Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Gates.
Hi Sarah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Hi, thanks for having me. I was born and raised here in Texas. My story began with an idyllic childhood surrounded by a loving, nurturing family. It was at the age of eight when my world was shattered following a tragic car accident. My father survived the accident only to die from his injuries four years later. It took many years for my family to recover from the immense amount of trauma we endured. I found myself lost during that time, desperately attempting to dull the pain at any cost. The birth of my daughter Jocelyn was my saving grace. At seventeen, I became a single mother determined to survive with my child. It wasn’t easy, but thanks to the support of my family and community we made it through our most difficult of times. The overwhelming challenges I experienced created within me a passion for helping others. I believe the hardships I persevered shaped who I am today. Over the years, I’ve managed to transform my pain into healing for myself and others.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like most journeys the adventure included mountains and valleys. I’m not sure it’s meant to always be “smooth”. I’ve found the greatest challenges seem to produce the greatest amount of personal growth. In 2016, I created a GoFundMe to help sponsor my yoga teacher training and Dancing Freedom facilitator training. Thanks to an outpouring of gracious generosity, I was able to successfully raise the funds. This part of the journey would not have been possible without support from my community.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
I’m a licensed clinical social worker operating a private practice in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. I received a Master’s of Social Work degree from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2019. I then pursued a two-year clinical internship in the field, leading to full licensure as a mental health professional. I’m a certified clinical trauma professional who specializes in regulation of the nervous system and the reconsolidation of traumatic memories utilizing Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).
My approach to optimal wellness combines integrative lifestyle medicine with mindfulness-based techniques and cognitive processing tools. I accomplished my 200-hour yoga teacher training in 2016 and have since received additional accreditation from The Trauma-Conscious Yoga institute. I blend a variety of breath work, functional movement, and meditation modalities to support greater embodiment and deeper levels of self-awareness.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I sought out teachers who inspired me and who clearly wanted the absolute best for my life. I recommend pursuing connections with people who encourage you to be the best version of yourself. So often we create an idea of who we should be based on societal conditioning. It’s just not fair to compare ourselves to others. In fact, I typically tell folx that if they must make a comparison, it’s only fair to compare yourself to an earlier version of yourself. That’s our best measurement of growth and abilities.
I would love to give a shout-out to the mentors who guided my journey, if that’s okay. My first mentors were youth group leaders. Thanks to the love of Beth Hemmerick and Crysti Wallace Robertson, I made it through the most traumatic years of my life. My academic advisor, Mrs. Rhonda, encouraged me to become a social worker based on my interests and passion. Her recommendation would set my trajectory towards clinical social work. During my time with the Muslim Community Center in North Richland Hills, both of my supervisors – Dr. Simmons and Mrs. Nuha – took me under their wing, trusting me to work in the homes of refugees and encouraging me to believe in myself. My first yoga teacher training took place through Yana Shala with Douchka Lecot and Barb Totzke. Both of the trainers provided lifestyle medicine education and resources I utilize in my practice every day. Phoenix Onesong enhanced my knowledge of embodiment practices through the Dancing Freedom modality. Her love and support over the years have been a lighthouse when I’ve lost my way. Additional training with Nityda Gessel through The Trauma-Conscious Yoga Institute gave me the trauma-informed approach I needed to adapt my yoga offering to the clinical setting. The clinical supervision I received at AUM Integral Wellness gave me the tools I needed to feel confident as a clinician. Ashley Ray, the clinical director at AUM, spent countless hours investing into my development as a holistic psychotherapist. Without all of these powerful, wise women, I can confidently say I would not be who I am today.
Pricing:
-
$100-$150 per hour
-
Insurance Accepted
Contact Info:
-
Website: https://
serenityintegrativetherapy.com / -
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
serenity.integrative.therapy/ -
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
profile.php?id=100095093203295 -
Other: https://www.psychologytoday.
com/us/therapists/sarah-gates- coppell-tx/1162566
Image Credits
Cliff Baise
