suit, being a counselor lets me play ghostwriter and editor for a different kind of story—yours!
These days, when I’m not wrapped up in a rom-com or geeking out with non-fiction, I’m likely delving into the latest research about neurotypes. I’m a huge fan of maximalist decor, monochromatic sweatsuits, tangents, sketching birds with pastels, fidgets, voice texting with friends, 90s hip hop, Taylor Swift, and The Real Housewives. I love spending quality time with my family—whether it's playing skeeball at arcades, dining out, or attending sports events and horseback riding lessons with my kids.
My focus is on supporting AuDHDers, Autists, ADHDers, PDAers, and their families, guiding anyone curious about these identities and how they might resonate with their own life. I am passionate about making affirming assessments more accessible and love providing exploration sessions and strengths-based neurotype evaluations for ADHD and Autism. The assessment process can and should be therapeutic, and identification is more than diagnosis - it brings about much clarity for self-understanding. I am skilled in providing both formal evaluations and informal exploration sessions for high masking individuals (particularly women and girls) who are often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
I hold a Master of Science in Social Work degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology and human development from Vanderbilt University. I have over 20 years of experience working with children and families in public schools, juvenile justice, mental health agencies, and my own practice as a postpartum doula.
My therapeutic approach is person-centered, insight-oriented, co-regulatory, and felt safety focused. For my work with youth, I pull from AutPlay Therapy and let kids lead through play, creativity, and/or conversation. I am anti-hierarchical in my work with all populations and center accommodations (not exposure).
As an AuDHD clinician, I desire to build authentic connection, trust, and safety through warmth, compassion, and empathetic validation. I prioritize your autonomy and colorful language is always welcome. I look forward to learning your story!