Meet Sarah Anderson, LCSW, PMH-C, now available to provide counseling services for church workers in Tennessee through Lutheran Family Service. She offers compassionate, faith-integrated counseling that is grounded in clinical practice and shaped by a deep understanding of church life. As a pastor’s wife, Sarah brings unique insight into the joys, pressures, and challenges faced by those serving in ministry. She is also a certified Perinatal mental health specialist.

Location:  LCMS Mid-South District

Email:  [email protected]

Office/Scheduling: 865-252-1570

What is your role at Lutheran Family Service?

I have been brought on to provide mental health counseling services for clergy, their wives, and other church workers serving in Tennessee, within the Mid-South District of the LCMS.

What drew you to the mental health counseling field?

I have always had a heart for serving others and enjoy helping them navigate life’s challenges. I was initially drawn into the social work field to pursue those interests but as I progressed in my field, I was led to get my master’s degree and then pursue my clinical license. I truly believe God had a hand in the process and He led me to where I am today.

Tell us a bit about your background (education, experience, credentials, etc.).

I started Belmont University as a Classical Vocal Performance major but quickly realized that singing was a fun hobby for me and not a career path. After some soul searching, I came across the social work field and felt as though it was my true calling. I worked as a social worker in a health clinic before pursuing my Master’s in Social Work through the University of Tennessee.

After completing my degree, I moved to Texas with my husband-to-be to start our life in ministry as he is a LCMS pastor. I worked in substance abuse prevention, with teens in schools, and led group therapy for the elderly in an intensive outpatient program. I worked for a group practice to finish my LCSW hours and then took my licensure exam the Monday before I had our second child.

After his birth, I worked a few months before we moved again and then I took eight years off to stay home with our children, four in total. After living in Knoxville for a few years (and baby #4), I went back to work in private practice.

Why is it important for pastors, church workers, and their families to have mental health resources?

In our 17 years of ministry, we have found therapy and counseling resources invaluable to sustaining us in ministry. We have found that self care, including mental health care, allows us to serve in the best way we can and have full capacity to love others well. 

Can you speak to the mental health benefits provided through Concordia Plans? 

Concordia Plans seems to do a good job in making sure we are taken care of.  I personally have utilized the EAP (employee assistance program) sessions, as well as insurance paid sessions, and it was a God-send; especially when we couldn’t afford it otherwise.

How does your faith inform your therapy practice?

I am a Christian and lifelong Lutheran who counsels from a Christian perspective. I intertwine my knowledge as a clinical social worker with my faith in a way that acknowledges faith, brain function, and human behavior. I allow the client to lead, if and how they want to incorporate their faith in sessions.  

How might someone know when counseling would be a good thing to pursue?

I have frequently said that “everyone needs a therapist”.  While that may or may not be true, I believe we could all use a sounding board and therapist with a like-minded Christian background to affirm or question our choices, or to be a listening ear during a difficult time. Sometimes it’s nice to have an uninvolved party to view our circumstances from a different lens and provide feedback. 

Why is the work you do important?

I truly believe we wouldn’t have made it in ministry without the help of wise counselors and therapists. We are grateful for those that God put into our lives to navigate choppy waters and sustain us through hard times. I am grateful to get to walk alongside clients who struggle in various ways to provide feedback and insight and help them navigate their own challenges. 

How will you live out the mission of LFS, to walk with people as God has been there for us, in your daily work?

I will start with clients where they are and then help lead them to a God-filled life and faith that pursues God’s will for them. I will be consistent and present, and help them navigate their challenges. 

What do you enjoy most about the people you work with?

I learn from my clients every day. I get to have a back stage view into their lives and thought processes and help them navigate relationship difficulties, challenges in parenting, career choices, difficulties in the workplace, marriage concerns, etc. What a gift!

I am also excited to partner with the staff of LFS to learn from their collective wisdom and grow in my practice as a therapist.

What are you most looking forward to in your ministry journey at Lutheran Family Service?

I am looking forward to getting to know other therapists and learn from them. I have always had a heart for those in ministry and am grateful to be available to those who need it. 

Is there a Bible verse or passage that’s particularly meaningful to you, personally or professionally?

Proverbs 3:5-6 really speaks to me personally, and as a therapist. We don’t often understand why things in life happen but we serve a good God who always has our best interest at heart.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Sarah sees clients in the Mid-South District of the LCMS via telehealth. Reach out today.

[email protected] | 865-252-1570 | lutheranfamilyservice.org/contact