Therapist Testifies in Sarah Session Trial, Session Accused of Attempted Murder of Stepson

Counselor details boy's behavioral struggles and family's home environment in south Deschutes County

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A licensed counselor testified that a 9-year-old boy at the center of a high-profile attempted murder case used intentional vomiting to "control his world" in times of stress. Sarah Session is charged with second-degree attempted murder, assault and criminal mistreatment of her stepson. Her parents, Gary and Paula Hardenburg, face charges of criminal mistreatment and tampering with evidence.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex dynamics of family abuse and the challenges in identifying and intervening in cases of child mistreatment, especially when the perpetrator is a trusted caregiver. The testimony provides insight into the boy's behavioral struggles and the family's home environment, raising questions about the role of mental health professionals in identifying and reporting potential abuse.

The details

Todd Ricker, a self-employed counselor with 34 years of experience, testified that his sessions with the child began on Oct. 20, 2023. During the initial intake, Session reported concerns regarding the boy's difficulty with transitions and oppositional behavior, as well as a recurring issue with purging and vomiting. Ricker concluded the vomiting was used by the boy as a behavioral tool, not a trauma response. Ricker initially observed a positive relationship between the child and his stepmother, but later learned Session was the boy's stepmother rather than his biological mother, creating a legal dilemma. In the final meeting on Jan. 31, 2024, Session reported the boy's behavior had escalated and she had placed a blue tarp in his bedroom to protect the carpet from vomit. Ricker expressed concern about the environment, stating the room appeared to lack toys or anything comforting.

  • Ricker's sessions with the child began on October 20, 2023.
  • The final meeting between Ricker and Session took place on January 31, 2024.
  • Session, along with her parents Gary and Hardenburg, were arrested in Coos Bay on February 21, 2025 following the investigation into the alleged abuse.

The players

Todd Ricker

A self-employed counselor with 34 years of experience who specializes in child and family therapy and treated the 9-year-old boy at the center of the case.

Sarah Session

The stepmother of the 9-year-old boy, who is charged with second-degree attempted murder, assault and criminal mistreatment of her stepson.

Gary Hardenburg

The grandfather of the 9-year-old boy, who faces charges of criminal mistreatment and tampering with evidence.

Paula Hardenburg

The grandmother of the 9-year-old boy, who faces charges of criminal mistreatment and tampering with evidence.

Ponderosa Elementary School

The school where Sarah Session was employed as a special education teacher during the 2020-21 school year.

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What they’re saying

“It did not seem to be a trauma response. It seemed to be a way to try and control his world with anything he could.”

— Todd Ricker, Counselor (ktvz.com)

“There doesn't appear to be any toys or anything of comfort which is a concern.”

— Todd Ricker, Counselor (ktvz.com)

“I would be shocked if Sarah was abusing [the boy] because she conveyed a caring loving attitude toward [him].”

— Todd Ricker, Counselor (ktvz.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Sarah Session out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex dynamics of family abuse and the challenges in identifying and intervening in cases of child mistreatment, especially when the perpetrator is a trusted caregiver. The testimony raises questions about the role of mental health professionals in recognizing and reporting potential abuse, even when initial impressions suggest a caring relationship.