M.A., LMFT # 48768

“My most valued aspect of the entire counseling process is the therapeutic relationship my clients and I form together as we journey to deeper self-understanding, self-acceptance, and a willingness to learn new ways of being in control.”

-Carisa Sherwood

My Areas of Expertise:

I am a wife and mother of three children that realizes that I have to work on my relationships with my loved ones and friends everyday. I realize it is not something to take for granted. I have been through a lot in my life and have done a great deal of personal growth. One of the reasons I decided to go into this field was because I have felt like I have been a “therapist” all of my life. I truly care for and have love for all of my clients, friends, family, and all people. Being of multi-cultural descent I feel I relate to all ethnicities, however my main culture is American. I find that I build a solid therapeutic relationship with my clients and your main goal becomes my goal. I will push when I need to push and back off when I need to back off. In my studies, I have knowledge and training in multiple theoretical orientations. However, I do not just practice one, I like to meet with someone first and then match the best method to the individual, couple, or situation. My preferences include experiential, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and structural. My specialties include working with those struggling with personality disorders, LGBTQ, high conflict couples, helping couples build intimacy, sports psychology, teaching effective emotional processing techniques that directly improve reacting emotionally, anger impulses, depression, anxiety, decreasing shame and guilt, and effectively processing grief, loss, abuse, and/or trauma.

Education:

M.A. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Chapman University. B.A. in Psychology from the University of California at Berkeley.

Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee

Office: Auburn Blvd.

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”

– C.S. Lewis

My Areas of Expertise:

Andrea is a dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee in her second year of graduate studies at Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara, CA, where she is pursuing a degree in counseling psychology. She chose Pacifica for its unique depth-oriented program, which draws heavily from the influential works of Carl Jung, Marion Woodman, and James Hillman. Andrea practices a people-centered approach to therapy, deeply influenced by the principles of Carl Rogers. She views the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative journey toward healing where both client and therapist work in tandem. Her therapeutic toolkit includes a diverse range of modalities, from neurographic art, acceptance and commitment therapy.

With 14 years of experience as a Waldorf teacher, Andrea has expertly guided children through the various challenges of growing up, including transitioning to adolescence, coping with divorce, experiencing grief, and addressing other family issues. She is known for her empathetic and non-judgmental support of parents in fostering their children’s well-being. Andrea is passionate about support clients of all ages navigate depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and other significant life challenges.

Therapeutic Style:

Andrea’s therapeutic style is centered around demonstrating empathy, compassion, and respect. She brings a grounding and caring energy to the spaces she occupies, striving to always hold space for her clients that feels safe and nurturing. One of her core strengths is her authenticity – she brings her whole self to the therapy room and invites clients to do the same. Andrea believes showing up authentically is the first step in healing the soul from unnecessary suffering.

Personal Interests:

In her free time, Andrea delights in knitting, sewing, and enjoying music. She loves the playful energy of chasing her two rescue chihuahuas and spending quality time with her husband. An avid traveler, she cherishes exploring different cultures and landscapes around the world. Andrea also finds joy in both hiking and relaxing at home. She is deeply committed to supporting her two children, aged 20 and 18, as they embark on their journeys to becoming remarkable adults.

Education:

Andrea holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Goddard College in Plainfield, VT, and she is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (with a focus on Integral Counseling Psychology) from the California Institute of Integral Studies.

Supervised by: Carisa Sherwood, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT#48768

Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee

Office: Auburn Blvd.

“Life is not a straight line; it's a jazz improvisation. You adjust, you bend, you find the rhythm, and you keep going.”

– Nina Simone

My Areas of Expertise:

As someone who deeply values connection, growth, and authenticity, I strive to create a therapeutic space where clients feel truly seen, heard, and supported. I believe in the power of the mind-body connection and how it plays a vital role in healing.

I am a wife and mother of two, and I understand the ongoing balancing act of family, identity, and personal well-being. These life experiences have helped shape my grounded, compassionate, and patient approach to therapy. For the past five years, I’ve worked as a self-employed Functional Movement Therapist, helping individuals reconnect with their bodies as part of their healing journey. I’ve seen firsthand how emotional pain, trauma, and stress can live in the body, and I’m passionate about integrating somatic awareness and movement into therapy.

My Therapeutic Style:

My therapeutic style is rooted in cultural humility, empathy, and collaboration. I take pride in creating a space that is inclusive, safe, and empowering—especially for those whose voices have historically been marginalized. I work with individuals navigating life transitions, emotional stress, trauma, and relationship challenges.

In practice, I draw from evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Family Systems Theory. I believe in tailoring therapy to fit each unique individual, using their strengths as a foundation for meaningful and lasting growth.

Education:

I am currently pursuing an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy at Touro University Worldwide.

B.A. in Art History from the University of California, Sacramento.

Supervised by: Carisa Sherwood, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT#48768

Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee

Office: Auburn Blvd.

My Areas of Expertise:

I enjoy working with diverse populations around attachment wounds, generational trauma, life transitions, and addiction. I also assist with psychedelic integration for individuals processing the larger meanings derived from healing mystical experiences.

My passion is to help humans cultivate grounded, emotionally intelligent, abundant lives. Therapeutically, my approach is based in acceptance and authentic curiosity + compassion using an attachment-based lens. Through this process, I begin to understand all parts of the person. So often on our life’s journey we are faced with challenges we don’t understand or struggle to overcome. This is where I come in – to help you make sense of it all. My goal is to create a space where you can explore areas of yourself or relationships that would otherwise feel too vulnerable to look at without the safety and guidance of our therapeutic relationship. I look forward to helping you grow into the person you want to be.

I love working with individuals, teens, and couples who are looking to process traumas and find deeper meaning in their lives.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist LMFT#131579

Office: Bradshaw

My Areas of Expertise:

Something I believe in greatly is that reaching out for help can be a very vulnerable experience, but also a great attribute of strength and resilience. While nobody’s story is the same, at some point in life everyone may come across obstacles or struggles that may seem too difficult, especially alone. My approach in therapy is to offer a collaborative, empathetic, and supportive experience while working towards developing skills, self-awareness, and tools to navigate life’s journey. I do not believe that one therapeutic style fits all. My goal is to be adaptable to each individual, family, or couple’s personal needs and goals.

Education:

Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy Couple from COAMFT accredited California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, Sacramento. B.A. in Behavioral Neuroscience from University of San Diego, San Diego.