Jewish Therapists in Cardiff By The Sea, CA
You may appear to be functioning well on the outside, yet internally feel anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or caught in painful relationship patterns. Many of my clients struggle with betrayal trauma, codependency, love addiction, emotional neglect, or the effects of addiction within the family. You might feel exhausted from repeating the same cycles, doubting your reality, or losing yourself while trying to care for others.
With 28 years as a Marriage and Family Therapist, I offer a structured, compassionate, and direct approach. My work focuses on developmental trauma, attachment repair, boundaries, self-worth, and relationshi
You may appear to be functioning well on the outside, yet internally feel anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or caught in painful relationship patterns. Many of my clients struggle with betrayal trauma, codependency, love addiction, emotional neglect, or the effects of addiction within the family. You might feel exhausted from repeating the same cycles, doubting your reality, or losing yourself while trying to care for others.
With 28 years as a Marriage and Family Therapist, I offer a structured, compassionate, and direct approach. My work focuses on developmental trauma, attachment repair, boundaries, self-worth, and relationshi
I strive to provide a space where you feel safe to fully explore all parts of your emotional life. My hope is that therapy gives you an opportunity to genuinely better understand yourself and those you are closest to. I offer a compassionate, down-to-earth, and direct perspective. My approach is integrative and I incorporate different methods from therapeutic approaches that I find most helpful. To me, my role as a therapist is to support you in whatever it is that challenges you and your relationships, and to offer you the tools and perspective to find healing in your life.
I strive to provide a space where you feel safe to fully explore all parts of your emotional life. My hope is that therapy gives you an opportunity to genuinely better understand yourself and those you are closest to. I offer a compassionate, down-to-earth, and direct perspective. My approach is integrative and I incorporate different methods from therapeutic approaches that I find most helpful. To me, my role as a therapist is to support you in whatever it is that challenges you and your relationships, and to offer you the tools and perspective to find healing in your life.
Throughout my career as a therapist, I have worked with individuals, families, and couples to navigate through difficult times. With compassion and understanding, I work to create a warm and safe environment so that each individual can build upon their strengths in order to attain the personal growth that they are committed to accomplishing in their lives. In a collaborative environment, support and practical feedback will be offered that effectively addresses personal life challenges. I incorporate complimentary techniques to offer a tailored approach that is personalized to each client.
Throughout my career as a therapist, I have worked with individuals, families, and couples to navigate through difficult times. With compassion and understanding, I work to create a warm and safe environment so that each individual can build upon their strengths in order to attain the personal growth that they are committed to accomplishing in their lives. In a collaborative environment, support and practical feedback will be offered that effectively addresses personal life challenges. I incorporate complimentary techniques to offer a tailored approach that is personalized to each client.
Are your loved ones labeling you angry, controlling or abusive? What are these harsh labels and how can we uncover what leads one to becoming controlling? Could it be related to neurodivergence (ND)? Trust issues? You being abused yourself? We're all human and our behavior does not define us. I have a passion for supporting clients & families navigating abuse/control issues and ND/autism-related challenges. As a former special education teacher, I understand these complex dynamics and also work with couples navigating how ND can impact communication. I offer sliding-scale options- everyone deserves access to quality therapy.
Are your loved ones labeling you angry, controlling or abusive? What are these harsh labels and how can we uncover what leads one to becoming controlling? Could it be related to neurodivergence (ND)? Trust issues? You being abused yourself? We're all human and our behavior does not define us. I have a passion for supporting clients & families navigating abuse/control issues and ND/autism-related challenges. As a former special education teacher, I understand these complex dynamics and also work with couples navigating how ND can impact communication. I offer sliding-scale options- everyone deserves access to quality therapy.
Hi there, I'm Lori! I'm glad you're here and taking the time to explore what your next steps might be. Reaching out for support is an important decision, and I want to personally Welcome YOU. My therapeutic approach is grounded in Attachment Theory and Trauma-Informed Care, recognizing how our relationships, experiences, and life events shape the way we view ourselves and connect with others. I believe healing occurs within a safe, trusting, and collaborative therapeutic relationship where clients feel supported while working together.
