Sara Contreras is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma. She approaches sessions with a calm, down-to-earth style and aims to make talking about hard things feel manageable. Sara emphasizes self esteem and practical steps people can use between sessions.
Sara creates an open space where clients can share thoughts and feelings without judgment. She listens for patterns in relationships, attachment, and behavior to help people understand what keeps old problems repeating. Sessions combine talking, reflection, and exercises tailored to each person's goals.
Her experience includes supporting people through life changes, grief, parenting strain, and work-related stress. She also works with concerns such as ADHD, intimacy issues, body image, and complications from chronic illness or caregiving. Sara pays attention to how past loss, abandonment, or attachment wounds affect present relationships and self worth.
She uses a mix of approaches to fit what each person needs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps with unhelpful thinking and behavior. Attachment-based methods look at how early relationships shape trust and connection. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) may be used for trauma when appropriate.
Sara practices in California and has five years of clinical experience. She offers sessions at several times during the week, including Monday and Wednesday evenings, some Thursday evenings, and some morning appointments by arrangement. To begin, clients use the site Start Therapy flow to match and schedule with her.
How Sara’s approaches translate to online work
Attachment-based work focuses on how early relationships shape current connections and trust; it helps people notice patterns in how they relate and find new ways to connect. Client-centered therapy emphasizes open listening and collaboration, giving people space to talk while the therapist follows their concerns and priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets unhelpful thoughts and behaviors with concrete exercises and homework to build different habits.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Sara will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels most useful, then try methods that fit. She frames therapy as a collaboration and adjusts plans based on what helps most in real life.
The practical benefits of online therapy include easier scheduling and fitting sessions into busy weeks. Online work can reduce travel time and make it simpler to attend evening or morning appointments when they fit your day. Session format options are not specified here, so confirm available formats before booking to match your needs. Overall, online counseling can make it simpler to practice techniques between sessions and keep progress moving forward while juggling everyday responsibilities.
AbandonmentAttachment issuesBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWomen's issuesWorkplace issues
Therapeutic approaches
Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Existential TherapyEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy
Experience
5+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address?
Sara helps people facing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, and challenges with coping during life changes. She also works with issues like self esteem, ADHD, intimacy-related concerns, grief, parenting strain, and career stress.
How would you describe her therapy style?
She uses a conversational, client-centered style that focuses on listening and practical steps. Sessions blend reflection with targeted exercises to address thinking patterns and relationship dynamics.
What is her professional background?
Sara has five years of professional experience supporting people with mood, trauma, and stress-related concerns. Her work often involves helping clients understand attachment patterns and improve daily coping skills.
Where is she licensed to practice?
She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT, licensed in California and practices within that state.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the U.S. work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted; she works with clients located in California.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist scheduling; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to start therapy?
Begin by selecting the continue button on this profile, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to her available times.
