About Sara Fischer Sanford
Focus areas
Adolescent / Teen Issues
Divorce Counseling
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Adult Psychotherapy
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Therapy
Couples Therapy
Narcissistic Abuse Recovery
Clientele seen
Teenagers (13-17)
Seniors (65+)
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Attachment-based
Compassion Focused
Clinical Supervision and Licensed Supervisors
Culturally Sensitive
Identity
Gender
FemaleSexuality
StraightEthnicity
White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Sara Fischer Sanford
Many of the people I work with have been through a lot- emotionally, physically, and within your relationships. You may look like you’re holding it together on the outside, while inside you feel stuck, anxious, shut down, or disconnected from who you used to be. Trauma, whether recent or long past, can quietly shape how you show up in your relationships, your work, and your body. Therapy is a space to begin untangling that.
I specialize in working with adults who have a history of trauma, including childhood abuse, sexual assault, medical trauma, family estrangement, and high-conflict relationships. I also support people navigating the emotional aftermath of divorce, grief, and complex family systems. Many of my clients are high-functioning, deeply empathetic people who are exhausted from carrying it all.
My approach is collaborative, warm, and grounded in nervous system awareness. I integrate somatic, relational, and evidence-based methods to help you come back into connection with yourself — not just intellectually, but emotionally and physically. You don’t have to explain everything right away. Together, we move at your pace.
You can text me between sessions (HIPAA-compliant), and I offer both in-person sessions in the Castro and telehealth across California. I strive to create a space where you feel safe to be real — and where lasting healing can happen.
If you’ve tried therapy before and felt unseen, unsupported, or overwhelmed, you’re not alone. I offer something different. Let’s talk about what you need.
Reach out today to schedule a free phone consultation.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Starting therapy can feel vulnerable — especially if you've had past experiences where you didn’t feel fully seen, heard, or supported. My clients often come to me carrying complex trauma histories, big emotions, and a deep longing for change. They’re tired of just “coping” and ready to feel more connected to themselves and the life they want to live.
What I want you to know is: you don’t have to perform in therapy. You don’t have to be “healed” quickly. You don’t need to have the perfect words for what you’re feeling. I meet you where you are — whether that’s messy, numb, anxious, grieving, or somewhere in between.
I work in a trauma-informed, somatic, and relational way. That means I pay attention to your nervous system, your body’s cues, and the protective strategies you’ve developed over time — not to pathologize them, but to understand them with compassion. Therapy with me often includes slowing down, getting curious, and noticing what your body is trying to tell you. Sometimes words aren’t enough, and that’s okay.
Clients have described me as calm, steady, intuitive, and real. I bring warmth, a sense of groundedness, and a deep respect for your pace. I’m not here to give quick fixes — I’m here to offer a safe, consistent relationship that allows for real, lasting change.
You can also text me between sessions (HIPAA-compliant) — because sometimes support in real time makes all the difference.
If you've felt like traditional therapy missed the mark or left you feeling misunderstood, you're not alone. I offer something different: a space where your story makes sense, where your emotions are welcome, and where healing happens in connection.
Ready to start? Reach out and let's get started working together to find a healthier and happier version of you. If you aren't sure what that looks or feels like, we can find that together.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Our work together starts with you — your pace, your comfort level, and your lived experience.
During our first few sessions, I focus on getting to know you — not just your symptoms or struggles, but your strengths, your story, and how your nervous system has adapted to help you survive. We’ll talk about what brings you to therapy now, explore your goals, and identify the kinds of support that feel helpful (and the kinds that don’t). You don’t have to dive into everything right away. Building trust is part of the work.
I specialize in trauma-informed therapy, which means I’m always paying attention to safety, choice, and pacing. I don’t push or pathologize — instead, I create a space where you can be curious about your patterns, begin to feel what’s been shut down, and reconnect with parts of yourself that may feel distant or lost. We may notice what’s happening in your body, not just in your thoughts. That’s often where the healing begins.
As we continue, therapy may include a mix of talk, somatic awareness, inner child work, boundaries practice, or resourcing — depending on what’s most supportive for you. Some weeks may feel emotional and deep; others may feel lighter or more practical. All of it is welcome.
Between sessions, you’re welcome to text me (HIPAA-compliant) — whether it’s to check in, share a thought, or remind yourself you’re not alone. Therapy doesn’t have to live only in the room.
My clients often say our work feels different than therapy they’ve had before — more relational, slower, and more attuned. If you’ve tried therapy in the past and left feeling unseen or discouraged, please know it’s not too late. I offer a different kind of space — one that honors all of you.
If this sounds like what you’re looking for, I’d love to connect. Reach out today for a free consultation or schedule a session and we can jump in immediately. There is no reason to delay feeling better. You have suffered long enough.
Sara Fischer Sanford, LCSW is not in-network with any insurances
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $185 for 60 minutes
Ongoing session: $185 for 60 minutes
- Sliding scale: Offers lower out-of-pocket fees on an individual basis, typically based on your ability to pay
More information on payments and coverage
My practice is INSURANCE FRIENDLY! I can help you access your out-of-network benefits if applicable. Please inquire for more details.
Office location
Sara Fischer Sanford, LCSW also offers online video visits for patients
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Kennesaw State University, Master's in Clinical Social Work
- Vanderbilt University (Bachelor's)
Professional memberships
- National Association of Social Workers
NPI number
1982379376
How soon can I make an appointment with Sara Fischer Sanford?
Generally, Sara Fischer Sanford has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Sara Fischer Sanford's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Sara Fischer Sanford accepting new patients?
Sara Fischer Sanford generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Sara Fischer Sanford's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Sara Fischer Sanford accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Sara Fischer Sanford is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Sara Fischer Sanford online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Sara Fischer Sanford using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Sara Fischer Sanford work with?
Sara Fischer Sanford works with Sara Sanford Therapy.
Where is Sara Fischer Sanford's office located?
Sara Fischer Sanford has 3 office locations in San Francisco, view full addresses on Sara Fischer Sanford's profile.
What are common reasons for patients to see Sara Fischer Sanford?
Sara Fischer Sanford frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Sara Fischer Sanford on their profile.
What languages does Sara Fischer Sanford speak?
Sara Fischer Sanford speaks English.