Hi there, I'm Lori! I'm glad you're here and taking the time to explore what your next steps might be. Reaching out for support is an important decision, and I want to personally Welcome YOU. My therapeutic approach is grounded in Attachment Theory and Trauma-Informed Care, recognizing how our relationships, experiences, and life events shape the way we view ourselves and connect with others. I believe healing occurs within a safe, trusting, and collaborative therapeutic relationship where clients feel supported while working together.
Lately, you’ve been reacting in ways that don’t feel like you. You're snapping faster, overthinking everything, struggling to relax even when you get a moment. You keep telling yourself you should be able to handle this, but something feels off. Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or deep in motherhood, things feel louder, harder, and more constant than they used to. You’re still showing up, but quietly wondering, "what is happening to me?" It's exhausting trying to keep up appearances when you feel this way inside. I help moms in this exact place slow things down, make sense of what’s underneath, and start feeling steady again.
Lately, you’ve been reacting in ways that don’t feel like you. You're snapping faster, overthinking everything, struggling to relax even when you get a moment. You keep telling yourself you should be able to handle this, but something feels off. Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or deep in motherhood, things feel louder, harder, and more constant than they used to. You’re still showing up, but quietly wondering, "what is happening to me?" It's exhausting trying to keep up appearances when you feel this way inside. I help moms in this exact place slow things down, make sense of what’s underneath, and start feeling steady again.
I help adolescents and adults navigate difficulties in their lives. Some of the treatment areas in which I work relate to identity (e.g., LGBTQ+ individuals), anxiety, transitions, values, trauma, and mood. My goal is to create an open and safe environment from which to explore, process, and learn. It is an honor to get to know you and to work collaboratively to address whatever brings you to therapy. I look forward to speaking with you.
I help adolescents and adults navigate difficulties in their lives. Some of the treatment areas in which I work relate to identity (e.g., LGBTQ+ individuals), anxiety, transitions, values, trauma, and mood. My goal is to create an open and safe environment from which to explore, process, and learn. It is an honor to get to know you and to work collaboratively to address whatever brings you to therapy. I look forward to speaking with you.
Aloha my name is Laurie Sanford. I have worked as a clinician for over 30 years, 15 of which has been as a clinical psychologist.I have been priviledged to teach in a doctoral clinical psychology program as well as to provide in-training psychotherapy to psychiatry residents at Tripler Army Medical Center. I specialize in individual and couples' therapy. My work is informed by training at the Stone Center at Wellesley College and at Harvard Medical School, where I was supervised by Trauma expert, Dr. Judith Herman. I have practices in San Diego California and Honolulu Hawaii.
Aloha my name is Laurie Sanford. I have worked as a clinician for over 30 years, 15 of which has been as a clinical psychologist.I have been priviledged to teach in a doctoral clinical psychology program as well as to provide in-training psychotherapy to psychiatry residents at Tripler Army Medical Center. I specialize in individual and couples' therapy. My work is informed by training at the Stone Center at Wellesley College and at Harvard Medical School, where I was supervised by Trauma expert, Dr. Judith Herman. I have practices in San Diego California and Honolulu Hawaii.
More Therapists Nearby
Everyone encounters challenges in life. If you're navigating feelings of sadness, anxiety, loss, or undergoing transitions in health or in relationships, reaching out to a compassionate professional can provide clarity and relief. With over 25 years of experience, I offer a safe, confidential space where we can work together. I specialize in helping adults cope with stress, grief, anxiety, depression, and the complexities of life transitions.
Everyone encounters challenges in life. If you're navigating feelings of sadness, anxiety, loss, or undergoing transitions in health or in relationships, reaching out to a compassionate professional can provide clarity and relief. With over 25 years of experience, I offer a safe, confidential space where we can work together. I specialize in helping adults cope with stress, grief, anxiety, depression, and the complexities of life transitions.
Do your feelings of sadness, anxiety, shame, irritability or jealousy overwhelm you? Do you feel stuck or doubtful of yourself? You are not alone! In treatment, I aim to provide a safe and non-judgmental space, where we can identify your goals, work through the challenges in your life, and practice acceptance, self care, and self validation. Accepting the process of change may feel frightening and overwhelming, it is my goal to be beside you as you embark on a journey of growth and clarity.
