Menopause Therapists in Cardiff, CA
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.
As a parent of five, including two children with Autism and one with ADHD, I understand the love, advocacy, exhaustion, and isolation that can come with parenting medically complex and neurodivergent children. I see you. I work with parents and caregivers navigating chronic medical needs, diagnoses, school challenges, caregiving stress, relationship strain, and emotional overwhelm. Together, we create space to process difficult emotions, reduce burnout, strengthen relationships, and find support through life’s challenges.
As a parent of five, including two children with Autism and one with ADHD, I understand the love, advocacy, exhaustion, and isolation that can come with parenting medically complex and neurodivergent children. I see you. I work with parents and caregivers navigating chronic medical needs, diagnoses, school challenges, caregiving stress, relationship strain, and emotional overwhelm. Together, we create space to process difficult emotions, reduce burnout, strengthen relationships, and find support through life’s challenges.
You came into a committed partnership knowing there would be peaks and valleys. You shared your dreams about the future together, creating a roadmap. You talked about whether or not you'd have children. You witnessed the differences between your family's of origin and wondered if it would get in the way of your togetherness. You shared some of your past and the wounds you might be carrying. Here you are, years into your partnership feeling disconnected, resentful, struggling with intimacy, and wondering if you will find a deep connection with one another again. What happened to the loving relationship you once had?
You came into a committed partnership knowing there would be peaks and valleys. You shared your dreams about the future together, creating a roadmap. You talked about whether or not you'd have children. You witnessed the differences between your family's of origin and wondered if it would get in the way of your togetherness. You shared some of your past and the wounds you might be carrying. Here you are, years into your partnership feeling disconnected, resentful, struggling with intimacy, and wondering if you will find a deep connection with one another again. What happened to the loving relationship you once had?
Accepting New Clients! 30+ years of counseling experience. "I just want to be happy"- This is the goal of therapy. Client-centered Solution Focused Therapy. Specializing in Relationship Therapy, Depression/Anxiety, Trauma, Stress Management, Parenting, Divorce issues.
Accepting New Clients! 30+ years of counseling experience. "I just want to be happy"- This is the goal of therapy. Client-centered Solution Focused Therapy. Specializing in Relationship Therapy, Depression/Anxiety, Trauma, Stress Management, Parenting, Divorce issues.
Are you having trouble with your relationships, feeling stuck in your life, depressed, not having a purpose, suffering, or having problematic patterns you continue to repeat in your life? These are some of the issues that bring people to wanting psychotherapy. My style is warm, supportive, and interactive, with a focus on empathy, authenticity, and openness. I enjoy helping individuals, couples, teens, and young women who want to achieve a more satisfying, and productive life, while learning new skills. I will be a constant and loyal witness to your growth, happiness and self realization.
Are you having trouble with your relationships, feeling stuck in your life, depressed, not having a purpose, suffering, or having problematic patterns you continue to repeat in your life? These are some of the issues that bring people to wanting psychotherapy. My style is warm, supportive, and interactive, with a focus on empathy, authenticity, and openness. I enjoy helping individuals, couples, teens, and young women who want to achieve a more satisfying, and productive life, while learning new skills. I will be a constant and loyal witness to your growth, happiness and self realization.
Accepting new clients! I provide a safe, confidential space for individuals, couples, and families navigating stress and life transitions such as finishing school and starting college. Challenges at work, school, or home can impact overall happiness-and you don’t have to face them alone. Together, we will piece together your needs and your child’s needs to create a clear plan for success. With over 20 years as an educator and therapist in schools, I specialize in connecting with teens, and young adults and offering practical skills you can use right away to help your family thrive.
Accepting new clients! I provide a safe, confidential space for individuals, couples, and families navigating stress and life transitions such as finishing school and starting college. Challenges at work, school, or home can impact overall happiness-and you don’t have to face them alone. Together, we will piece together your needs and your child’s needs to create a clear plan for success. With over 20 years as an educator and therapist in schools, I specialize in connecting with teens, and young adults and offering practical skills you can use right away to help your family thrive.
I take people on a journey of initiation and reclamation to remember their true essence. My own path has involved listening within and following my heart's guidance. This allows me to offer a unique perspective aimed at healing and stepping into your wholeness. I received my master's degree in Counseling Psychology from University of San Francisco and have over ten years of experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse issues, and life transitions.
