If you've seen the "Inside Out" movies, you've seen more than a cute story. The creators based their stories on solid research, showing us what children's brains are meant to develop: "joy centers" and identities raised to feel fully loved, seen, valued, and understood. But many of us grew up without that kind of consistent, intentional nurturing. Instead of feeling joyfully loved and accepted, we developed shame and fear for being "too much" or "not enough". For many, early traumas left us carrying anxiety, inadequacy, and disappointment into adulthood. Our longings for secure relationships stiill break down in cycles of conflict and reactivity, despite our best intentions. We build self-protective armor that keeps us numb, disconnected, and sometimes attacking. And the more the world around us feels harsh and unwelcoming, the more we run from emotional pain that hurts as intensely as physical pain. But the research shows it’s never too late to heal. It's never too late to help our minds and nervous systems move from fear and shame toward love and belonging.

In 25+ years in the mental health field, I’ve seen firsthand how therapy can powerfully restore lives and relationships - starting with my own. My personal journey toward mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational health has been full of twists and turns. I've weathered deep crises and come through them stronger, finding peace –and even joy—despite life’s chaos. I’m deeply grateful for those who supported my healing journey and find grateful meaning in paying that gift forward. I love the work of helping others feel safe, seen, and supported as they navigate their own healing journeys.

"Learn your theories as well as you can, but put them aside when you touch the miracle of a living soul" –Carl Jung 

A BIT ABOUT MY APPROACH TO THERAPY

While I enjoy working with clients age 6 to 96, I focus on couples, families, and single adults seeking to heal their relationships and the impact of developmental trauma. My therapeutic framework uses a blend of evidence-based practices that address the effects of trauma on our nervous systems. I pull from a personalized blend of "trauma informed" practices, both verbal and non-verbal; and incorporate expressive art, narrative therapy, and spiritual integration for anyone who expresses interest. Together we'll collaborate to meet your unique needs, working at the pace & style that fit you best. My goal is to not just help you gently heal trauma triggers, but to create a deeper sense of safety and connection.

MAIN AREAS OF FOCUS:

- Couples Issues

- Overcoming Relational Trauma, incl Domestic Violence and Childhood "C-PTSD"

- Parents/Families/Adult Children Navigating Relationship Stress

- Anxiety & Depression

- Grief and Loss

- Spiritual Integration, Purpose, and Meaning

- Personality: Understanding Our Differences in Wiring

MODALITIES I USE MOST:

- Internal Family Systems (IFS)

- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

- EFT and Gottman Couples Therapy

- Somatic Experiencing, Polyvagal and other Non-verbal Therapy (Expressive Art, Sandplay)

- Narrative Therapy

- (Currently Training in EMDR)

EDUCATION

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

-BA in Psychology, Westmont College, Santa Barbara

Sally sees clients at The La Mesa location.