Do your feelings of sadness, anxiety, shame, irritability or jealousy overwhelm you? Do you feel stuck or doubtful of yourself? You are not alone! In treatment, I aim to provide a safe and non-judgmental space, where we can identify your goals, work through the challenges in your life, and practice acceptance, self care, and self validation. Accepting the process of change may feel frightening and overwhelming, it is my goal to be beside you as you embark on a journey of growth and clarity.
I'm licensed in New York, California, and Florida and have over the 30 years of experience in the field of social work and mental health. My private practice is based on three principles which are building rapport, trust, and chemistry. Together we identify cognitive distortions and maladaptive behaviors and employ behavioral strategies to achieve the goal of greater peace of mind. I have a solution based approach to help you feel better and make progress in your personal journey. We will work on building a trusting environment and a safe place where you can share your story. I look forward to working with you to improve your life.
I'm licensed in New York, California, and Florida and have over the 30 years of experience in the field of social work and mental health. My private practice is based on three principles which are building rapport, trust, and chemistry. Together we identify cognitive distortions and maladaptive behaviors and employ behavioral strategies to achieve the goal of greater peace of mind. I have a solution based approach to help you feel better and make progress in your personal journey. We will work on building a trusting environment and a safe place where you can share your story. I look forward to working with you to improve your life.
“I hate my body.” If you’re struggling with an eating disorder, body dysmorphia, or disordered eating habits, these statements may sound familiar. A challenging relationship with food and body image can be debilitating and all-consuming. What you may be surprised to discover is that your obsession with weight, constant battle with eating, and urges to use self-destructive food behaviors are actually not about food or weight! They are, however, symptoms of deeper internal conflicts and emotional dysregulation - trauma, depression, anxiety, oppression, family turmoil, and low self-esteem. This is where I can help.
“I hate my body.” If you’re struggling with an eating disorder, body dysmorphia, or disordered eating habits, these statements may sound familiar. A challenging relationship with food and body image can be debilitating and all-consuming. What you may be surprised to discover is that your obsession with weight, constant battle with eating, and urges to use self-destructive food behaviors are actually not about food or weight! They are, however, symptoms of deeper internal conflicts and emotional dysregulation - trauma, depression, anxiety, oppression, family turmoil, and low self-esteem. This is where I can help.
Sandra Milstein-Ostrom
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
5 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just not yourself lately? Have you been this way for a while?
You’re not alone—and you don’t have to keep pretending everything’s fine when it isn’t. Maybe you’re weighed down by worry, whether it’s about your relationships, lack of purpose, finances, body image, or sleep. You might find yourself comparing your life to others, wondering why they seem to have it all together while you’re struggling just to get through the day.
If you’re tired of feeling tired, of carrying the weight alone, and feeling like you're stuck—it’s okay to ask for support. It's hard to go at it alone...you don't have to!
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just not yourself lately? Have you been this way for a while?
You’re not alone—and you don’t have to keep pretending everything’s fine when it isn’t. Maybe you’re weighed down by worry, whether it’s about your relationships, lack of purpose, finances, body image, or sleep. You might find yourself comparing your life to others, wondering why they seem to have it all together while you’re struggling just to get through the day.
If you’re tired of feeling tired, of carrying the weight alone, and feeling like you're stuck—it’s okay to ask for support. It's hard to go at it alone...you don't have to!
Becoming a new parent can be both exciting and deeply challenging. Many people are not fully prepared for the emotional, physical, and relational demands of parenthood until they are already in the midst of it. This major life transition can bring anxiety, stress, and unexpected emotions, especially when adjusting to returning to work, navigating relationship strain, bonding with your baby, or reflecting on your own upbringing. Experiences such as pregnancy loss, birth trauma, or a difficult delivery can make this time feel even more overwhelming. With professional support, it is possible to feel more grounded and supported.
Becoming a new parent can be both exciting and deeply challenging. Many people are not fully prepared for the emotional, physical, and relational demands of parenthood until they are already in the midst of it. This major life transition can bring anxiety, stress, and unexpected emotions, especially when adjusting to returning to work, navigating relationship strain, bonding with your baby, or reflecting on your own upbringing. Experiences such as pregnancy loss, birth trauma, or a difficult delivery can make this time feel even more overwhelming. With professional support, it is possible to feel more grounded and supported.
