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Sabrina Polio, LCSW

Sabrina Polio is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia practicing in Old Town Alexandria. After more than a decade's experience in the field, Sabrina recognized that mental health services seemed to be focused more on mental illness than mental health. Determined to change the narrative and offer a more empowering path to clients, Sabrina founded Brighter Side Therapy.

 

She specializes in anxiety disorders, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorders in adolescents and adults. Sabrina has a particular passion for working with athletes of all levels; professional, collegiate, and recreational.  As a former high school and collegiate rower she understands the physical, emotional, and mental challenges of athletes and their families.  Sabrina works with athletes who are struggling with anxiety, confidence, focus, or team dynamics. Additionally, she works with athletes experiencing acute and chronic injuries, pain, illness, or physical changes with aging.

ABOUT ME

EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

  • Yale University, 2014, B.S. in Psychology

  • George Mason University, 2020, Master of Social Work

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the Commonwealth of Virginia

  • Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the District of Columbia

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Illinois

SPECIALTIES

  • Adolescents and Adults

  • Anxiety Disorders

  • Athlete Mental Health

  • Confidence and Self Esteem

  • Depression

  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorders

  • Trauma

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I received my Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology from Yale University and my Master’s of Social Work degree from George Mason University. Before pursuing my MSW, I worked as a researcher at the Yale Child Study Center and at the Veterans Administration in Charleston, SC. My research experience ranged from work with children with Autism to mothers with postpartum anxiety to veterans experiencing PTSD and substance use disorders.

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As a therapist, I work with teenagers, and adults to help manage anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, grief, and loss. I believe in the power of connection and authenticity in building resilience. I strive to create an open and welcoming environment that empowers my clients to explore, learn, and embrace their own life stories.

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I have experience as an NCAA Division I rower at Yale and have a deep respect and passion for supporting athletes and their families. I work with athletes of all ages to reach their competitive goals while maintaining a solid mental and emotional grounding for longterm success. As a former recruited athlete, I know the strain and stress teens experience as they navigate difficult decisions and unique pressures compared to their peers. 

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