I take people on a journey of initiation and reclamation to remember their true essence. My own path has involved listening within and following my heart's guidance. This allows me to offer a unique perspective aimed at healing and stepping into your wholeness. I received my master's degree in Counseling Psychology from University of San Francisco and have over ten years of experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse issues, and life transitions.
Life is full of challenges and you don’t have to face them alone. I enjoy helping people who are experiencing depression or anxiety, issues with self-worth or body image and/or relationship issues. I am also passionate about helping people to heal trauma, recent or past, big or small. Any combination of these things can be brought to therapy and worked through, to the extent that you desire. I will work with you to move through whatever you are facing. I believe that you are unique & that the solutions to your life challenges are unique to you, we will find those solutions together.
Life is full of challenges and you don’t have to face them alone. I enjoy helping people who are experiencing depression or anxiety, issues with self-worth or body image and/or relationship issues. I am also passionate about helping people to heal trauma, recent or past, big or small. Any combination of these things can be brought to therapy and worked through, to the extent that you desire. I will work with you to move through whatever you are facing. I believe that you are unique & that the solutions to your life challenges are unique to you, we will find those solutions together.
Life is relationship. Most people come to therapy because something in their relationships no longer feels the way they want it to. You may feel misunderstood by your partner, disconnected from your family, overwhelmed by work, or simply alone. You may long for more harmony, greater peace, or a deeper sense of connection. Whatever brings you here, you don't have to work through it alone. Together, we can explore what's getting in the way and help you move toward a life that feels more satisfying, connected, and true to who you are.
Life is relationship. Most people come to therapy because something in their relationships no longer feels the way they want it to. You may feel misunderstood by your partner, disconnected from your family, overwhelmed by work, or simply alone. You may long for more harmony, greater peace, or a deeper sense of connection. Whatever brings you here, you don't have to work through it alone. Together, we can explore what's getting in the way and help you move toward a life that feels more satisfying, connected, and true to who you are.
Seeking out support for yourself or for your child is a courageous act, and one that is full of hope. Childhood and parenting can be tremendously challenging, and you do not need to figure out all of the pieces alone. I would be honored to work alongside you, providing a safe environment to share your story, gently face and move through challenges, and develop solutions that will bring you and your child relief and allow you both to thrive.
Seeking out support for yourself or for your child is a courageous act, and one that is full of hope. Childhood and parenting can be tremendously challenging, and you do not need to figure out all of the pieces alone. I would be honored to work alongside you, providing a safe environment to share your story, gently face and move through challenges, and develop solutions that will bring you and your child relief and allow you both to thrive.
I am accepting new clients for in person therapy!
Are you feeling stuck or disconnected from yourself? Do you struggle to identify and express your emotions, leaving you feeling alone, isolated, or hopeless? You may be longing for love, acceptance, and meaningful connection but feel unsure how to take the first step. My ideal clients are women navigating depression, anxiety, identity development, and life transitions. I am especially passionate about working with members of the LGBTQ+ community and providing affirming, inclusive care.
I am accepting new clients for in person therapy!
Are you feeling stuck or disconnected from yourself? Do you struggle to identify and express your emotions, leaving you feeling alone, isolated, or hopeless? You may be longing for love, acceptance, and meaningful connection but feel unsure how to take the first step. My ideal clients are women navigating depression, anxiety, identity development, and life transitions. I am especially passionate about working with members of the LGBTQ+ community and providing affirming, inclusive care.
Do you feel out of sorts, weighed down, stressed by everyday life or by some specific issues that you don't seem to be able to resolve? I can help you identify what is getting in your way and preventing you from fulfilling your aspirations and reaching your goals. I'll help you focus on the alterations needed so your life becomes happy, serene and exciting. It is often how we think that prevents us from finding solutions. Talking things out with an empathic other helps, and friends do. But they often project themselves into your situation and give you advice from THEIR perspective . A good therapist sees things through YOUR eyes.
Do you feel out of sorts, weighed down, stressed by everyday life or by some specific issues that you don't seem to be able to resolve? I can help you identify what is getting in your way and preventing you from fulfilling your aspirations and reaching your goals. I'll help you focus on the alterations needed so your life becomes happy, serene and exciting. It is often how we think that prevents us from finding solutions. Talking things out with an empathic other helps, and friends do. But they often project themselves into your situation and give you advice from THEIR perspective . A good therapist sees things through YOUR eyes.
