Sally Walstrom LCSW

Therapy is a journey that begins with what matters most to you – the things you want to change, process, or heal from. We'll start by setting goals together - whether it's making specific changes in your life, finding relief from mental health symptoms, developing new strategies to manage stress, attention, or strong emotions, or just getting a little extra support. It's okay if you don't know where to begin - therapy is all about self-discovery. In my practice, I work from a relational, strengths-based, and insight-oriented framework. This means that our work is centered around you, your understanding of yourself, and your personal story. Whether you want to dive in deep through long-term therapeutic work or just need shorter-term support during a transition or particularly turbulent time in your life, the scope of our work is up to you. I firmly believe that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, I tailor my sessions to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual client. Together, we will explore the underlying issues driving your concerns, and develop practical tools and strategies to help you move towards a more fulfilling and joyful life.

I have over 10 years of experience providing direct services for youth and adults, and have been licensed in California for over 5 years. My approach is trauma-informed, focusing on understanding how trauma and stress affect both the mind and the body. I utilize evidence-based techniques to help clients build resilience and develop effective coping strategies to manage their symptoms. Before I started my private practice, I worked in community mental health settings with youth in foster care and probation, and provided school-based therapy services for elementary, middle and high school students in Oakland and Berkeley. I have extensive clinical experience supporting people with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and disordered eating. I have particularly interest and expertise in working with complex trauma, including sexual violence, human trafficking and sexual exploitation, intimate partner violence and abuse, and abuse and neglect during childhood. I have advanced training in a diverse range of evidence-based therapuetic modalities, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play therapy, creative art-based therapy, narrative therapy, and relational, attachment-focused psychodynamic therapy. I strive to provide high quality, culturally humble, and affirming treatment; to honor the multiple and intersecting identities of my clients; and to hold a lens on our work which recognizes and addresses strengths and values as well as structural, intergenerational, and individual trauma and systemic oppression.

• California, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 82676