I am also committed to providing culturally responsive care for the Jewish community, offering a supportive space to explore identity, belonging, and the impact of antisemitism.
I'm Mai, AMFT (159934). I provide virtual therapy in California to teens, adults, and couples looking to improve their relationships to themselves or others.
Using Gottman and EFT, I work with couples to help you understand your patterns, explore intimacy, communicate more effectively, and break cycles of conflict and disconnection.
I also work with teens and adults who feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, overthinking, perfectionism, or burnout. Even when things appear fine on paper, you may still feel exhausted, disconnected from yourself, or unsure of what you truly want in dating, career, or friendships.
I am also committed to providing culturally responsive care for the Jewish community, offering a supportive space to explore identity, belonging, and the impact of antisemitism.
I'm Mai, AMFT (159934). I provide virtual therapy in California to teens, adults, and couples looking to improve their relationships to themselves or others.
Using Gottman and EFT, I work with couples to help you understand your patterns, explore intimacy, communicate more effectively, and break cycles of conflict and disconnection.
I also work with teens and adults who feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, overthinking, perfectionism, or burnout. Even when things appear fine on paper, you may still feel exhausted, disconnected from yourself, or unsure of what you truly want in dating, career, or friendships.
If you've found me here then you must be gearing up to make some changes in your life. Maybe you're worrying too much and happy too little. Maybe you're feeling lost, hopeless, or in a rut. Wherever you are, you've decided you want to feel better and be better, and you've shown the courage to ask for support. What a wonderful thing. My work with you will be collaborative, caring, and non-judgmental. I will help you reconnect to your inner-resources and strengths, to build new coping skills and problem-solving strategies, and to then apply those new ways of "being" in order to live a life that feels fulfilling and joyful to you.
If you've found me here then you must be gearing up to make some changes in your life. Maybe you're worrying too much and happy too little. Maybe you're feeling lost, hopeless, or in a rut. Wherever you are, you've decided you want to feel better and be better, and you've shown the courage to ask for support. What a wonderful thing. My work with you will be collaborative, caring, and non-judgmental. I will help you reconnect to your inner-resources and strengths, to build new coping skills and problem-solving strategies, and to then apply those new ways of "being" in order to live a life that feels fulfilling and joyful to you.
My hope is that all of my clients will begin to approach both themselves and their world with more gentleness. With so many beautiful moments to capture, do you ever stop and notice what it is that you attend to? These are the things that are filling your life. I believe that small moments are actually opportunities to develop more peaceful encounters with ourselves. Fortunately, we can recreate the way we speak to ourselves. I have over fifteen years of experience and have treated children, adolescents and adults with trauma, depression, anxiety and learning differences.
My hope is that all of my clients will begin to approach both themselves and their world with more gentleness. With so many beautiful moments to capture, do you ever stop and notice what it is that you attend to? These are the things that are filling your life. I believe that small moments are actually opportunities to develop more peaceful encounters with ourselves. Fortunately, we can recreate the way we speak to ourselves. I have over fifteen years of experience and have treated children, adolescents and adults with trauma, depression, anxiety and learning differences.
With the current rise of antisemitism world wide, I have also expanded my focus on helping Jewish individuals struggling with the personal and intergenerational impacts of antisemitism.
Have you spent your life trying to be “the strong one,” holding everything together while quietly falling apart inside? I work with adults who look like they have it all together, high-achieving, responsible, and driven, but who carry an exhausting inner world of self-criticism, pressure, and quiet pain. Many are professionals who’ve learned to survive by pushing harder, achieving more, and never letting their guard down. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or trapped in an endless loop of self-doubt, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to keep doing this alone.
Therapy isn’t about fixing you, because you are not broken.
With the current rise of antisemitism world wide, I have also expanded my focus on helping Jewish individuals struggling with the personal and intergenerational impacts of antisemitism.
Have you spent your life trying to be “the strong one,” holding everything together while quietly falling apart inside? I work with adults who look like they have it all together, high-achieving, responsible, and driven, but who carry an exhausting inner world of self-criticism, pressure, and quiet pain. Many are professionals who’ve learned to survive by pushing harder, achieving more, and never letting their guard down. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or trapped in an endless loop of self-doubt, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to keep doing this alone.
