Sara Diesel Psychologist Traverse City Michigan

Sara Diesel, TLLP

Therapist

Accepting New Patients

Education

Master of Arts in Psychology | University of Iowa

Bachelor of Science in Psychology | Michigan State University

Language

  • English

Location

  • In Person
  • Online

Insurance Accepted

  • Aetna
  • BCBS
  • Priority Health
  • Self Pay

Type of Therapy

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Strength-Based Therapy
  • Mindfulness-Based Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Compassion Focused
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Somatic Therapy
  • Eclectic
  • Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
  • Prolonged Exposure Therapy
  • Culturally Sensitive
  • Trauma Focused

Patient Population

  • Adults
  • Teens

Issue Focus

  • Academic / Career
  • Anxiety / Depression
  • Cancer
  • Chronic Illness
  • Coping Skills
  • Grief and Loss
  • Life Transitions
  • Mood Disorders
  • OCD
  • Perinatal Mood Disorders
  • Personal Empowerment
  • Personality Disorders
  • PTSD / Trauma
  • Relationships
  • Self-Esteem
  • Sleep or Insomnia
  • Stress
  • Thought Disorders

Reviews

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Alicia profile picture
Alicia
September 15, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
My experience from my initial appointment has been nothing short of amazing. Ingrid has been such a strong guide who truly listens and cares with an unbiased mindset. It has been such a journey to get here, but I'm so grateful to have encountered such a compassionate professional guiding things as I'm trying to seek resolution for my current status in life.
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Stephanie Alford profile picture
Stephanie Alford
November 30, 2025
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I had the privilege of hearing Serenity speak at the Grieve in Love event, and her presentation was incredibly impactful. She spoke so clearly about the different types of grief we experience, not just after death, but also through life changes, relationships, identity shifts, and seasonal transitions. Her explanation of holiday grief triggers was deeply relatable and really helped me feel seen, especially during this time of year. I highly recommend her as a speaker and therapist for anyone who is looking  true guidance during this time of year or after experiencing loss.
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Stephanie Benjamin profile picture
Stephanie Benjamin
October 15, 2025
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After years of struggling to be heard, Greg listened! He is kind, knowledgeable and easy to talk to. I would highly recommend Start My Wellness struggling to find the right fit.
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Benji Timpf
September 25, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Fantastic and responsive team - highly recommend them as an attentive and compassionate provider. I am very glad I ended up at Start my Wellness.
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Дима Гонтаренко profile picture
Дима Гонтаренко
August 5, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Had a great experience with Start My Wellness. The team is warm and professional, and I felt supported from the start. Highly recommend!
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Inya Ammerman
July 20, 2025
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The listener demonstrates attentiveness and friendliness.
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Tatiana profile picture
Tatiana
July 17, 2025
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I contacted the clinic with anxiety issues. The doctors are true professionals who helped me. I am satisfied with the results, so recommend it to anyone looking for quality help
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Вова Мустафаев profile picture
Вова Мустафаев
July 14, 2025
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I enjoyed working with the Start My Wellness team! They have a knowledgeable staff that was able to support me and give me the information I needed. It was easy to book an appointment and they matched me with a therapist who was perfect for me. I highly recommend them!
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Mariya Berkovich profile picture
Mariya Berkovich
July 11, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
This place has been the lighthouse to help guide me to a healthier me. The individuals who work at reception are kind, knowledgeable, understanding and truly care about being a resource to help the patient. The individuals who take on the role of assisting with the cognitive/emotional/etc aspects are heros who don’t wear capes.
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MALOI top
July 8, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Really comfortable and welcoming office. From the first visit, I felt at ease — the staff is friendly, everything is well-organized and calm. My therapist was attentive and easy to talk to. I'm glad I chose this place — they truly help you work through things.
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Anna Lavrova
June 27, 2025
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Office looks nice and welcoming, the team is caring, professional, and easy to talk to. I really appreciate how they work to make mental health care more accessible. Highly recommend.
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Louis Feurino
May 24, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Dr. Babushkin is excellent at helping clinicians learn and grow, including in their business strategy.
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Miriam DeWolf profile picture
Miriam DeWolf
March 21, 2025
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compassionate and helpful
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makario mubarak philiph ohuro
March 3, 2025
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EU CERTIICAE
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Jesus Gilberto Padilla profile picture
Jesus Gilberto Padilla
January 17, 2025
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A professional staff of psychologists.
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About Me: Sara Diesel

Therapy is a space for healing, growth, and discovering or reconnecting with what matters most to you. I strive to create a warm, collaborative environment where you can explore challenges with curiosity rather than judgment. I work with individuals navigating a variety of circumstances including anxiety, stress, chronic health issues, life transitions, or a sense of feeling “stuck”.