You may feel heavy, tense, restless, or as if you’ve been carrying everything inside for far too long, bracing against a world that feels unpredictable or unsafe. Effort, thought, or explanation may no longer reach the place that aches. I work in a quiet, body-based, and collaborative way that meets suffering where it lives—beneath words, in the nervous system itself. Therapy isn’t about fixing you; it’s about coming home to yourself. Over time, safety returns, agency rebuilds, and as you create well-being from within, the world begins to meet you differently—you feel included, connected, and fully at home in life rather than apart
You may feel heavy, tense, restless, or as if you’ve been carrying everything inside for far too long, bracing against a world that feels unpredictable or unsafe. Effort, thought, or explanation may no longer reach the place that aches. I work in a quiet, body-based, and collaborative way that meets suffering where it lives—beneath words, in the nervous system itself. Therapy isn’t about fixing you; it’s about coming home to yourself. Over time, safety returns, agency rebuilds, and as you create well-being from within, the world begins to meet you differently—you feel included, connected, and fully at home in life rather than apart
More Therapists Nearby
Confusion, uncertainty, and indecision stop us in our tracks... and we can live there for decades, frozen. I specialize in tending to that precious flame so you can get back to LIVING.
I'm a trauma therapist with the goal of supporting more clarity and calm using experiential, body based, relational psychotherapy. From grief to anxiety to existential questions, I collaborate with my clients in the creative process of developing thriving relationships and more meaningful, fulfilling lives. We'll navigate inner turmoil to find grounded clarity from within, leaving you with increased ease and a greater appreciation for self.
Confusion, uncertainty, and indecision stop us in our tracks... and we can live there for decades, frozen. I specialize in tending to that precious flame so you can get back to LIVING.
I'm a trauma therapist with the goal of supporting more clarity and calm using experiential, body based, relational psychotherapy. From grief to anxiety to existential questions, I collaborate with my clients in the creative process of developing thriving relationships and more meaningful, fulfilling lives. We'll navigate inner turmoil to find grounded clarity from within, leaving you with increased ease and a greater appreciation for self.
Negative thoughts and feelings can seem overwhelming, and at times even become unbearable. Often they are the root cause of the issues that prompt someone to seek outside help. Using research-proven approaches, I help people understand what triggers these feelings and together we work on strategies for managing and reducing them. Therapy is tailored to an individual's specific needs to meet immediate goals, as well as to build tools for long-term balance and well-being.
Negative thoughts and feelings can seem overwhelming, and at times even become unbearable. Often they are the root cause of the issues that prompt someone to seek outside help. Using research-proven approaches, I help people understand what triggers these feelings and together we work on strategies for managing and reducing them. Therapy is tailored to an individual's specific needs to meet immediate goals, as well as to build tools for long-term balance and well-being.
I help young adults and adolescents build confidence, stability, and a secure sense of self during the exciting yet stressful shifts that occur during early adulthood. Many of my clients have experienced trauma and find that it impacts their relationships, school, work, and general sense of self. This can lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety, low self-esteem, and difficulty trusting yourself. These feelings can impact all relationships, but many encounter challenges when dating and getting involved in romantic relationships, as they may experience attachment concerns, intimacy challenges, and difficulty choosing good partners.
I help young adults and adolescents build confidence, stability, and a secure sense of self during the exciting yet stressful shifts that occur during early adulthood. Many of my clients have experienced trauma and find that it impacts their relationships, school, work, and general sense of self. This can lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety, low self-esteem, and difficulty trusting yourself. These feelings can impact all relationships, but many encounter challenges when dating and getting involved in romantic relationships, as they may experience attachment concerns, intimacy challenges, and difficulty choosing good partners.
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming—especially when you've spent years carrying so much on your own. Many of my clients are high-achieving adults navigating anxiety, burnout, relationship challenges, cultural expectations, parenthood, or the pressure to be everything for everyone.
My work integrates EMDR, somatic therapy, nervous system regulation, and depth-oriented psychotherapy to help you heal patterns that no longer serve you, reconnect with your authentic self, and create a life that feels more grounded and meaningful.
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming—especially when you've spent years carrying so much on your own. Many of my clients are high-achieving adults navigating anxiety, burnout, relationship challenges, cultural expectations, parenthood, or the pressure to be everything for everyone.
My work integrates EMDR, somatic therapy, nervous system regulation, and depth-oriented psychotherapy to help you heal patterns that no longer serve you, reconnect with your authentic self, and create a life that feels more grounded and meaningful.
I have worked in the mental health industry for 20-plus years. I use several therapeutic approaches that allow myself and my clients, to get to the bottom of their challenges and find their best self. My main goal is for the client to see how amazing they are and to not live or see life through a critical, distorted lens. Life can be a challenge, but you are worth the work.
