Ciana Sage

Starting therapy can feel daunting because sometimes it’s not one big problem; it’s everything all at once. The overthinking, the pressure, and relationships that feel stressful or draining are taking a toll on you. As an LCSW, I help youth, teens and young adults address anxiety, ADHD, trauma, relationships and self-doubt in a way that feels real and doable. Therapy with me is collaborative, down-to-earth, and focused on what actually helps.

I graduated with distinction from California State University, Northridge with a Master's Degree in Social Work and Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. I've spent years working with youth, families, and adults, including those in foster care or have had DCFS involvement. This has helped me gain insight into how complex family and relationship dynamics can affect a person.

Therapy with me is relaxed and collaborative. I integrate CBT, person-centered, psychodynamic, and solution-focused approaches to help you understand patterns, shift unhelpful thinking, and build practical, usable tools that support lasting change. I work well with people looking to process life experiences and create practical steps for change. I value empathy and respect, which means I tend to ask more questions so that I can best understand. I spend more time listening and less time asserting my opinion. I like to offer alternative perspectives rather than give directives, and consider myself to have a relaxed tone and relatable demeanor.

I take a conversational approach to intake for teens and adults, which helps me understand concerns in a way that feels natural and not like an interview. With children, I recommend in-person sessions, and have parents complete an intake form beforehand. That way, the first session can focus on building rapport and hearing the child’s perspective while still understanding parent concerns. I value involving parents in treatment while also giving kids a sense of autonomy and control. With all clients, we set clear, measurable goals so progress feels tangible and real. I work well with clients who want to process experiences, as well as those who may feel hesitant or unsure about therapy.I tend to create a casual, friendly environment that feels safe to speak freely and encourages self-reflection.