Licensed to practice in California and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Life Transitions, Substance Misuse and 2 more.
(she/her)
New to Grow
Hello I'm Sonja — a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor based in California. My path to this work wasn't a straight line and I think that makes me a better clinician. I started with a career in corrections in Arkansas, where I learned early on how to connect with people in difficult circumstances without judgment. That experience shaped how I show up in the therapy room to this day. I transitioned into mental health as a psychiatric technician, working directly with all age groups across inpatient and community settings; providing direct care, facilitating group therapy, and delivering individual therapy during my internship and later as a registered clinician with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. By the time I became fully licensed, I had accumulated nearly a decade of real-world clinical experience across some of the most demanding settings in behavioral health..
In our first session, we’ll focus on getting to know you and understanding what brought you to therapy. I’ll ask questions about your background, current challenges, and goals, and we’ll discuss your expectations for therapy. This is also a time for you to ask questions, learn about how we can work, and start building a plan that fits your needs.
I have nearly a decade of experience working across, inpatient psychiatry, crisis stabilization, and community mental health, which means I've worked with people at many different points in their journey. I tend to be direct and honest in session. I'll name what I'm observing and we'll always have a clear focus for our work together. I also genuinely care about the people I work with, which means I'll offer both support and an honest challenge when that's what's needed. Sessions are structured and purposeful so you always know what we're working on and why. I believe change is possible regardless of where you're starting from.
My ideal clients are adults navigating life transitions, depression, anxiety, anger, stress, and early-stage substance use concerns. Many are experiencing challenges related to relationships, career changes, family responsibilities, self-esteem, or adjusting to significant life events. They may feel overwhelmed, stuck, frustrated, or uncertain about how to move forward but are motivated to improve their emotional well-being and develop healthier coping strategies.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
This treatment method is used to help clients identify the connection between what they think, how they feel, and what they do. In session, that looks like helping clients identify the automatic thoughts running underneath their reactions. The quick interpretations they make about situations that feel like facts but often aren't. We look at the evidence, challenge what doesn't hold up, and practice thinking in ways that are more accurate and more useful.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
SFBT helps clients identify what is already working and build on it. Rather than focusing on your background or what's gone wrong, we look at your strengths, past successes, and what you want your future to look like. It's short-term and forward-focused, every session moves toward something concrete. I might ask something like the Miracle Question: "If things were better tomorrow, what would that look like?"; because often the clearest path forward starts with being able to picture it.
Motivational Interviewing
If you know something needs to change but aren't quite sure you're ready, that's exactly where Motivational Interviewing comes in. MI is a judgment-free approach that explores both sides of that tension; the part of you that wants change and the part that isn't there yet. Together we look at your own reasons for change and what might be holding you back, without pressure and without an agenda. It meets you exactly where you are.
Supportive
I use supportive therapy to create a safe, collaborative, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard and understood. I provide emotional support, validation, and encouragement while helping clients identify their strengths and build effective coping strategies. I assist clients in managing stress, regulating emotions, solving problems, and navigating life transitions or challenging circumstances. Through psychoeducation, skill-building, and exploration of available resources, I help clients increase resilience and improve daily functioning. My supportive approach is integrated with evidence-based interventions such as CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness practices, and solution-focused techniques to address each client's unique needs and treatment goals.