about sara
MY STORY
I’m a dedicated psychotherapist with more than 35 years of professional experience helping clients overcome challenges, heal emotional wounds and make lasting changes. I was drawn to this line of work because I genuinely enjoy listening to people's stories and partnering with them to address struggles using warmth, humor and sincere support.
I am a Certified Sex Therapist, a Certified Grief Therapist, an Addiction Expert, a Gottman Couples Level 2 Trained Therapist and the co-founder of Pie Therapy. I'm passionate about expanding my knowledge base and exploring new training opportunities to better assist clients. Currently, I offer in-person and online therapy for individuals as well as couples in Santa Monica, California.
MY APPROACH
Trying therapy for the first time or meeting a new therapist can be daunting. That's why it's my top priority to put people at ease as quickly as possible. My therapeutic style is open, upbeat, collaborative and interactive, so we can work as a team right from the start.
When it seems helpful and we agree upon it, I’ll provide suggestions for things to work on in between sessions, offering direction so that clients stay engaged and incentivized to look at situations with a fresh perspective. My goal is to reduce emotional distress, improve coping mechanisms, promote personal growth and enhance my clients' quality of life overall.
Therapeutic Specialties
INDIVIDUALS
INDIVIDUALS
INDIVIDUALS
If you're struggling with anxiety, grief or depression or you feel stuck and can’t make a change and just need someone to talk to, I'm here to assist you.
I offer a supportive environment where you can feel safe to discuss things you know you need to address. Whether you're navigating life transitions, processing difficult emotions or seeking strategies to cope with stress, we can work together to address your unique needs.
SEX THERAPY
INDIVIDUALS
INDIVIDUALS
Sex therapy can mean many different things. Most importantly, sex and sexuality can be difficult to talk about. Both individuals and couples typically have moments in their lives at some point in which they might be going through something in their sexual lives. I help support clients to address sexual concerns in a safe, judgement-free space.
Many people grow up in environments where sex is not openly discussed or they've inherited emotional discomfort around the topic. I'm here to facilitate conversations that nurture a healthier relationship with sex and sexuality.
COUPLES
INDIVIDUALS
MOBILE THERAPY
If you and your partner are facing communication breakdowns, recurring conflicts or feelings of disconnection, couples therapy can be a powerful tool for healing and growth.
I help couples develop greater closeness, respect and affection by providing support and tools for them to improve their interpersonal dynamic, resolve disputes and foster a stronger bond.
Together, we'll explore ways to resolve disagreements and strengthen your partnership.
MOBILE THERAPY
MOBILE THERAPY
MOBILE THERAPY
There are many situations that might warrant a mobile service, which is why offer this as part of my private practice. If you are looking for discretion, convenience, cutting down commute time, or if transportation, childcare, or physical limitations may be factors, then mobile therapy might be the right fit for you.
We can discuss your personal circumstances to see if this is a good option.
ADDICTION
MOBILE THERAPY
GRIEF THERAPY
Addiction can come in many forms. If you are struggling with compulsive and/or obsessive habits, we can work together to find what feels like the most supportive approach.
I've worked with individuals who have decided to get support from 12-step programs as well as customized strategies to overcome addiction. No matter your situation, I can help you explore solutions that are best for you.
GRIEF THERAPY
MOBILE THERAPY
GRIEF THERAPY
Grief is inevitable. It can show up in different ways and at different stages in life. Encountering loss and secondary losses or different types of trauma can feel isolating and scary. A supportive place to process the grief can be life changing.
If you are trying to find ways to cope with loss and learn how to process the complex emotions that accompany grief, we can work together to find peace and even turn pain into purpose.
For Clinicians & Students
LICENSURE SUPERVISION
I offer clinical supervision to clinicians and professionals in California who hold a Master's Degree. As an LCSW, I am able to supervise Associate Clinical Social Workers (ACSW), Associate Marriage and Family Therapists (AMFT) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselors (APCC) seeking hours towards licensure. I believe offering high quality supervision can reduce stress and anxiety involved in developing your clinical skills.
If you are seeking customized supervision, I would be happy to talk with you.
FIELD INSTRUCTION
All students must do an internship in the first and second years of their Master’s program, but there are times when an internship may not have an available MSW or LCSW on staff to provide supervision. I have acted as an adjunct resource to provide external field instruction to students so they can have hands-on exposure in social work. If you work at an agency in need of an external field instructor or would like to utilize a MSW student as an intern, please reach out to discuss the matter in more detail.
Affiliations & Accreditations
PIE THERAPY
The Purpose of Pie Therapy
The Creation of Pie Therapy
The Purpose of Pie Therapy
Pie Therapy Class
The Creation of Pie Therapy
The Purpose of Pie Therapy
This fun, innovative course uses the art of baking taught by a Parisian chef as a therapeutic tool to address anxiety and perfectionism. Pie Therapy explores strategies for identifying triggers and releasing self-judgement while connecting with others in a supportive environment.
Afterwards, you'll receive a personalized self-care plan in
This fun, innovative course uses the art of baking taught by a Parisian chef as a therapeutic tool to address anxiety and perfectionism. Pie Therapy explores strategies for identifying triggers and releasing self-judgement while connecting with others in a supportive environment.
Afterwards, you'll receive a personalized self-care plan incorporating core issues from the class along with the delicious pie you've created!
The Creation of Pie Therapy
The Creation of Pie Therapy
The Creation of Pie Therapy
Read about the founding of Pie Therapy
https://www.kcrw.com/culture/shows/good-food/pie-anxiety-banh-mi-at-home-indian-sweets/pie-therapy