Hi there! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I earned my Master’s Degree in Social Work from San Diego State University, and I’ve been practicing for over four years. My work is centered around helping individuals, from teenagers to adults, who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. I truly believe that healing is possible for everyone, and it’s incredibly rewarding to witness the shift in my clients as they start to understand their patterns, challenge negative thoughts, and build healthier ways of thinking and feeling. Whether you’re facing a major life transition, dealing with overwhelming emotions, or simply seeking more self-confidence, I’m here to support you on your journey toward greater balance and empowerment.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, you can expect to have an open and supportive conversation about what brought you to therapy and what you're hoping to achieve. I'll take time to listen to your story and get a sense of your unique challenges and goals. From there, we’ll work together to identify what’s most important to you, and begin formulating specific goals that align with your needs. My approach is collaborative, so I’ll ensure that you feel heard, understood, and empowered to take the next steps on your healing journey.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I believe my greatest strengths as a provider stem from my ability to connect with clients on a deep, human level. I bring empathy, patience, and genuine curiosity into every session, making it a priority to create a space where clients feel safe, seen, and understood. I’m particularly attuned to the unique needs of each individual, which allows me to meet them where they are in their journey and support them in ways that feel authentic and personal. One of my core strengths is my ability to listen deeply—not just to the words being spoken, but to the emotions and underlying messages that may not be immediately apparent. This allows me to ask questions and offer insights that help clients see themselves and their situations in new ways. I also have a natural ability to balance compassion with directness, which helps clients feel both supported and challenged to grow. Above all, I’m deeply committed to the process of healing and transformation. I genuinely believe in my clients’ potential for change, and I bring a sense of hope and optimism into every session. My goal is to empower clients to feel more in control of their lives and their choices, and to help them become the person they’ve always wanted to be.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
The clients I work best with are those who are ready for change and recognize that their current ways of thinking, living, or reacting are no longer serving them—or those around them. I’m particularly drawn to individuals who are open to self-reflection and growth, even when it means challenging long-held beliefs or habitual patterns. I appreciate clients who are willing to engage in an honest, collaborative relationship where we can explore new perspectives and approaches with compassion and curiosity. If you’re someone who is ready to rewrite the story of who you are and transform your relationship with yourself and others, we’ll work together to uncover the strengths and values that have always been inside you, but may have been buried beneath old patterns. My goal is to help you evolve into the person you’ve always wanted to be—and feel empowered to live that out in your daily life.
About Karen Sandoval
Identifies as
Specializes in
Licensed in
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I’ve been using CBT in my practice for the past four years. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in my practice, as I find it incredibly empowering for clients. CBT is grounded in the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all interconnected. By helping clients understand how their thoughts influence their emotional state and actions, I guide them to gain more control over their lives. In CBT, we work to identify and challenge unhealthy thinking patterns and replace them with healthier, more realistic thoughts. This shift can be incredibly freeing for clients, as it reminds them that they are the creators of their own experiences—whether they’re experiencing suffering or success, much of it is shaped by how they think. The ability to change their thought patterns is often a game-changer, allowing them to feel more empowered and in control.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
I also integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS) in my practice, though I am not a certified practitioner. IFS is a powerful therapeutic model that helps clients connect with different “parts” of themselves—often parts that have been neglected or suppressed. These parts may be holding on to past wounds, fears, or unresolved emotions, and by approaching them with compassion and empathy, clients can begin to heal and integrate these aspects of themselves. IFS work is often deeply relieving for clients, especially when they are able to see these parts as valuable and deserving of attention. With the right client, this work can foster a sense of internal peace and self-acceptance, which is why I love using it alongside other modalities.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness is another cornerstone of my approach. I encourage clients to develop a mindfulness practice, which helps them stay present in the moment and tune into their own internal and external environments. This can be as simple as grounding techniques for calming the nervous system or more structured practices like meditation. I also use mirror work and encourage clients to approach these practices with intentionality—whether it’s through affirmations or simply taking a moment to reflect on their current emotional state. So, mindfulness is not just about "clearing your mind" or "stopping your thoughts." It’s more about creating a different relationship with your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations—allowing you to notice them without becoming trapped.