About
my therapeutic approach
My therapeutic orientation is informed by an appreciation of the integral relationship between the mind, body, spirit, and emotions. Meaningful influences on my work include foreign travel, the study of fine art, Buddhist philosophy, mindfulness meditation, and the practice of self-compassion.
In sessions, I draw on visualization, metaphor, personal narrative, and dream imagery to help illuminate unconsciously held beliefs and gently explore those that may no longer serve you. This process can support you in questioning long-held assumptions, understanding your experience in new ways, and arriving at beliefs that feel more aligned with your authentic self.
I am drawn to the process of psychotherapy because of its capacity to support meaningful change over time. I see therapeutic growth, in part, as a shift away from patterns and beliefs that create suffering, toward a more compassionate and emotionally attuned relationship with yourself. I support clients in integrating new ways of seeing themselves and moving through life with greater awareness and self-acceptance.
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My therapeutic approach is empathic, collaborative, and relational. I believe that each of us has a fundamental instinct toward wholeness and already possesses the answers to life’s most pressing questions. As your therapist, my goal is to help you attune to your innate wisdom and the inner voice that guides you, supporting your journey toward healing.
While I specialize in providing depth therapy, I am also available to work on a shorter-term, solution-focused basis when appropriate. I find that curiosity, self-compassion, and a sense of humor are valuable allies as the work unfolds. I enjoy working with people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. As your therapist, I am committed to guiding you with sensitivity and without judgment on your path of growth, transformation, and healing.
MY CLINICAL PHILOSOPHY
My intention is to support you in facing life’s challenges, making sense of your struggles, and moving toward a life that feels more aligned with your values and intentions.
Change often becomes possible through increased awareness of unconscious patterns and a gentle willingness to question beliefs that create suffering or no longer feel true.
My work supports the development of self-awareness, helping old patterns begin to shift and creating space for new growth.
Mindfulness practice offers a way of relating to your experience that supports greater presence, choice, and understanding over time.
Imagination, creativity, and self-expression play an important role, offering ways of understanding and holding experience that extend beyond language alone.
The therapeutic relationship itself is central to this work, providing a reliable and supportive container for meaningful change to emerge.
“MEANINGS ARE NOT DETERMINED BY SITUATIONS, BUT WE DETERMINE OURSELVES BY THE MEANINGS WE GIVE TO SITUATIONS.”
—ALFRED ADLER
BIOGRAPHY
My story begins with earning a BA in Fine Art, with an emphasis in photography, before discovering my path as a psychotherapist. While my Fine Art education prepared me for a life of self-expression, it yielded somewhat limited employment opportunities. As time went on, I felt increasingly disconnected from work that felt meaningful. It was this crisis of meaning that first led me to seek out my own inner work. In my practice today, I feel honored to help guide others on their paths through the transformative process of psychotherapy.
My clinical training reflects more than 20 years of experience providing individual therapy and psychotherapy in community counseling centers, mental health agencies, hospitals, and public schools throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. After receiving my MA from the Transpersonal Counseling Psychology Program at John F. Kennedy University’s School of Holistic Studies, I became licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist. I opened my psychotherapy practice in San Francisco in 2007.
I provide psychotherapy in San Francisco and online across California for high-achieving professionals including doctors, nurses, lawyers, scientists, tech and financial consultants, therapists, and educators, among others, who yearn for more meaning in their work and greater fulfillment in life. Many of the people I work with describe feeling as though they have lost themselves somewhere along the way, perplexed by how much time and energy they have invested in their careers while feeling so little satisfaction in return. I have deep empathy for this struggle, having dealt with a parallel experience on my own path.
In my practice, I continue to be interested in exploring issues related to the creative process, whether you are confronting your inner critic, blocks, or other challenges. As such, I have a special interest in working with artists, writers, musicians, and others engaged in creative work. I find my work as a therapist deeply rewarding. In my free time, I enjoy spending time in nature, reading, listening to music, collecting art, photography, and watching films with my partner and our two cats, Sylvester and Steve.
Professional Affiliations
What Colleagues Say
Professional endorsements
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside thoughtful, dedicated therapists and healing professionals. Here are a few reflections from those who know my work.
“Sarita is a warm and insightful therapist. She works to understand her clients on a deep level, creating space for real healing.”
— Colleague, LMFT
“I’ve known Sarita as a colleague for almost 20 years. She brings insight, heart, and intelligence to her work. Highly recommend.”
— Professional Peer
“Sarita is someone I felt safe with from the start. She listens deeply, brings warmth, humor, wisdom, and truly meets clients where they are. A seasoned and skillful therapist.”
— Fellow Therapist
“Sarita creates a safe, non-judgmental space to explore even the most vulnerable parts of yourself. Her use of mindfulness and self-compassion is especially helpful for anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.”
— Clinical Colleague
Let’s CoNNECT
When You’re Ready, Just Reach Out.
Whether you’re looking for in-person therapy in San Francisco or secure online psychotherapy across California, you can leave a confidential voicemail at (415) 292-5888 or use the button below to request a free initial phone consultation.