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Sandra Terifaj

Sandra Terifaj, LMFT

Therapist in California

Compassionate therapy for lasting change

Continue with Sandra Review online therapy options on BetterHelp.
  • Collaborative approach
  • Practical tools
  • 35 years experience

About Sandra

Sandra Terifaj is a licensed marriage and family therapist with 35 years of experience in private practice and agency settings. She helps people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, grief, relationship strains, and challenges like addictions or eating concerns. Her style is collaborative and straightforward. She aims to guide clients toward clearer choices and more manageable daily living.

In session she creates time to listen and to understand what someone is facing now. Sandra uses gentle questioning and reflective comments to help people name their feelings and see patterns that keep causing pain. She draws on Client-Centered methods to follow the client's priorities and pace.

Sandra also uses cognitive behavioral ideas to notice how thoughts affect moods and actions. She works with mindfulness tools to build calm and greater awareness of feelings and urges. Her background includes psychodynamic perspectives and training in Internal Family Systems, which she brings in when helpful.

She has taught and supervised interns at nonprofit agencies as part of her career. That experience informs how she explains things clearly and helps clients practice new ways of coping. Sandra focuses on practical steps alongside deeper exploration.

People who reach out can expect a respectful, steady approach that balances short-term strategies with attention to deeper concerns. She invites clients to set goals together and to track small changes over time.

This summary is based on the profile information listed on BetterHelp.

Approaches that steer online work and goals

Many clients find Client-Centered Therapy helpful because it starts with the person's own priorities and experience. The therapist listens closely and follows the client's pace, offering support and validation while clients decide what to tackle first.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It uses simple exercises to test unhelpful thoughts and build new, more effective habits, which can be useful for depression, anxiety, and stress-related problems.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Sandra will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn't helped in the past. She collaborates on a plan and adjusts methods as the client learns what fits best.

If you are considering online therapy, check which session formats are currently offered before booking since the biography does not list formats. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions around daily life, cut travel time, or allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. It can also let someone practice skills in the places where they live and work. Ask about scheduling options and how sessions are typically arranged to find what matches your routine.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Sandra commonly address?

She supports people facing depression, anxiety, stress, grief, relationship and intimacy challenges, addictions, eating concerns, and coping with life changes.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Sandra uses a collaborative, client-centered style that emphasizes listening, clear feedback, and practical steps to change thoughts and habits.

What is her professional background?

She has 35 years of experience in private practice and has supervised interns at nonprofit agencies during her career.

What credentials and region are listed for this therapist?

She is a California LMFT, which stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and practices in California.

Which languages are offered for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English only and international clients are not currently accepted.

What session formats are available?

The original biography does not specify session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.

How is cost handled for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with Sandra?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Therapists on BetterHelp do not prescribe medication. A doctor can talk with you about medical options. If you are thinking about suicide, call or text 988; in an emergency, call 911.

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