Sarah Benitez-Zandi

Many of my clients come to therapy feeling exhausted from carrying responsibilities that were never truly theirs to carry. They are helpers, caregivers, high achievers, and people who seem to have it together on the outside while struggling internally with anxiety, trauma, depression, burnout, relationship stress, or overwhelming life transitions.

I specialize in working with adults who are ready to understand and change longstanding patterns that no longer serve them. Many of my clients identify as cycle breakers, people working to heal from difficult life experiences, family of origin wounds, perfectionism, people pleasing, self criticism, or unhealthy relationship dynamics so they can create something different for themselves and those they care about.

My style is warm, collaborative, direct when helpful, and deeply trauma informed. I believe symptoms often make sense when we understand the experiences that shaped them. I integrate EMDR, ACT, CBT, DBT, somatic and nervous system focused interventions, attachment work, and parts work to support insight, regulation, healing, and lasting change.

I have experience working with trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, complex trauma, caregivers, healthcare professionals, first responders, therapists, and individuals navigating high levels of stress or responsibility.

Therapy does not require you to have everything figured out before you begin. If you are ready to better understand yourself, heal from the past, and build a life that feels more aligned, I would be honored to support you.

My approach to therapy is trauma informed, collaborative, and individualized. I believe many struggles people experience today make sense when viewed through the lens of their life experiences, relationships, and nervous system responses. Rather than focusing only on symptom reduction, I help clients understand the underlying patterns that keep them stuck while building practical tools for daily life.

I draw from evidence based approaches including EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), somatic interventions, attachment focused work, parts work, and ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) when clinically appropriate.

Depending on a client's goals and needs, our work may focus on processing past experiences, improving emotional regulation, strengthening relationships, reducing anxiety, increasing self compassion, or creating lasting behavioral change.

I strive to balance compassion with accountability. My goal is to help clients gain insight into why they think, feel, and behave the way they do, while also developing the ability to create meaningful and sustainable change.

Clients can expect a welcoming, supportive, and judgment free environment during our first session. My primary goal is to get to know you, understand what brings you to therapy, and learn about your current challenges, strengths, and goals. We will discuss relevant aspects of your personal history, relationships, mental health concerns, and any previous experiences with therapy.

The first session is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and determine whether I feel like a good fit for your needs. Therapy works best when there is a strong therapeutic relationship, so I encourage open conversation about what you are hoping to gain from the process.

While we may begin identifying patterns and areas of focus, the first session is generally centered on assessment, understanding your story, and developing an initial plan for moving forward. By the end of the session, you can expect to have a clearer understanding of how we might work together and the next steps in your treatment journey.