Work with me
Receiving a diagnosis of autism can be challenging at first. Most of us will have had our experiences invalidated, resulting in parts that carry shame about being different. I combine the latest neuroscience with Internal Family Systems and Polyvagal Theory to give you the tools you need to understand how your autistic brain, body and mind perceives and responds to the world around you. IFS is a relational model that teaches us to connect to the parts of us responsible for many of our feelings, reactions and behaviors. A mindfulness-based practice, IFS is most effective when practiced regularly. I teach clients how to use the steps of the IFS model so that in between our time together, parts stay connected and slowly learn that they don't need to work so hard.
IFS is a beautiful and effective modality for learning who we are, but in an autistic body, our nervous system plays a huge role in how we feel, creating the water our parts are swimming in. I help my clients understand the cause of their dysregulation, whether it be felt as agitation, anxiety or anger. Once we understand whether what we're feeling is neurological or emotional, we can then find ways to bring the system back into balance, either through tools like IFS or Polyvagal Theory, or by listening to the wisdom of your autistic system.
My Services
IFS for Individuals
My approach combines my lived experience of autism and my extensive training as an Internal Family Systems practitioner to allow you to learn more about your brain and the unique way you fit in the world. The IFS model is a beautiful fit for the autistic mind. It allows for multi-dimensional connections to be made to parts and the experiences and feelings they carry.
Individual Sessions $175
IFS for Couples
Challenges with communication and understanding one another are common in all relationships, but these differences are intensified in mixed-neurology couples. I help you understand how your neurology impacts how you perceive the world, and how these differences impact your relationship. I love working with couples to increase understanding and connection.
Couples Sessions $200
Autism Education
For those who are newly diagnosed or curious about their neurotype or anyone looking to support an autistic loved one, I help you understand the relationship between your brain and your body. We look at ways to improve your day-to-day life and find anchoring techniques to help you feel regulated.You are welcome to bring friends and family to these sessions.
Individual Session $175
Book a Session
If you would like to work with me, please email me at sarahbergenfield@gmail.com. Existing clients can use the link below to book a session.
Group Consultation
I run monthly groups for clinicians and practitioners to provide support in your work with autistic clients. Whether it is needing help with the IFS model, or understanding whether what you're seeing is neurological, I help you navigate your sessions so that you feel relaxed and Self-led in your sessions. Please email me for more information.
60 Minute Group
$50
90 Minute Group
$75
Individual Consulting
Using my extensive research over the last few years, along with new neuroscience, I love to help other professionals and clinicians learn that autism is so much more than the characteristics listed in the DSM-V. I help you learn how to adapt the IFS model to suit the needs of your client.
Consultation $250
Speaking Events
I am available for speaking events and large group trainings. In addition to presenting at the IFS Conference, I will be presenting my work at the PESI Annual Autism Symposium in 2025. I love to work with groups who are looking to make the world more inclusive for autistics.
Contact me for pricing
Amy Trachtenberg, LCSW
"As a retired social worker, I was so humbled to learn from Sarah. It made me think back on so many clients that I have treated where this knowledge would have made a difference. I dare say her teaching was a game changer. I look forward to sharing it with colleagues who are still actively in practice and I can't wait to get the book!!!!"
Jasmine Ueng-McHale, PhD
“Sarah’s innovative application of machine learning to the understanding of autism transformed my understanding of the experiences of people with autism. Providing clear examples from everyday life, she highlights how bottom-up versus top-down cognitive processing of experience and the importance of predictability powerfully influence behavior and emotional responses for autistic individuals.” —
Linda Weber, LCSW
"Sarah's concise, clear, and engaging teaching of how autism shows up in our clients and the impact that it has on their nervous systems was extremely helpful. The understanding of autism that Sarah helped me embrace has changed the conversations I am having with some of my clients and I am more effective in helping them make sense to themselves and be more comfortable accepting how they need to navigate being in the world."