A NOTE FROM THE THERAPIST:

Welcome. I’m glad you’re here! It takes courage to seek therapy, and I’m honored to offer a safe, caring space to explore what you need for a greater sense of well-being. With over 25 years in mental health, I’ve seen how therapy can help people heal, grow, and rediscover joy, even in a chaotic world. From childhood, we’re wired to thrive when we feel lived, accepted, and understood. - But even if we were fortunate enough to have that kind of nurturing, we can still carry experiences of broken trust and longing for connection that play out in painful patterns. Hidden traumas from the past can trigger ongoing problems in our relationships, our bodies, our minds, and spirits. The good news is that no matter what our stories are, it’s never too late to heal.

A BIT ABOUT MY APPROACH:

Over the years, I’ve become especially interested in research on the neurobiology of attachment and trauma: how we can move from broken trust and fear to love and belonging. We are creatures of survival at heart, and my therapeutic framework uses a range of practices that address the effects of trauma on our nervous system protective responses. My goal is to not just help you heal trauma triggers and defenses that don’t serve you, but to heal and rewire your brain and body for a new sense of calm and connection.

“Learn your theories as well as you can, but put them aside when you touch the miracle of a living soul.” - Carl Jung

I draw from a blend of verbal and non-verbal styles and customize a range of “trauma informed” practices tailored to each person’s unique style. My modalities include: EMDR, IFS, Somatic and Vagal toning, DBT, CBT, and Narrative/Art Therapy when requested. With couples and families, I also draw from Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method. You will find me to be caring, supportive, and interested in how to best support you. The safety of our therapeutic relationship will be the foundation, no matter what therapy direction you feel most comfortable exploring first.

MY SPECIALTIES:

I work with individuals, couples, and families - including clients healing from strained relationship dynamics, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, focusing on:

• Childhood and Developmental Trauma (c-PTSD)

• Family & Adult Child Relationship Stress

• Couples Therapy & Communication Support

• Women’s and Men’s Individual Issues, including Anxiety, Depression, Grief, and Self-Worth Challenges

• Spiritual Integration & Life Transitions

• Autism Level 1 (formerly called Aspergers) and ADHD as it shows up in Relationships

EDUCATION:

-MSW in Mental Health and Aging, San Jose State School of Social Work

-BA in Psychology, Westmont College, Santa Barbara

I very much look forward to supporting you on your healing journey.

Sally Witmer, LCSW

Sally sees clients at The La Mesa location.