PMDD Therapists in Cardiff, CA
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.
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?
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.
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
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
More Therapists Nearby
I am a trauma-informed, emotionally focused therapist working with couples, families, and individuals. I specialize in improving relationships with others and most importantly, the relationship we have with ourselves. I want to help couples and families reduce conflict, increase connection, and learn new ways to communicate. My goal is to help my clients repair wounds from the past, step out of old patterns, and improve emotional intelligence. I strive to create a safe and judgment-free space where my clients feel heard and seen.
I am a trauma-informed, emotionally focused therapist working with couples, families, and individuals. I specialize in improving relationships with others and most importantly, the relationship we have with ourselves. I want to help couples and families reduce conflict, increase connection, and learn new ways to communicate. My goal is to help my clients repair wounds from the past, step out of old patterns, and improve emotional intelligence. I strive to create a safe and judgment-free space where my clients feel heard and seen.
You’ve worked hard to hold everything together, whether you’re the friend people rely on, the high achiever who keeps pushing, or the person who seems fine but feels overwhelmed. If you’re dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, burnout, or relationship patterns, you don’t have to do it alone. I work with motivated, thoughtful people, including many who are LGBTQ+, perfectionistic, or chronically overwhelmed, and ready for real change.
You’ve worked hard to hold everything together, whether you’re the friend people rely on, the high achiever who keeps pushing, or the person who seems fine but feels overwhelmed. If you’re dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, burnout, or relationship patterns, you don’t have to do it alone. I work with motivated, thoughtful people, including many who are LGBTQ+, perfectionistic, or chronically overwhelmed, and ready for real change.
If you're tired of surviving and ready to start feeling like yourself again, you're in the right place. I work with teens and adults navigating trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges, grief, and attachment wounds who want more than symptom relief; they want lasting healing. Together, we'll create a personalized path towards greater self-trust, healthier relationships, and a more connected life.
If you're tired of surviving and ready to start feeling like yourself again, you're in the right place. I work with teens and adults navigating trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges, grief, and attachment wounds who want more than symptom relief; they want lasting healing. Together, we'll create a personalized path towards greater self-trust, healthier relationships, and a more connected life.
I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, and the often overwhelming weight of major life transitions. Many of the clients I support are moving through forms of grief that aren’t always recognized—what I think of as non-linear grief. This can show up after the loss of a relationship, shifts in family dynamics, growing up in or untangling the impact of alcohol or substance use in the family, changes in health, or unexpected career and financial challenges. Even when a loss isn’t traditionally acknowledged, the life you imagined may have changed—and that deserves space and care.
I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, and the often overwhelming weight of major life transitions. Many of the clients I support are moving through forms of grief that aren’t always recognized—what I think of as non-linear grief. This can show up after the loss of a relationship, shifts in family dynamics, growing up in or untangling the impact of alcohol or substance use in the family, changes in health, or unexpected career and financial challenges. Even when a loss isn’t traditionally acknowledged, the life you imagined may have changed—and that deserves space and care.
Have you ever felt exhausted by the hold PTSD has on your life?—the flashbacks, the hypervigilance, the way trauma replays in your body like a broken record. You’re not broken, though. You’re adapting. And while PTSD once helped you survive, I believe therapy can help you thrive. In our sessions, we’ll work together to calm your nervous system, soften the grip of painful memories, and rebuild a sense of safety—one step at a time. You deserve to feel like yourself again.
Have you ever felt exhausted by the hold PTSD has on your life?—the flashbacks, the hypervigilance, the way trauma replays in your body like a broken record. You’re not broken, though. You’re adapting. And while PTSD once helped you survive, I believe therapy can help you thrive. In our sessions, we’ll work together to calm your nervous system, soften the grip of painful memories, and rebuild a sense of safety—one step at a time. You deserve to feel like yourself again.
