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Sherri PinaTanferani

LP, 15 years of experience
Warm
Intelligent
Humorous
VirtualAvailable

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience offering trauma informed and mindfulness based therapy. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment approaches to support clients in better understanding their emotions, developing coping skills that feel usable in daily life, and navigating life’s challenges with greater steadiness. My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, attachment styles, and unresolved trauma, with an emphasis on strengthening emotional awareness, building healthier communication skills, and fostering a more compassionate relationship with oneself.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

During the first session, I focus on understanding your concerns, history, and hopes for therapy. We’ll work together to identify immediate challenges and long-term aspirations, creating a roadmap for treatment. My aim is to make you feel comfortable, supported, and empowered to share your story at your own pace.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My path to becoming a therapist grew from a longstanding curiosity about human behavior and a genuine interest in how people make sense of their emotions, relationships, and life experiences. Over time, this curiosity evolved into a deep respect for the resilience people show in the face of stress, loss, and change. I feel privileged to support clients as they work toward healing, greater self-understanding, and more fulfilling connections with others. I strive to create a warm, empathetic environment where clients feel heard, validated, and supported. My work is grounded in evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment approaches, informed by a trauma aware lens and an appreciation for each person’s unique experiences. Clients often describe valuing the balance I bring between compassion and practical strategies that support meaningful, sustainable change.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I am best positioned to work with individuals who want to better understand their emotional experiences, manage stress or anxiety more effectively, and navigate periods of change with greater clarity and steadiness. Many of the people I work with are exploring patterns in relationships, challenges with self esteem, or difficulties communicating their needs and feelings. Clients often come to therapy seeking practical coping tools alongside deeper insight into their emotional and relational world. If you are interested in developing emotional awareness, strengthening communication, and understanding how attachment patterns shape your experiences with yourself and others, I offer a supportive space to explore and grow.

SpecialtiesTop specialties
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Mood Disorders
Other specialties
Coping Skills
Depression
Dissociative Disorders
I identify as
White
Woman
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Licensed in
California
Accepts
Aetna
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

CBT is a foundational approach in my practice, and I have over 15 years of experience using this evidence-based method to help clients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. In sessions, I guide clients through techniques such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and problem-solving to address symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma. I tailor interventions to meet individual needs, focusing on actionable steps to achieve goals and improve daily functioning. I use CBT collaboratively with clients to explore the connections between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we develop practical strategies to challenge unhelpful beliefs and build healthier coping mechanisms. My goal is to empower clients with skills they can use independently outside of therapy.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

In my work as a therapist, I’ve found that real change happens when we stop swinging between extremes and learn to sit with both acceptance and the desire to grow. That’s where Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) comes in. DBT offers practical tools for handling tough emotions, improving relationships, and staying grounded during life’s chaos. I use it daily to help clients manage anxiety, regulate emotions, and build stronger connections—with others and with themselves.

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

I have extensive experience using Solution-Focused Brief Treatment (SFBT) in my practice to help clients identify and build on their strengths and resources to achieve their goals. This approach focuses on the present and future, emphasizing small, realistic steps toward solutions rather than dwelling on past problems. In sessions, I collaborate with clients to clarify their desired outcomes, identify what’s working well, and explore strategies to replicate success. By focusing on achievable goals and highlighting progress, SFBT empowers clients to feel more confident and motivated in navigating challenges.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

In my work using Emotionally Focused Therapy, I’ve supported clients in uncovering and naming their core emotional needs—needs like feeling safe, seen, and connected. Together, we’ve explored what makes it hard for them to express these needs, especially within close family relationships where vulnerability often feels risky. I help model open, emotion-based communication in session, giving clients a safe space to practice sharing in new, more honest ways. We also spend time identifying the negative patterns they get stuck in with others—those repeating cycles that leave them feeling unheard or shut down—and we look closely at the emotional toll those interactions take. It’s powerful to see clients begin to shift those patterns and move toward more authentic, connected relationships.

, 11 ratings

3 ratings with written reviews

October 28, 2025

Felt Comfortable Right Away,put Me at Ease,Looking Forward to Our Future Sessions!!!!

Verified client, age 45-54
Review shared after session 1 with Sherri

July 25, 2025

Only my first visit but she laughed at my stupid jokes and really seemed to care.

Verified client, age 55-64
Review shared after session 1 with Sherri

March 4, 2025

Sherri is amazing and extremely validating! She’s very understanding and brings different perspectives throughout our sessions.

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 3 with Sherri