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Sarah "Minnow" Caston (she/her), MSW, LSW

Hi, I'm Minnow (she/her), and I'm one of the therapists here at ICW. 

I am a Licensed Social Worker (LSW), with my Master's in Social Work from Colorado State University. 

My background includes a degree in criminal justice, which I applied in roles supporting survivors of violent crime and facilitating court-ordered victim empathy classes for individuals on felony probation. I’ve also worked in sexual assault centers and domestic violence shelters, providing advocacy, crisis response, and education—including outreach on tribal lands. Additionally, I’ve facilitated both individual and group counseling for diverse clients navigating experiences such as domestic violence and the disenfranchised grief of pregnancy loss.

I have a deep passion for walking alongside individuals who have experienced trauma and marginalization, creating a space where they can feel seen, supported, and empowered toward healing and belonging.

When a client shares their story with me, I hold it with deep respect—it’s a profound act of trust. I recognize that beginning therapy is courageous and that continuing the work takes strength and resilience. My approach is non-judgmental and collaborative, grounded in a strengths-based, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed framework.

I bring a decolonized lens to my work, honoring the impact of historical trauma and the importance of cultural context in the healing journey. As a mixed-race Indigenous woman and enrolled member of the St. Croix Chippewa, I hold space for the complexities of cultural identity and the dissonance that can arise from navigating different worlds.

Therapeutically, I draw from several modalities including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I help clients explore their internal world, recognize unhelpful patterns, and move from feeling stuck toward growth and clarity. I also utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help clients reduce the emotional intensity of difficult memories. I also enjoy integrating nature, creativity, and art into therapy when it resonates with my clients.

Humor, when used with care and respect, can be a powerful part of the healing process. I often find that laughter—shared at the right moment—can offer relief, connection, and perspective in the midst of deep work. Therapy can be challenging, but it doesn’t always have to be heavy. I strive to bring a grounded, human presence to each session, and that sometimes includes laughing with my clients, even if it's just sharing humor at the absurdity of life.

Many of the individuals I work with are navigating deep trauma or grief, often affecting multiple areas of life. My goal is to help break those experiences down into manageable parts, while always centering each person’s unique voice, story, and strength.

Outside of work, I enjoy life with my husband, two children, and our beloved animals. You’ll often find me outdoors—camping, snowboarding, and hiking—or enjoying quiet moments reading, sewing, or dancing (terribly but joyfully!) to live music.

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." -Anais Nin

Education & Training

Education: 

  • B.S. in Criminal Justice, Bemidji State University, 2001
  • Paralegal Certificate, Arapahoe Community College, 2012

Trainings: 

  • Rethinking Addiction: A Call to Action for Northern Colorado, 2022
  • Youth Experiencing Homelessness, 2022
  • Racial Trauma & Differential Practice for the BIPOC community, 2022
  • Behavioral Health Considerations for the Transgender & Non-Binary Community, 2022
  • Substance Use: Healing Attachment & Relational Wounds through Relational Cultural Theory and Internal Family Systems, 2022 

Let's start working together!