California-based body acceptance therapist helping you build trust with your body and yourself.

about

why I love doing this work

Hi, I’m Sarah (she/her). Part of why I love helping people in bigger bodies is because of my own experience growing up and living in a bigger body. When you were a kid, you probably looked to the grown-ups in your life to show you how to go about the world and do life. Your little, sponge-like brain soaked up all the body habits you saw and each body comment you heard.

For me—and I suspect for you too—those things became the guide for how to show up and belong in the world. You might have accepted the way you were treated as normal, or you might have learned to be a grown-up far too soon. Maybe you coped by shrinking yourself and getting really quiet, turning that hurt inward. However you learned to cope is so valid—and you don’t have to stay in that place.

If you grew up in a bigger body and/or with intersecting marginalized identities, that ‘little you’ just wants to be heard, and affirmed for who they are. It’s scary and vulnerable to step into this work and you might unearth things you never expected, and you can move forward toward empowerment, with support and compassion at your side.

I know what it’s like to recover from an eating disorder in a bigger body — and this is why I’m so passionate about helping other folks heal and reconnect with their bodies.

You deserve support. Let’s talk.
collage image by sarah of her 6-year-old self with a shy expression overlayed with a cutout of quote from the book Matilda by Roald Dahl about being a 'grown-up child'

how I approach therapy

At its core, my approach to therapy addresses trauma and the impact it has on relationships, identity development, and how we exist in our bodies. My approach is very mind–body-focused and I often use mindfulness techniques to rebuild your connection with your body. With this being said, if you have experienced trauma, you might find it difficult to be fully present in your body — and that is completely okay and respected. I will always honor the ways your body has learned to protect you and move at a pace that feels safe for you.

You deserve to have your body feel like home.

With warmth, creativity, and compassion, I hope to gain your trust and support you through this.

you deserve to have your body feel like home.

Laptop and journal with a cup of tea on a table.

what are virtual therapy sessions like?

In our first online therapy session, we’ll spend time going over your intake form and getting to know each other. This session may feel a little more question-heavy on my end, but it’s designed to help me focus our conversation and learn what support will be most helpful for you. There’s also space for your questions, so you feel comfortable moving forward.

During regular therapy sessions, I hold space for you to check in about your week and explore what’s most present for you. Sometimes this might mean processing an old memory, noticing body image struggles, unpacking food or eating concerns, or talking through the less-than-supportive comment someone made. Other times, it may be as simple as sharing everyday experiences, like a trip to the grocery store. No topic is off-limits—this is your space.

I may gently guide you to engage with your senses as you share different experiences that come up. This practice can help strengthen the connection between your mind and body and, over time, help rebuild your relationship with yourself.

For many people, especially those with trauma histories, mindfulness or body-based work can feel uncomfortable or even overwhelming. When that happens, I slow down and check in so we can move at a pace that feels aligned for you. Each session ends with a brief reflection and grounding before we wrap up, so you leave feeling supported.

my background

I grew up in the Bay Area, though I now reside in Southern California. I find living close to the ocean is really important to me, as there’s something really comforting about it. I’m introverted and someone very familiar with being called ‘too sensitive.’ I’ve learned how being highly sensitive is actually a super-power — and I’d love for you to unlock the ways your sensitivity is actually one of your biggest strengths. If you’re an introvert, you might also love spending time alone or be equally as comfy with a small group of close friends/family.

When I take off my therapist hat, I’m usually making art (collaging and watercolor are my favorites), playing with my sweet little emotional support kitty — Beetlejuice, catching up on the latest episode of that one reality show I’m embarrassed to say I watch (no judgements here!), video chatting with my little nephews, or diving deep into reading/podcasts/writing.

The way I like to get into my body most is singing, listening to music, and spending time in nature — and I’m excited to help you find the things that bring you toward your body. I also love tarot cards — they’re awesome for laying down some archetypes and finding the parts that matter to you. If you’re curious about them too (or already do this yourself), it’s always a welcomed addition to our therapy work.

image of sarah's black cat named beetlejuice on a grey couch with a blue pillow behind him
Start Building Inner Trust Today

I offer individual online therapy to folks in the
San Francisco Bay Area and across California.

my specialties

education & professional associations

Degrees

  • Master of Art in Counseling Psychology, 2016, Palo Alto University

  • Bachelor of Science in Apparel Design and Merchandising, 2005, San Francisco State University

Certifications & Extended Trainings

  • Body Trust Certification Program, 2025, Center for Body Trust

  • Somatic Approaches to Healing Trauma Training, 2020, John F. Kennedy University

  • Affect Regulation & Somatic Attachment Workshop, 2018, John F. Kennedy University

Specialized Trainings & Webinars

  • Navigating Body Autonomy + Relational Ethics in Weight Loss Conversations Webinar, 2025, Ample & Rooted

  • GLP-1 Medications - Expanding the Dialogue Around Risks & Benefits, 2025, Center for Body Trust

  • Navigating Clinical Conversations about GLP-1 Medications, 2025, Center for Body Trust

  • Weight Loss Injectable Webinar, 2024, Center for Body Trust

  • Exploring Your Body Story, 2021, Center for Body Trust

  • Eating Disorder Harm Reduction Webinar Pt. 1, 2021, Gloria Lucas of Nalgona Positivity Pride

  • Historical Trauma and Eating Disorders Webinar, 2020, Gloria Lucas of Nalgona Positivity Pride

  • Promoting Body Trust in Your Work, 2020, Center for Body Trust

Professional Associations

  • California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists - CAMFT

  • National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance - NAAFA

  • Association for Size Diversity and Health - ASDAH

podcasts & media appearances

Here’s where I’ve been in conversation about this work

Check out my chats with some awesome people as we unpack everything from body image and eating disorder recovery to weight stigma in the fertility treatment world.

Curious how this work could support you? Reach out today.