As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, it is an honor to support those who have the courage to reach out for help. Far too many suffer in silence with mood struggles such as depression and anxiety in addition to low self-worth, relational problems, or difficulties with change. Help and relief are available.

My work with clients is strongly influenced by psychodynamic theory where early experiences are considered in how they may be impacting current behaviors, emotions, and feelings.  Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) is integrated into my treatment as it has proven to be very efficient and effective.  I also have found Brené Brown’s shame resilience theory to be a powerful tool in my work with others.

I am particularly passionate about working with individuals who have experienced:

• Betrayal By a Loved One

• Discovery of Infidelity/Affair

• Trauma

• Life-altering experiences such as Bullying, Ridiculing, Shaming, and Disappointing

• Relationship Loss or Change

• Addiction Personally or with a Loved One

• Life Transitions

• A Significant Life Event (good or bad)

• Feeling Stuck in Life and Relationships

Whether you are a teen navigating school, relationships, and identity, a young adult, middle-aged or older, single, married or divorced, ‘Black Sheep’ or ‘Golden Child,’ my approach addresses you as a unique individual. I believe a non-judgemental and collaborative atmosphere provides a safe place for you to honestly work on current challenges as well as explore past hurts and traumas. Working together, you will identify ways to heal past wounds and navigate present hurdles in your life with more ease and confidence.

Education:

MSW — San Diego State University, 1998

BA — University of California, San Diego, 1994

Specialized Training:

·       EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization and  Reprocessing - a therapeutic approach for healing the effects of traumatic and distressing life events such as abuse, neglect, loss, and shame - EMDR Certified Therapist

·       Dual Diagnosis - Five years of clinical experience working with men and women struggling with substance abuse in addition to psychiatric disorders at UCSD Outpatient Psychiatric Services

·       Clinical experience working with pregnant and parenting teens at the Door of Hope in San Diego

Memberships and Affiliations

·       EMDRIA

·       EMDR Institute, Inc.

I am a California native and have been living in San Diego for over 20 years. I believe in living life outside the box and as such, my husband and I took a three-year hiatus to cruise the South Pacific in our 32′ sailboat several years ago. It was a life-changing experience. I love traveling, meeting new people, and learning about different cultures. With our two middle school children, my husband and I enjoy sailing, paddling, swimming, and exploring new places together.

Sally sees clients at the University Heights location.