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Sandra Terifaj

Sandra Terifaj

LMFT

Therapist focused on awareness and practical change

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

CodependencyNarcissismPersonality disordersWomen's issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyPsychodynamic TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

35+ years

Credentials

California

Languages

English

Licenses listed

As listed on the therapist's profile. You can check a license with the state licensing board and an NPI in the national registry.

  • Mindfulness informed
  • Collaborative approach
  • Practical coping skills

About Sandra

Sandra Terifaj is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 35 years of experience. She helps people coping with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and intimacy concerns, and struggles with eating, addiction, and self-esteem. Sandra also focuses on codependency, narcissism, personality concerns, and issues affecting women. She works in California and conducts sessions in English.

Her style is collaborative and straightforward. She guides clients to identify emotional obstacles and to access the feelings that keep them stuck. Sessions focus on practical steps and clearer self-understanding rather than abstract jargon. Sandra aims to help people move toward the life they want through steady, paced change.

Therapeutic techniques draw from several approaches, chosen to match each person's needs. She blends Client-Centered methods with Cognitive Behavioral strategies to address thinking and behavior patterns. Psychodynamic ideas and Internal Family Systems work help uncover deeper patterns from past relationships and internal parts that influence current behavior.

People can expect a warm, listening presence paired with concrete tools for coping and change. Sandra has long experience supervising interns and working in nonprofit settings, which has shaped a calm, experienced clinical presence. She asks questions, reflects observations, and offers interventions tailored to the client's goals.

To begin, readers should use the site Start Therapy flow to match and schedule a first appointment. Sessions follow the therapist's procedures for intake and planning, so early meetings focus on goals and what a helpful path forward looks like.

How Sandra Uses Mindfulness, CBT, and Client-Centered Work Online

Mindfulness Therapy focuses on noticing thoughts, feelings, and body sensations without harsh judgment. It can help reduce reactivity to stress, ease anxiety, and build steady attention. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at patterns of thought and behavior that keep problems going and teaches practical skills to change them. CBT is useful for anxiety, depression, and habit change. Client-Centered Therapy centers the person's experience in the session, using listening and reflection to help people find their own understanding and direction.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Sandra works with each person to see what fits best with their goals and preferences. Early sessions are used to explore patterns, try approaches, and adjust what’s helpful as therapy progresses.

Session logistics for this therapist are not specified in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy life, allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight, and reduce travel time. It also lets people continue work between in-person visits when that is helpful. Licensed professionals can adapt mindfulness and CBT tools for effective work over distance, and Sandra tailors strategies so they work in the context of your everyday routines.

These summaries are based on the profile information listed on BetterHelp. Listing mindfulness as an approach does not mean a therapist holds a formal mindfulness training or certificate.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Sandra address?

She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, eating and addiction concerns, family stress, and coping with life changes. Additional focus areas include codependency, narcissism, personality concerns, and women's issues.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Sandra uses a collaborative, client-centered style. She listens, reflects, and offers practical steps while helping clients access the emotions that affect their choices.

What kind of experience does she bring?

She has 35 years of clinical experience in private practice and in training and supervising interns at nonprofit agencies.

What credentials and region are listed?

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

Which languages and international options are available?

Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.

What session formats are offered?

Specific session formats are not listed in the biography. Confirm current session options before booking to be sure they meet your needs.

How are fees and billing handled?

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

How do I begin working with her?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule based on the therapist's 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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