Hello/Hola I am Alejandra. If you've made it this far in the search thank you and I am so glad to have you. As a provider I am passionate about creating a safe space for you to unwind, heal, and grow. Therapy is not one size fits all and with that it is so important for me to honor your needs, make you feel heard, and supported. My therapeutic approach has been described as warm, genuine, and direct.
Hello/Hola I am Alejandra. If you've made it this far in the search thank you and I am so glad to have you. As a provider I am passionate about creating a safe space for you to unwind, heal, and grow. Therapy is not one size fits all and with that it is so important for me to honor your needs, make you feel heard, and supported. My therapeutic approach has been described as warm, genuine, and direct.
Taking the first step to seek support and find healing can be incredibly challenging. I want to validate the fact that you have made it this far! In this space, you belong, and I am here to listen, to guide and support you. Building a healthy and positive relationship with my clients is an important key to therapy. The space that we create is one that will allow for identity exploration, growth and aid in developing a healthy relationship with yourself and those around you. My approach to therapy is through a strength-based, client-centered and trauma-informed lens.
Taking the first step to seek support and find healing can be incredibly challenging. I want to validate the fact that you have made it this far! In this space, you belong, and I am here to listen, to guide and support you. Building a healthy and positive relationship with my clients is an important key to therapy. The space that we create is one that will allow for identity exploration, growth and aid in developing a healthy relationship with yourself and those around you. My approach to therapy is through a strength-based, client-centered and trauma-informed lens.
At The Therapy Innovation, we believe every person’s journey is unique. We begin by truly listening—understanding where you are and the challenges you’re facing. From there, we walk alongside you to create a plan that feels right for your journey, celebrating every step forward—no matter how small. In our welcoming and safe space, whether in-person or virtual, you’ll find understanding, support, and flexibility that fits your life and your needs, including evening and weekend appointments.
At The Therapy Innovation, we believe every person’s journey is unique. We begin by truly listening—understanding where you are and the challenges you’re facing. From there, we walk alongside you to create a plan that feels right for your journey, celebrating every step forward—no matter how small. In our welcoming and safe space, whether in-person or virtual, you’ll find understanding, support, and flexibility that fits your life and your needs, including evening and weekend appointments.
See more therapy options for Cardiff
Nearby Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) 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 - PMDD Counseling
How can Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) affect mental health?
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) can have a significant impact on mental health. PMDD is a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and may cause intense mood-related symptoms in the days or weeks before a period, such as mood swings, irritability, anxiety, sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest in activities you normally enjoy. For some people, PMDD can also worsen existing mental health concerns, such as anxiety or depression. Symptoms may also affect relationships, work, or school responsibilities, especially when they happen consistently month after month.
How can therapy help with PMDD?
Therapy can help you better understand the emotional patterns that may come with PMDD and help you track symptoms across your cycle, identify triggers, and plan ahead for times when symptoms tend to peak. Therapy may also help you develop coping strategies for managing intense emotions, communicating with loved ones, and reducing the impact PMDD has on work, school, or relationships. Approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be especially helpful for noticing unhelpful thought patterns and building more practical coping skills for responding to distress. PMDD is also commonly treated with medication or hormonal options, so a therapist may encourage you to coordinate with a medical provider if they feel this may be a helpful addition to therapy.
Can a therapist diagnose PMDD?
In many cases, licensed mental health professionals, including therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, can diagnose PMDD. PMDD can also be diagnosed by other medical professionals, such as a primary care physicians (PCPs) or obstetrician-gynecologists (OB-GYNs).
Should I see a therapist or a psychiatrist to help with PMDD?
Whether you should see a therapist or psychiatrist depends on what kind of support you need. A therapist can help with coping skills, emotional regulation, and general patterns of thinking that may make symptoms harder to manage. A psychiatrist, in contrast, can help assess whether medication may be helpful and prescribe it, when appropriate. Importantly, many people benefit from both therapy and psychiatry. For example, you might see a therapist for ongoing emotional support and a psychiatrist for medication or medical treatment. If you are not sure where to start, your primary care physician can often help you decide what treatment makes the most sense for you.