I have worked in the mental health industry for 20-plus years. I use several therapeutic approaches that allow myself and my clients, to get to the bottom of their challenges and find their best self. My main goal is for the client to see how amazing they are and to not live or see life through a critical, distorted lens. Life can be a challenge, but you are worth the work.
Dr. Grad is a clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience in the mental health field. Her passion is helping clients improve their well being in all areas of life. She specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, stress management, trauma, grief, health related concerns, couples concerns, weight management, and general wellness enhancement. Certified in evidence-based treatments for trauma, mindfulness-based meditation, behavioral medicine consultation, and couples therapy, Dr. Grad brings a comprehensive and integrative approach to mental health.
Dr. Grad is a clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience in the mental health field. Her passion is helping clients improve their well being in all areas of life. She specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, stress management, trauma, grief, health related concerns, couples concerns, weight management, and general wellness enhancement. Certified in evidence-based treatments for trauma, mindfulness-based meditation, behavioral medicine consultation, and couples therapy, Dr. Grad brings a comprehensive and integrative approach to mental health.
My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and find more helpful ways of living. I offer a collaborative and client-centered approach tailored to each of my clients individual needs and cultural backgrounds to help attain the personal growth you're striving for. Your life experiences and history contribute to your individual uniqueness. Sometimes it's helpful if your therapist has a base knowledge of aspects of your culture so you don't have to explain everything. Between cultural elements of the LGBTQ community, to intersectionality experiences for persons of color, my background and training aid in this understanding.
My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and find more helpful ways of living. I offer a collaborative and client-centered approach tailored to each of my clients individual needs and cultural backgrounds to help attain the personal growth you're striving for. Your life experiences and history contribute to your individual uniqueness. Sometimes it's helpful if your therapist has a base knowledge of aspects of your culture so you don't have to explain everything. Between cultural elements of the LGBTQ community, to intersectionality experiences for persons of color, my background and training aid in this understanding.
See more therapy options for Cardiff
Nearby Menopause Therapists Searches for Cardiff
- Bonsall
- Cardiff By The Sea
- Del Mar
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- La Jolla
- Oceanside
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Marcos
- Solana Beach
- Vista
FAQ - Menopause Counseling
How can menopause affect mental health?
Menopause can bring physical and emotional changes that may affect mental health. Shifts in hormone levels can contribute to mood changes, irritability, anxiety, sleep disruption, and changes in energy or concentration. For some people, menopause may also worsen existing mental health concerns, such as depression or anxiety. Menopause may also happen during a period of other life stress, such as caring for children or aging parents, navigating relationship changes, or managing a demanding career. These stressors, combined with symptoms like poor sleep, hot flashes, and fatigue, can make it harder to cope emotionally.
How can therapy help with menopause symptoms?
Therapy can provide a space to process the emotions that may come with menopause and midlife more broadly. A therapist can help you identify patterns in mood, stress, or sleep, and may suggest tracking thoughts or symptoms to better understand what is contributing to emotional challenges. Therapy can also help with the impact menopause may have on relationships, work, or daily life. For example, a therapist may help you navigate how irritability, fatigue, or low mood is affecting communication with a partner, family member, or colleagues. They may also encourage strategies that generally support good mental health, such as physical exercise, stress management, and good sleep.
What is menopause-informed therapy?
Menopause-informed therapy means that a therapist understands how menopause can affect mental and physical health. It is not a specific type of therapy like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, nor does it necessarily indicate a therapist who has a specific certification or level of quality. The most important factor is finding a therapist who is comfortable discussing menopause and its possible impact on mental health. Some therapists may describe themselves as menopause-informed, while others may have relevant experience even if they do not use that exact phrase. During an initial consultation, it can be very helpful to ask whether a prospective therapist has worked with clients navigating menopause and midlife transitions.
Should I see a therapist instead of or alongside a doctor for menopause?
Therapists and doctors have different roles, so whether you see one or both depends on your symptoms and goals. A therapist can help with the emotional, cognitive, and relational effects of menopause. A doctor, by contrast, can assess and treat physical symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, or bone health concerns. If both emotional and physical symptoms are affecting you, it may be helpful to see both a therapist and a doctor. Support in one area may also make the other easier to manage. For example, medical treatment, including hormone therapy when appropriate, may help improve symptoms like sleep disruption or hot flashes, which can in turn support mood and emotional wellbeing.