Grief counselors and therapists in Vista, CA

Hello, my name is Sandra, I’m a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist. I offer both video and in-person sessions, including Sunday’s. I started my journey with Mental Health Services, 2015 since then, I have had the privilege to work with all populations beginning with adolescents to older adults. I enjoy working with individuals, families and couples. I am trained to utilize a broad range of therapeutic modalities in order, to address here-and-now real-life stressors and trauma.

I provide empathic, compassionate care in a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and respected. My goal is to offer therapy you can trust—an environment where you can openly explore your thoughts, challenges, and goals while receiving understanding and supportive guidance.

I was always drawn to people who went unseen or unheard. Others told me I had a calm voice and that they could tell me anything. That led to a lifelong study of how people free themselves from their own patterns, later deepened by psychoanalysis and professional work in eating disorders, addiction treatment, and managed care settings like Kaiser.

Sometimes the hardest part is not what happened. It is finding someone you can finally say it to. I offer therapy in both English and Spanish, and I work with people across all stages of life, from children and teenagers to adults and seniors. I specialize in supporting people navigating trauma, domestic violence, anxiety, depression, and the unique challenges that come with new and expecting parenthood. Wherever you are in your story, you do not have to carry it alone.

I specialize in supporting people who feel overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, stress, ADHD, trauma, life transitions and much more. I have extensive experience working with high acuity teens, and I also work with adults of all ages who are navigating imbalance, self-acceptance uncertainty, or emotional overload. I support parents who need guidance in understanding their child’s needs or simply a calm place to process their own feelings. No matter your age or background, if you are struggling to find balance and peace in life, I am here to help.

My approach begins with the belief that life poses great challenges for all of us. Through these challenges, we develop adaptive patterns that may help us survive but can also bring disharmony. I aim to help you bring awareness to these patterns, loosen their grip, and reshape them so you can find greater balance and harmony in your relationship with yourself, others, and the world.

I bring a wealth of experience from my work in child welfare for nearly 10 years, which has shaped me into a deeply trauma-informed practitioner. Over the years, I have supported clients of all ages and walks of life, including individuals facing complex socioeconomic stressors and diverse life circumstances. I am comfortable working with a wide range of mental health concerns, from mood disorders like anxiety and depression to more complex personality-based struggles. No matter your background or the challenge you are facing, I offer a stable, professional, and non-judgmental presence designed to help you process your experiences and move toward a healthier future.

I believe that therapy is a partnership, and my goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel truly heard. As a licensed clinical social worker, I specialize in supporting individuals as they navigate life’s transitions, stress, and anxiety. My approach is rooted in compassion and evidence-based practices, primarily utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and a client-centered perspective to help you develop practical tools for your daily life. I am dedicated to working alongside you to build on your existing strengths, foster resilience, and help you create the change you are seeking. You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone; I invite you to reach out so we can start this work together.