it’s time to cultivate meaning and purpose in life. 

Sandy Gordon, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) 129579

“Was life always this hard?,” you might ask.

It can be tough to recall a time when never-ending self-doubt wasn’t the norm.

If you’re committed to growth and are desiring support and guidance…

Then, Let’s explore if I’m the right companion for your journey.

HELLO, I’M SANDY.

ABOUT

I love helping unconventional folks just like you: ones that don’t and can’t fit into any particular box or mold, even if they tried…and my goodness have you tried.

Yet, you’re learning, realizing, you were never meant to fit into a box that others defined for you. You may hesitate to describe yourself as creatively and spiritually-inclined and very curious…or your loved ones might describe you as a thoughtful, caring, sensitive (though not fragile!), and conscientious human being.

Whoever you are and however you may identify, I welcome you. I honor you. You have so much to offer this complex world, your communities, your relationships, yourself, and even if it doesn’t feel like it, you have it within you to feel hopeful and excited for life again, but just may need the support to get there.  

HOW I WORK

I help folks on their journey towards finding clarity and direction by holding space for their process and sharing tools and practices that can help them rediscover connection, meaning, and joy.

Some of today’s approaches for trauma, relationships, and working with youth mainly pathologize the individual and fail to take into account contexts such as historical, political, economic, social, and cultural factors that can impact one’s well-being.

I understand your situation is unique, so by working together in a collaborative approach and by incorporating methods such as feedback-informed treatment (FIT), every step is taken with careful consideration.

First, we assess your individual, interpersonal, social, and overall well-being using FIT. We then score these areas using a visual analog scale to determine their initial state. Next, and depending on the issue that brings you to therapy, we explore and address the specific memories, beliefs, or experiences that have caused you to feel stuck or led to negative patterns and cycles in your relationships. 

We then work together to prioritize which experiences you want to address and/or learn better ways to communicate with your partner for healing and improved communication. Through our collaboration, you will not only learn practices and skills to thrive in your life and relationships, but you will also be supported in cultivating greater compassion, acceptance, and curiosity.

I am dedicated to helping folks on their journey towards flourishing as they define it.

the person behind the therapist

My lived experiences along with my training in trauma, couples and relationships, and working with youth has equipped me with the tools to provide folks with the support, guidance, and care they deserve. Whether you're seeking to cultivate confidence, enhance your connections, or gain clarity in your life, I am committed to assisting you every step of the way.

Yet, at the end of the day, when it comes to seeking professional guidance and support, it can be crucial to have someone who “gets it” and empathizes with the intricate challenges of being human in today's world. It goes beyond mere knowledge and qualifications – it's about connecting with someone who comprehends what it means to navigate life as an extremely curious human, deeply moved by life, beauty, and art, especially if you identify as a neurodivergent queer person of color.

It's about finding solace in someone who has experienced the painful, yet beautiful, struggle of seeking purpose, grappling with the search for meaning, gaining then losing all confidence then gaining it again, establishing connections, navigating depression and trauma, and simply finding one’s place and voice in this vast and complicated world…I get it because I live it myself.

Though everyone’s experience is unique…

I am familiar with the nuances and complexities of moving through this world when navigating multiple identities (being first gen, bicultural, Black, queer, neurodivergent and more) and I know at times it can feel very discouraging, humiliating, isolating, and hopeless, leaving one in a state of despair. I’ve also learned it can be liberating to not really fit in, which leads to creating spaces and experiences of belonging for self and others that result in creativity, resilience, imagination, dreaming, compassion, empathy, resourcefulness, innovation, care, community, and hope.

So when we work together, know you won’t just get a trained therapist. You’ll get someone who gets what it’s like to be in the deepest of waters trying to gasp for air, yet learning how to swim and gleam wisdom when moving through the waters of life.

We can embark on a journey, together, towards growth, improved relationships, self-discovery, and empowerment. You don't have to do this alone - I am here to offer respect for your lived experiences and offer care, guidance, support, and affirmation as you navigate your unique paths.

Together, we can move towards a future where you‘re not only surviving, but accepting, embracing, celebrating and utilizing your strengths in service of creating a world filled with greater compassion, integrity, service, and creativity.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

  • Sandy Sarah Gordon, M.A., AMFT

    Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

    AMFT 129579

    Employed by Heal the Hurt Counseling

    Supervised by Lara Mekhitarian, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

    LMFT 78395

  • Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) fully trained by EMDRIA improved institute

    Feedback-informed Treatment

    Spiritually Integrated therapy

    Emotionally Focused therapy

  • Pacific Oaks College, Pasadena CA August 2021

    Master of Arts, Marriage and Family Therapy

    Specialization, Trauma Studies

    Pacific Oaks College, Pasadena CA August 2018

    Bachelor of Arts, Human Development

    Concentration, Social Change

  • EFIT Essentials: Emotionally Focused Therapy with Individuals Training led by Ali Barbosa Calderon 2024

    Feedback-Informed Treatment (FIT) Intensive Training led by Dr. Scott Miller and colleagues 2023

    EMDR Therapy training and consultation by The Institute for Creative Mindfulness (an EMDRIA-Approved institution) 2023

    Externship in Emotionally Focused Therapy and Advance Core Skills Training led by Dr. Silvina Irwin and Michael Barnett, LPC 2022-2023 (*I’m currently assisting Dr. Silvina and Michael as part of the training team)

    ACPE Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy Training led by Pamela Ayo Yetunde, ThD, and Russell Siler Jones, ThD 2021

  • - Working with Highly Traumatized / Systemically Oppressed Communities

    - Consensual Non-Monogamy and Polyamory

    - Power, Privilege and Cultural Humility

    - The ABCs of working with LGBTQ Clients

    - Gender Socialization & Feminist Therapy

    - Promoting Wellness within LGBTQ+ Families

    - Queer-Affirming Therapy with LGBTQ+ Clients

    - Ethics: Serving Gender Diverse Youth