Position Title
Community Counselor
- Counseling Services
Partner Units
- Middle Eastern, North African and South Asian Student Resources
- Services for International Students
Location(s)
128 North Hall
Student Community Center Room 1413
Services for International Students and Scholars (Office space TBD).
Contact Information
These communication methods are intended for staff, faculty, students, and community communications. To make an initial appointment, please send an email to Sara at sgruebelt@ucdavis.edu. Students who have already established care with Sara are advised to use Health-e-Messaging for all communications.
Education
Ph.D. Counseling & Family Therapy, Saint Louis University
M.A. Human Development & Counseling, Saint Louis University
How I Work With Students
My primary goal is to support students in their journeys of growth, self-discovery, and self-compassion. I am dedicated to ensuring that every individual feels seen, heard, and empowered. Despite the forces that divide us, I believe the solution lies in our shared humanity. My mission is to forge connections based on universally cherished values—kindness, integrity, compassion, and respect—regardless of our diverse backgrounds.
My approach is strength-based, humanistic, collaborative, and client-centered. I am committed to understanding the unique stories of my clients and believe in the Power of VOICE. I utilize trauma-informed therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and narrative therapy to empower, inspire, and nurture the self-actualization process in each person I work with. I love incorporating poetry into practice and inspiring others with it. My message to students: “You are not a drop in the Ocean, You are an entire ocean in a drop”. (Cited poem by Rumi).
About Me
I joined UC Davis after 22 years of experience in the counseling field, encompassing clinical work, teaching, and advocacy for multicultural and diverse populations. My career has spanned working with community agencies, teaching Multicultural Counseling, and supporting various non-profit organizations focused on mental health awareness and marginalized communities. Additionally, I have maintained a private practice in Sacramento and Davis, CA. In my free time, I like to spend time in nature, singing, traveling and diving into cross-cultural experiences.