I’m a deep feeler, thinker, and creative based in San Francisco, CA.
If you're into astrology like me, I'm a Sagittarius Sun, Capricorn Moon, and Scorpio Rising. (I know!)
So I'm not afraid to talk to you about death, sex, trauma, or feel into the hard things of life (Scorpio).
And it feels right to balance such deep work with humor, play, learning, and the macro context of what's going on all around us (Sagittarius).
All while taking this work and breaking it down one step at a time, with an eye on your goals (Capricorn).
I'm a lifelong student of beauty, art, fashion, the natural world, justice, and spirituality. My work is shaped by a passion for art, community-building, conflict work, and social justice.
Hi, I’m Sarah
Training
I earned my Master’s in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling from San Francisco State University.
I'm trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy and somatic therapies, including Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, EMDR, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). My approach is relational, trauma-focused, and neuroaffirming, blending mindfulness, self-compassion, and parts work to support healing and growth.
My work is deeply influenced by the teachings of Janina Fisher, Linda Thai, Richard Schwartz, bell hooks, adrienne maree brown, Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Tara Brach, and many others.
I have experience working in schools, community mental health, and private practice, supporting adults, teens, children, couples, and families in navigating life’s challenges.
Advanced Trainings and Certifications
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) with Sonoma Psychotherapy Training Institute – Proven techniques for processing trauma.
Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST) with Janina Fisher – A structured approach to managing trauma-related symptoms and building resilience.
Certificate in Somatic Embodiment & Regulation Strategies with Linda Thai – Grounded practices for nervous system regulation and embodied healing.
Level II Sensorimotor Psychotherapy with Faan Yeen Sidor – Advanced somatic skills for working with developmental and relational themes.
Level I Sensorimotor Psychotherapy with Kekuni Minton – Foundational trauma-informed somatic approaches for healing.
The Developmental Model with Ellyn Bader – A relational approach for understanding and addressing developmental challenges in relationships.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Externship with Dr. Sam Jinich & Dr. Paul Guillory – Navigating conflict, strengthening emotional bonds and connection in couples therapy.
Helping Couples and Families Heal Trauma Using Internal Family Systems (IFS) with Dick Schwartz – Exploring parts work to deepen healing in relationships.
The Power of Fierce & Tender Self-Compassion with Kristin Neff – Cultivating self-compassion practices.
Somatic Practices for Healing Trauma with Manuela Mischke-Reeds – Integrating somatic awareness to process and release trauma.
Why this work?
Therapy, for me, isn't just about feeling better, it's about liberation. Living at the intersection of queerness, neurodivergence, and race has meant I've been questioning systems and norms my entire life.
I've had to consciously learn to listen closely, to trust my gifts, find compassion for my challenges, and know that my path will be unconventional, and that's okay.
This work has allowed me to build a life aligned with my values, where my body's needs and my intuition lead the way, not what other people tell me I "should" be doing, or what makes sense on paper.
That has led to more freedom in my life to embrace my queerness, my unique brain, and the complexity of my cultural background. I'm eternally grateful for the self-compassion, joy, freedom, and loving relationships I've found as a result of this work.
I became a therapist to align my values with my work, to center my commitment to liberation on the most personal and relational scale, at a time when this work has never felt more urgent.
At a time of great disconnection and polarization, I think it's incredibly worthwhile work to help people reconnect to themselves and the people they love, to bridge communication in conflict, and to remember that collaboration is an antidote to hierarchy and domination, in ourselves and in our relationships.
How I see therapy
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How I see therapy *
I see therapy as a place where those of us who think and feel deeply can set it all down and finally turn to someone else for support.
It's a place where we can stop drinking from the fire hose of life long enough to question the lies we're being sold about who we are, what that means, and what is possible for us and our relationships.
It's a place where we can ask the big questions, grieve on our timeline, and when we're ready, challenge ourselves to learn, grow, and experiment with new ways of being.
My hope is that therapy with me feels like a space where your complexity is welcomed, and you have a trusted thought partner who will be real, gentle, and direct with you in the process.
While I am a therapist, I am also humbly living through this same moment alongside you. I deeply love the work I do, and it's an honor to hold space for people as they move through the vulnerable process of healing. And while these themes can be heavy, I find humor, play, curiosity, and imagination to be integral to the work.
INTERESTED?