Meet Sara Wilder | Clinical Life Director/Coach/Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sara Wilder and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sara, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Wow, this question was the most impactful because my whole identity is about balance. As an entrepreneur, I have the freedom to balance the way I needed to balance. The earlier part of my career, my early 20’s, I was imbalanced in too many ways. I spent my energy supporting systems that I did not value. As a result, I was a socially anxious, borderline morbidly obese, codependent, emotionally unintelligent, scatter brained, food addict. Yes, it seems harsh to say, (I love a little flair), but I am able to be Honest with myself. My reality was plaugued with imbalance. My therapist brain now reframes that to ‘cautious about quality, strong, resilient, food lover, and scatter brained’ (old habits die hard-haha).

My profession is ALL about others. My life was built around my unhealthy traits, biggest insecurities, most self-defeating patterns. They were built into the relationships I had, the foods I ate, the activities that I did, the words I communicated, it was almost impossible to even THINK about doing anything different! Literally, my brain was chemically imbalanced — I was oppressed in my own life.

Okay, I know, this seems excessive for a question about work-life balance. But I really want people to understand how much WORK it takes to be a human being in this world we live in today — let alone be a marginalized or oppressed human in some way. This is why a lot of people choose not to do anything different. It’s hard.

I want to be the model (and coach) for those willing to take on the work. We work so hard in this life already. Why would I want to work so hard and STILL feel bad about my life!?

Balance is about awareness. Awareness of self (others-sometimes). The overall goal is peace for most people. Do what it takes to find peace from whatever imbalance you have in your life. It’s worth it.
And I promise you, if you have a road map (aka a coach), you won’t be so fearful of getting lost.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Was it easy?! Heck no. Healing trauma is NOT an easy, pleasant, or a lucrative process; however, Necessary for sustainability is today’s world. Now, no one has to do it the way I do it but I do believe being thorough is what sets me apart from others. I am not in the business of having a client FOREVER! If you are in therapy for your “entire life”, I have a problem with that. Not saying that people do not need therapy throughout their lives, but I put the responsibility on myself to make sure I am matched with the people who want to see something different for themselves, or else I will not receive what I need to sustain in my own business.

My inspiration for this approach has really been myself (still somewhat cringy for me to say). I still remember all too well when I was that person who was struggling with the suffering. I did not see my value in my personal and professional relationships, I felt like LIFE was personally against what I wanted (aka Adulting). How I related to and understood my own experiences–ice cream and spending money.

The lessons I learned are unique to me but in all honesty, are unoriginal in essence. I realized that my super power as an entrepreneur was to make sure people get to see, feel, and experience the power they have in their own journey’s to whatever they want in life — by being a vulnerable authetic version of myself! I use my own insights, the insights of other amazing people I have been impacted by, and provide a healthcare and healing experience that will support you for the rest of your life. Of course, maintenance is required like any priceless piece. 

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh jeez, I definitely am that person who depends on others to tell me the plan! haha My idea of a good time in Raleigh, NC…
What I like about Raleigh is that there is so much hiding in plain sight. I would start off with a walk around/near one of the many hidden lakes in the city. Beautiful outdoor spaces just tucked away.
Then I take all my new timers to this top-secret place where you can see the whole skyline of Raleigh from the penthouse view. Then we would grab some good food from one of the many talented eateries in the city. There are just So many to choose from!
Really one of my favorite things about Raleigh though is that it is so accessible to any part of the state in a reasonable time. Two hours to the beach, about two hours to Charlotte for pro sports, and just a little further to the mountains. There is a little something for everybody!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The blessing about being a Therapist, I get to meet people that I typically wouldn’t meet in everyday life. I get to be a part of their stories and experiences. They trust me to guide them, such an honor, and they also teach me so much about myself. My best friend of 15 years and my business partner, she has influenced and supported me and provided me with the perspective I have needed to become the boss babe I am today.
My mothers for providing me with the tools and insights to be who I am. To all the people who gave love and encouragement along the way.
My late father, who is looking over my shoulder everyday.

Website: www.sarawilderlcsw.com

Instagram: @rightsize_perspective ; @perspectivecounselingpllc ; _the.luxe.life_

Linkedin: Sara Wilder, LCSW, LCAS, CCS

Image Credits
Cortland Galloway: professional headshot