About Sara Bisikirski, LCSW
About Me
“You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” —Buddha
Encountering a broad range of mixed experiences—positive and negative alike—is part of being human. When we face formidable obstacles, it can be daunting to overcome them. Developing a kind and caring relationship with yourself is an integral part of facing adversity. It can also be a tricky skill to learn on your own and is one of many that I wish to explore with you.
Before introducing you to new tools to help deal with life’s challenges, I will focus on cultivating a safe environment, in which you can feel comfortable to be yourself. I am genuinely interested in your passions, your experiences and your struggles. I also understand that to talk to me openly, we need a trusting relationship, which can take time to build.
My method is an integrated, trauma-informed approach that incorporates the following modalities:
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Psychodynamics
- Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC)
- Family Systems
Teaching is a prominent component of my therapy approach. By practicing skill work, you will learn to recognize difficult feelings and stuck areas in your life as well as how to manage them. Coming from an informed, non-judgemental perspective, I will help you to gain the insight and tools you need to develop a relationship with yourself that is understanding, caring, and kind.
At the end of the day, I am just as human as you are. However, my educational background and diverse life experiences allow me to help you to understand and cope with your challenges appropriately and effectively. As your therapist, I seek to offer you support and tools you need to conquer your hurdles and live a life filled with self-understanding, compassion, and success.
My Office
The Person Behind The Therapist
Though I have worked in the field for over 20 years now, a career in psychology was not my obvious path. I grew up in Rhode Island and studied Russian at Oberlin College. However, hardship in my 20s prompted me to seek out therapy and I discovered first-hand just how helpful it can be. This life changing experience inspired me to attend graduate school at the University of Michigan.
Ever since, I have worked on developing my own style of therapy that combines research-proven modalities like DBT with a compassion-focused perspective, seeking to genuinely help others as therapy has helped me. As a transracially adoptive mom of two, I also understand the beautiful and challenging nature of parenting. Since having become a mother supporting other parents has become a particular area of interest for me. Also I have a deep appreciation for good humor, which I often utilize in sessions.
I am proud to call Oakland, California my home for its diversity, commitment to the arts and strong history of social justice. I love that I’m able to live amongst people from so many different racial and ethnic backgrounds. I love that when I’m out in my mixed race family my children see so many other families that look like us. Furthermore, I love that by virtue of living in a place where so many different communities are represented, that I am able to build therapeutic relationships with clients from so many different walks of life.
When I’m not working I like to spend as much time as I can outdoors, hiking and biking. I also love to dance, cook and read and can often be found hanging out in my backyard garden with my family, friends and dogs.
Education and Certifications
Master of Social Work — University of Michigan School of Social Work (2002)
License — 23747 California (2006)
DBT Intensive Training completed in 2004
Certified Mediator Training completed in 2012
Contact me today for your free consultation.
I can help you attain the personal growth you truly desire.
510-469-1313
