Sarah Santiago
she/her
A Bit About Me
Born and raised in Michigan, I’m the kind of person who says "ope" when I bump into strangers and uses my hand as a map to show you exactly where I’m from. Connecting with people has always been my passion, and it led me to where I am today—working as a licensed mental health therapist dedicated to helping college students and young adults manage anxiety and navigate the twists and turns of life.
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As a first-generation college student, I experienced plenty of self-doubt and impostor syndrome throughout my college years. While I was an involved student leader, RA, orientation assistant, I often felt a bit lost, like I wasn’t quite measuring up. Those experiences are what fuel my passion for helping students like you manage the pressures of college life. Before opening my private practice in 2018, I spent nearly ten years working in higher education, supporting students as they pursued their personal and academic goals.
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Today, I specialize in working with Gen Z students, especially those struggling with anxiety and eating disorders. It’s a true honor to watch my clients build a stronger relationship with themselves and grow in their confidence. People often ask me how I handle hearing about so much pain and struggle, and my answer is always the same: my clients give me hope. They’re strong, compassionate, and resilient, and every day they remind me that there is so much good in the world.
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What’s therapy with me like? Therapy with me is a mix of deep, meaningful conversations and moments of laughter. We’ll dive into the tough stuff, but we’ll also celebrate your wins (big and small!) and create space for joy. I take my work seriously, but I don’t take myself too seriously. My goal is to create a space where you can fully show up as yourself.
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I work hard to establish a foundation of safety and trust with my clients, offering them unconditional positive regard. I genuinely care for each of my clients and truly believe they’re amazing. While I’m an enthusiastic, supportive therapist who often shares words of encouragement, I also believe that effective therapy requires a balance of inspiration and honest feedback. A good therapist knows how to deliver important insights in a way that feels supportive, not overwhelming.
When therapy feels like a safe space, challenge and accountability become less intimidating, creating room for deep, meaningful growth. I’ve dedicated myself to perfecting this delicate balance, and I believe it’s key to my clients’ success in achieving their goals.
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When I’m not working with clients, you’ll probably find me spending time with my family or cuddling with my dog. I’m a big fan of buttercream-frosted cupcakes, staying up way too late working on a creative project, and taking walks with friends. Living in Marquette, Michigan, on the gorgeous coast of Lake Superior, I also love cross-country skiing, snowmobiling with my dad, and warming up in my sauna during the cold winters.
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I proudly wear many hats: solo business owner, licensed therapist, wife, mother, and friend. I also often volunteer as a mental health advocate, speaker, and educator, facilitating community events and a book club. Keeping all these balls in the air is only made possible with strong boundaries, self-care, and a lot of grace.
I’m passionate about social justice, inclusivity, and diversity, and I welcome clients from all backgrounds and identities. I strive to be open-minded, compassionate, and well-informed, but I know I’m not perfect. I always encourage my clients to share with me how I can create an even safer space for them to heal and grow.
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In terms of therapy, I take a true person-centered approach, using a variety of evidence-based methods tailored to each client's unique needs and preferences. My go-to approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, strengths based, parts work, and attachment theory.
Education & Credentials:
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BS, Northern Michigan University (2012)
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MS, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (2015)
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Licensed Professional Counselor in Michigan (LPC)
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National Board Certified Counselor (NBCC)
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Why I chose the name "Bloom"?
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Flowers have always been a way my family shows up for others. My grandmother was a florist and created floral arrangements for special occasions, while my dad, who works at a funeral home, takes great care in selecting flowers to honor those who have passed. From birthdays and graduations to anniversaries, my family has always celebrated life’s big moments with flowers, making them a symbol of both service and celebration in my family.
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When I named my business "Bloom," it felt natural to continue that tradition of honoring growth, resilience, and transformation. Just like flowers, we grow through seasons of challenge and change. Sometimes, the most beautiful blooms appear after a storm. In my work as a therapist, I’m here to support and celebrate my clients as they bloom into their fullest selves.
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