Sarah Haugh, LMHC, Redefines Women’s Mental Health Through a Feminist Lens
By: Nic Abelian
Sarah Haugh, LMHC, Director and Founder of North Shore Professional Therapy, is one of the leading voices addressing women’s unique mental health needs. With over a decade of experience as a licensed mental health therapist, Haugh specializes in treating anxiety and trauma-related distress in female teens and adults. Her integrative approach combines Eastern and Western therapeutic modalities with a feminist lens to create a holistic, individualized path to healing and empowerment.
Haugh’s commitment to women’s mental health began during her graduate studies at Northeastern University, where a feminist psychologist mentored her. This formative experience shaped her understanding of the systemic challenges women face, both in society and within the field of psychology itself. Her training emphasized a critical lens on how traditional psychological theories often perpetuate gender inequities. For example, Haugh critiques the “good enough mother” concept frequently found in attachment theories, which disproportionately places responsibility for a child’s developmental challenges on mothers while neglecting the father’s role.
“As a mother and a therapist, I see firsthand the immense, often invisible pressures women carry,” Haugh explains. “From managing the emotional and logistical responsibilities of family life to navigating systemic inequities in the workplace, women face unique challenges that demand a nuanced and empathetic approach in therapy.”
Haugh’s specialization in anxiety and trauma stems from a deep understanding of how these issues manifest in women’s lives. Her therapeutic work is informed by a feminist perspective, which not only acknowledges the societal and systemic pressures women face but actively seeks to dismantle them through therapy. By addressing these root causes, Haugh helps her clients transform self-doubt and anxiety into confidence and resilience.
Unlike generalist therapists, Haugh has dedicated her career to developing expertise in the specific needs of women experiencing anxiety and trauma-related distress. This focused approach enables her to offer tailored interventions deeply attuned to her clients’ unique experiences. Through her feminist lens, Haugh creates a space where women can explore their challenges within a broader context, uncovering the systemic factors that may contribute to their distress.
One of Haugh’s key insights is recognizing the “mental load” women carry—a term that describes the often-overlooked emotional and cognitive labor required to manage family and household responsibilities. This invisible burden has persisted even as women have entered the workforce in record numbers, creating a disproportionate strain on their mental health.
“Women are expected to do it all—excel in their careers, raise children, maintain households, and fulfill social obligations. This unrealistic expectation creates a profound sense of anxiety and burnout,” Haugh says. “Therapy provides a space to unpack these pressures, set boundaries, and build a more balanced life.”
Haugh’s therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices with a feminist framework. This blend allows her to address her clients’ immediate concerns while empowering them to challenge the systemic and societal factors contributing to their distress. Her clients leave therapy with tools for coping and thriving in a world that often undervalues their contributions.
The emphasis on empowerment is central to Haugh’s practice. She works with clients to reframe their experiences of trauma and anxiety, helping them to see themselves as agents of change in their own lives. By fostering self-awareness and resilience, Haugh enables her clients to break free from cycles of self-doubt and develop a renewed sense of agency.
Haugh’s commitment to feminist principles also informs her understanding of intersectionality—how various aspects of a person’s identity, such as race, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation, intersect to create unique experiences of oppression and privilege. This nuanced perspective ensures that her therapeutic interventions are inclusive and culturally sensitive, meeting each client where they are.
The work at North Shore Professional Therapy is a testament to Haugh’s belief that therapy should be a transformative and empowering experience. Her practice is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment where women can explore their challenges, celebrate their strengths, and embrace their potential.
“As therapists, it’s not enough to treat symptoms,” Haugh explains. “We must address the root causes and systemic factors contributing to those symptoms. That’s what makes the work meaningful and transformative.”
Through her dedication to women’s mental health, Sarah Haugh is helping her clients heal and contributing to a broader conversation about the need for gender equity in mental health care. Her work is a call to action for a more inclusive, compassionate approach to therapy that recognizes and respects women’s unique experiences.
Photo Courtesy: North Shore Professional Therapy / May Teo
For more information about Sarah Haugh, LMHC, and the services offered at North Shore Professional Therapy, visit www.northshoreprofessionaltherapy.com. You can also contact the practice directly at +1 (978) 233-1134.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, nor does it replace professional medical expertise or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.
Published by: Holy Minoza