I view therapy as a shared process. While I don’t claim to have all the answers, I bring perspective, compassion, and evidence-based strategies to help you gain clarity, build resilience, and find renewed meaning in your life.

Clients often describe my style as grounded, compassionate, and practical. I aim to balance insight-oriented exploration with evidence-based tools that support real, lasting change. Whether you’re seeking a space to grapple with difficult experiences or to build skills for long-term wellbeing, I’ll meet you where you are and tailor therapy to your unique goals.

My Unique Approach to Therapy

My approach integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)–informed techniques, exposure-based interventions, and humanistic perspectives. This integration allows me to adapt our work to your individual needs, whether that means developing new coping strategies, building emotional awareness, or deepening self-compassion.

I believe meaningful change happens when insight is paired with action. Together, we will clarify what truly matters to you, strengthen emotional resilience, and help you live in greater alignment with your values. Because therapy is not one size fits all, I focus on building a collaborative relationship that honors your unique experiences, strengths, and pace.

Specialized & Extended Training

I have received extensive, generalist training across hospital, outpatient, and academic settings, allowing me to work effectively with individuals facing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and health-related concerns. My experience includes providing both individual and group therapy, supporting clients through stress management, adjustment, and meaningful behavior change.

I hold a Master’s degree in Psychology from the University of Iowa, where my training emphasized evidence-based therapies and a strong foundation in clinical research. I am currently completing my PhD in Clinical Psychology. My clinical experience includes a year of intensive work at Henry Ford Health in Detroit, Michigan, where I collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to help patients improve health, wellness, and overall quality of life.

With my background in clinical health psychology, I integrate empirically supported approaches that address the mind–body connection and promote both psychological and physical wellbeing. I offer in-person and telehealth sessions and am licensed to practice in the state of Michigan.


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David Sims profile picture
David Sims
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I received an affordable, thorough psychological assessment by Dr. Bloom. He was very helpful, knowledgeable and insightful. I very much appreciate the service he offers because full neuropsychological testing is expensive and nearly unobtainable for people with certain types of insurance. I paid out of pocket and it was worth every cent.
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Curtis Jemison profile picture
Curtis Jemison
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It's not normal for me to write reviews. The service that I received from the staff at Start my wellness, was absolutely amazing! The response and help from Rayven at the front desk was extremely helpful. She was able to walk through the process without making me feel rushed or pressured. She was knowledgable of the everything I need to be seen in a timely and professional manner. The treatment team was caring and warm. I didn't feel like "Just another patient", or embarrassed about my conditions. Thank you all for helping me.
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Sabreen Nafsu profile picture
Sabreen Nafsu
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I love talking with Laila. I feel really comfortable and she seems genuinely kind. I look forward to my appointments with my psychiatrist now thanks to her, which is something I never thought I would say.
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Chelsey Steele profile picture
Chelsey Steele
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I love this place. I look forward to coming here! Everyone is helpful around the office and my particular person help me stay sane every week!
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Irene Roberts profile picture
Irene Roberts
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Wonderful practice. Provide primarily virtual sessions which is preferred for me. Dr. Marashi is very knowledgable and helped me finally for the first time in my adult life nail down a combination of medications to help manage my PMDD and ADHD struggles. I could not have achieved everything I have in the past year without her support and knowledge. I recommend to everyone that struggles with their mental health.
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Pearl Fonbuena
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They understand and listen. Couldn’t ask for a better place to go to!
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Sean Gossard profile picture
Sean Gossard
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Lauren Anderson is the best!