Welcome! My name is Sara West, and I appreciate you taking the time to review the website for my private therapy practice.

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in the state of California and have been practicing psychotherapy since graduating from Santa Clara University in 1982. I currently own and operate a private therapy practice in San Jose, California.

I have provided therapy to countless individuals, couples, and families during my twenty-plus years in private practice in Silicon Valley and Santa Cruz.

I currently work with individual adults and couples, and the focus of my work is helping men and women who are trying to navigate life's transitions, who may be suffering from depression, anxiety, work-related stress, past or present trauma, alcoholism or chemical dependency, and who are having difficulties in their personal or professional relationships.

Before opening my private practice, I counseled diverse populations in a variety of settings, including counseling individuals, couples, and families at the chemical dependency unit of Santa Cruz's Dominican Hospital and at Sobriety Works in Santa Cruz, where I facilitated groups for women and families.

Over the course of the past ten years, I have received extensive training in the use of the Enneagram as a powerful tool to help people understand themselves and others and effect positive change in order to live healthier, happier lives.

I am connected to my community of fellow therapists through a consultation network that I access on a regular basis. I am also a member in good standing of two professional organizations, and I routinely acquire more units of continuing education than that required by the state licensing board.

How I Approach My Work

Each client who comes into my office can expect to be treated with compassion and respect. From your first contact with me, I will do everything within my power to help you find the services you need and the help you seek.

I personally return all phone calls and e-mails in a timely fashion. I offer a free, initial phone consultation in order to answer your questions and give you the opportunity to make an informed decision about choosing me as your therapist. In the event you find we aren't a good fit, I will gladly provide referrals to colleagues who may better suit your needs.

My goal as a therapist is to create a relationship with my clients based on mutual honesty and respect, as well as knowledge and compassion. I will strive to ensure you feel supported and heard, learn new coping skills, and begin letting go of behaviors that aren't serving you so you can move forward in life with confidence that you are on the right path for you.

I enjoy engaging deeply with a variety of people and helping them reduce distress and dysfunction, support positive growth and change, and create and enjoy the life they want to live. I take great pride in calling myself a "psychotherapist" and I love the work I do.

If you have any questions or are interested in scheduling a consultation, I encourage you to contact me by phone at 408-257-2515, or by e-mail at sara@sarawesttherapy.com. I look forward to meeting you, but the person you're really going to meet is yourself!

Educational Milestones

• 1982 — Received M.A. in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling from Santa Clara University

Professional Association Memberships

• The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) — Clinical member
• The Santa Clara Valley Chapter of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (SCV-CAMFT) — Clinical member, current board member, and previous committee chair

Please don't hesitate to contact me with your questions. I may be reached by phone at 408-257-2515 or by e-mail at sara@sarawesttherapy.com. I look forward to speaking with you!