Hello, I’m Sarah
(she/her/hers)
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’m a lifelong student of beauty, art, fashion, the natural world, justice, and spirituality. My work is shaped by the intersections of therapy, relationships, community-building, conflict, and social justice.
I became a therapist because therapy transformed my life. It didn’t just help me—it created ripple effects in my relationships, daily decisions, and how I engage with the world. Therapy allowed me to envision a new way of being and reignited my belief in the possibility of a more connected, compassionate world, one built through small, intentional actions and relationships.
At the same time, it’s important to me to challenge and critique the system of Western psychotherapy, examining its biases, limitations, and my own assumptions. It’s always a both/and: honoring the profound healing it offers while striving to make it more inclusive and equitable.
I deeply love the work I do, and it’s an honor to hold space for others as they navigate the healing and growth that therapy can make possible.
Training
I earned my Master’s in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling from San Francisco State University.
My approach is relational, psychodynamic, and somatic, blending mindfulness and self-compassion techniques to support healing and growth. My work is deeply influenced by the teachings of Pat Ogden, Janina Fisher, Linda Thai, Richard Schwartz, Sue Johnson, bell hooks, adrienne maree brown, Tara Brach, and many other teachers.
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.
I founded Bay Area Women’s Psychotherapy to support women and other marginalized people in reclaiming their connection to their bodies, voices, and spirits.
This practice is rooted in my mission and values as a woman of color. I believe something truly transformative happens when marginalized people awaken to our own worthiness, dignity, passions, and power.
In a world that demands disconnection, I am inspired by those who choose to turn toward what we’ve been taught to fear, silence, or reject within ourselves.
Therapy, for me, isn’t just about feeling better—it’s about liberation. When we begin to dismantle systems of oppression within ourselves and our relationships, we create ripples of change in the world around us.
Why Bay Area Women’s Psychotherapy?
INTERESTED?