Sandra Terifaj , LMFT

Sandra Terifaj is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California with 35 years of experience in private practice and in the training and supervision of interns at various nonprofit agencies. She is dedicated to helping people move toward healing, resolution, and growth by gently guiding them to identify and work through the emotional pain and obstacles that interfere with the life they want to lead. Sandra emphasizes a collaborative working relationship, shaping interventions around each person or family's unique needs and strengths.

Her clinical approach draws on client-centered, psychodynamic, and cognitive behavioral methods, selected to match the presenting concerns and goals. She has worked with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, eating-related concerns, depression, relationship and family difficulties, grief, intimacy-related matters, self-esteem struggles, and coping with life changes. Additional areas of focus include codependency, narcissism, personality disorders, and women's issues. Sandra combines years of clinical experience with an attentive, individualized style to support meaningful change and personal growth.

Therapeutic approaches and accessible online care

Sandra draws on client-centered therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy in her work. Client-centered therapy focuses on creating a respectful, empathic environment where the person is listened to and supported as they explore their own goals and values - this approach can be especially helpful for building self-esteem and navigating life changes. Psychodynamic therapy explores how past experiences and internal patterns shape current feelings and relationships, which can be useful for addressing trauma, intimacy-related issues, and personality dynamics. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, helps people identify unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and develop practical strategies to reduce anxiety, manage mood, and change addictive or compulsive responses.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Sandra works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit best based on their needs, goals, and preferences. She tailors care over time, combining techniques when appropriate to support lasting progress.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility for people balancing work, family, or geographic constraints. Sessions may take place by video call, phone session, live chat, or text-based messaging, allowing continuity of care and easier scheduling with licensed professionals and therapists. This range of options can make it simpler to engage in consistent therapy while meeting everyday responsibilities.