Meet your therapist

Hi!

I’m Stephanie Sandbergen

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

⭐ About Stephanie

I have over 10 years of experience working with clients from various backgrounds, including adults, the elderly, children, couples, families, and LGBTQ clients.

I genuinely care for my clients and show them care, acceptance, and empathy with a sense of humor. I focus on the entire person: physical, mental, social and spiritual.

💬 Why did you become a therapist for kids and families?

As long as I can remember, I wanted to be a therapist. I have found that being an attentive listener, especially those that haven't felt heard or validated can make a difference. Working with children and families together improve the chances of making positive change for the individual and the family system. When people can learn things such as how to identify their triggers, how they think in distorted ways, and how they communicate in unhealthy ways, it's the first step in creating new ways of thinking and being.

👍 Fun facts about Stephanie

  • Proudest moment ❤️
    Becoming a Mom! I cried during the last moments of childbirth - the nurse thought I was scared. I said no, I'm so happy.

  • Superpower 🦸
    To allow for silence when needed.

📚 Specialities

  • Depression, anxiety, loss, grief, attachment, emotional intelligence, effective communication, and mindfulness.

👥 Approach

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Family Systems, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Strength-Based Therapy.

  • I utilize a variety of approaches such as mindfulness, expressive arts, journalling, and nature while also challenging my clients and modifying my approaches to be more eclectic depending on what is helpful for the client.

🤝 Works with

  • Ages 10-17+ and parents.

🎓 Credentials

  • Bachelor's Degree in Social Psychology and Computer Programming from UCLA.

  • Master's Degree in Psychology from St. Mary's College.

  • Licensed in CA

➕ More about Stephanie

I have a passion to learn and have attended dozens of training courses on various topics such as compliance training, art therapy, narrative therapy, spirituality, support group facilitation skills, anger management, working with LGBTQ clients, and ethical decision making.

I work from humanistic and systems approaches which includes helping the client gain a healthier understanding of self, helping gain meaning in life, and exploring the client's roles in the systems they are a member of.

📺 Watch Stephanie’s welcome video for you

What families are saying about Stephanie

“I began this process deeply concerned and worried for my girls… today I feel that the girls have arrived at a much healthier place. The tools Stephanie has taught them has helped them find their confidence again, it's helped all of us communicate better, and I see our daughters are stronger from this experience… I am thankful that this process has taught the girls the importance of our mental health and that it's ok to get help when things become overwhelming. She is making lives better one family at a time.”

— Manatee family