Rachel Saunders, LSW
Offering in-person sessions at Columbus (Polaris) and online sessions at Columbus (Polaris), Middleburg Heights, and throughout Ohio State.
Ages Served: 18+
“You are not a burden. You are a person carrying burdens.”
— Unknown
Navigating anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges can be difficult and overwhelming. When chronic illness or disability is part of the experience, these challenges can feel even more complex and exhausting. I understand firsthand the emotional complexities that arise when your body and mind feel disconnected, when healthcare systems feel overwhelming, or when grief accompanies a new diagnosis. My approach centers on helping you reclaim your sense of agency and reconnect with your inner wisdom.
I believe that feeling seen and heard is the first step to healing, and healing isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about learning to live with greater self-awareness, self-compassion, and alignment with what matters most to you. My work is grounded in curiosity, compassion, and deep respect for each client’s unique lived experience.
Who I Work With
I work with adults (18+) navigating a wide range of challenges, with particular expertise in:
Chronic illness and disability
Medical trauma and trauma-related disorders, including PTSD
Anxiety, panic, OCD, and mood disorders
Depression and grief related to diagnosis
Burnout and life transitions
The intersection of mental and physical health
My Approach
I use a collaborative, client-centered approach informed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-informed care. I integrate education around nervous system regulation and the mind-body connection, especially when working with health-related stress and chronic conditions.
My sessions often incorporate grounding techniques, DBT-based emotion regulation tools, psychoeducation, and mindful body awareness to help you build self-regulation skills and reconnect with your body in safe, empowering ways. I recognize that factors like sleep, movement, nutrition, and sensory input all play crucial roles in emotional well-being, and we’ll explore these connections together.
Professional Background
I earned my Master’s in Social Work from The Ohio State University and hold a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) credential. My diverse experience includes serving as a case manager for adults with severe and persistent mental health disorders, an internship with Ohio Domestic Violence Network, and work as a medical social worker in pediatric primary care.
My background studying animal behavior as an undergraduate taught me the fundamental importance of trust and consistency—principles I continue to bring into every therapeutic relationship. Having navigated my own chronic illness journey over the past few years, I bring both professional expertise and personal understanding to this work.
Personal Touch
I’m a devoted cat mom to three feline companions who keep me entertained with their training progress. I find joy in hula hoop dancing, creating art, cooking, and spending time in nature. As a chronic illness advocate and sci-fi enthusiast, I’m passionate about exploring how we can live fully within our circumstances while honoring our authentic selves.
Life’s challenges don’t have to be faced alone. I’m here to walk alongside you as you discover your own path to healing and growth.
Accepted Insurance
Aetna
Anthem
BCBS
Medical Mutual
Optum
OSU—Faculty and Staff
OSU—Student Health Insurance
AmBetter
United Healthcare
Oscar
AmeriHealth Caritas
CareSource
UHC Community Plan
HUMANA
Cigna/Evernorth