Therapy isn’t about fixing you, because you are not broken.
Hello! I am Dr. Melissa Kae, a licensed psychologist offering online therapy in California. Are you struggling with clarifying your identity or with fitting into the LGBTQ+ community? Are you struggling with anxiety, self doubt, beating yourself up mentally or having low self esteem? Have you been feeling overwhelmed, struggling with perfectionism or have difficulty making active choices in your life? I can help you manage these difficulties more effectively to achieve better balance, improve relationships and get to the core of unresolved difficult experiences.
Hello! I am Dr. Melissa Kae, a licensed psychologist offering online therapy in California. Are you struggling with clarifying your identity or with fitting into the LGBTQ+ community? Are you struggling with anxiety, self doubt, beating yourself up mentally or having low self esteem? Have you been feeling overwhelmed, struggling with perfectionism or have difficulty making active choices in your life? I can help you manage these difficulties more effectively to achieve better balance, improve relationships and get to the core of unresolved difficult experiences.
Committed to an AI-FREE practice.
If you are exploring identity, especially sexuality, gender, race, culture, or religion, I offer a space where your questions can be met with care, respect, and experience. You may be multiracial, from an interfaith family, part of more than one culture, or feel like you live in the both/and of belonging. Many people navigating this have also experienced trauma or concerns about substance use. I help you claim your identity while building skills to stay grounded, regulate emotions, and move through pain without disconnecting from yourself.
Committed to an AI-FREE practice.
If you are exploring identity, especially sexuality, gender, race, culture, or religion, I offer a space where your questions can be met with care, respect, and experience. You may be multiracial, from an interfaith family, part of more than one culture, or feel like you live in the both/and of belonging. Many people navigating this have also experienced trauma or concerns about substance use. I help you claim your identity while building skills to stay grounded, regulate emotions, and move through pain without disconnecting from yourself.
See more therapy options for Cardiff By The Sea
Nearby Jewish Therapists Searches for Cardiff By The Sea
- Del Mar
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- La Jolla
- Oceanside
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Diego
- San Marcos
- Santee
- Solana Beach
- Vista
Jewish Therapists
Why is it important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive?
Therapists and clients don’t need to share the same background to be able to work together, but a therapist whose training includes a focus on cultural competence may be better able to form a therapeutic bond with individuals from a range of backgrounds, as they will have experience tailoring their approach to each client—and will be prepared to acknowledge and consider the effects of cultural forces, such as discrimination, that may contribute to that client’s concerns. With a professional who has such training, a client should feel comfortable discussing sensitive issues without feeling that they need to self-censor.
How can I recognize an effective Jewish therapist?
As with members of any religious or ethnic group, just because two people happen to be Jewish does not guarantee that they will share the same values, knowledge, or experiences. A Jewish client seeking a therapist who shares their cultural identity, or for whom it’s important that a therapist share their religious beliefs, may want to discuss a professional’s Jewish background with them before beginning therapy. For someone who seeks justification for major life changes in their religious tradition, or in biblical writings, finding a therapist who is comfortable framing guidance in that context may be especially valuable.
Would a Jewish therapist have unique training?
No, but they should have the same training and certification as any other mental health professional, as well as experience with a range of evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or mindfulness-based therapy. A therapist with this type of experience should be able to help any client feel comfortable and safe, which is essential for a therapeutic alliance. Once this is established, a potential client may want to find out more about the therapist’s Jewish background.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with Jewish clients?
A client can directly ask a therapist if they have extensive experience working with Jewish clients and if so, whether these individuals sought counseling for faith-related issues or marital or familial issues in which their Jewish background was a factor. A client may also wish to ask a potential therapist whether they incorporate Jewish teachings and values into their own professional work.
Who is included in Psychology Today’s directory of Jewish therapists?
The directory of Jewish therapists includes professionals who have opted to share their cultural background on their profiles. However, not all therapists choose to disclose their background, and they may not appear in search results for this reason.The directory also shows therapists who indicate that they have extensive experience working with Jewish clients and/or communities.