Sarah Kelly

Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, Certified Rehabiliation Counselor at the The San Diego Office

The greatest thing I've learned through my own life challenges is that love always holds the door open for transformation.

The truth is that we all adapt to life by developing survival strategies — often inherited or learned without awareness. These adaptations serve us well in the context in which they originated, but with time they can become less protective and more limiting. If you've been carrying the weight of trauma, anxiety, depression, or life's deeper challenges, freedom from what holds you back isn't just possible — it's available to you.

I work with adults and teens who are ready to explore what lies beneath — doing the deep inner work of facing life honestly, embracing their freedom to choose, and creating lives that feel authentic and meaningful despite the uncertainty life brings.

My work is grounded in trauma theory, attachment, and neurobiology. I use experiential, person-centered approaches — often informed by parts work (Internal Family Systems) — to help you build a relationship with the parts of yourself that have been protecting, performing, avoiding, or shutting down. My style is compassionate, focused, and real.

Walking with others through suffering, renewal, and growth has become one of my life's most meaningful journeys. I commit to you — in my own imperfections — a safe and affirming space, evidence-based care, and my full humanity. Let's discover what's possible together.

Areas of Specialty

Sarah works with adults and teens navigating a wide range of life challenges, including:

• Trauma & PTSD — complex trauma, childhood trauma, sexual abuse, and recovery
• Anxiety & Stress — generalized anxiety, OCD, and overwhelm
• Depression & Mood — depression, bipolar disorder, emotional dysregulation
• Identity & Self-Worth — self-esteem, self-harming, women's issues, spirituality
• Substance Use & Dual Diagnosis — addiction, alcohol use, drug use, co-occurring conditions
• Life Transitions — career changes, relationship shifts, loss, disability, and major life changes
• Relationship Patterns — attachment wounds, personality concerns (BPD, NPD), anger management
• Rehabilitation & Disability — navigating mental health's impact on daily functioning, work, and identity

Therapeutic Approach

Sarah's approach is integrative — tailored to each client's unique needs and goals. She draws from a range of evidence-based and relational modalities, including:

• Internal Family Systems (IFS) / Parts Work
• Trauma-Focused Therapy
• Attachment-Based Therapy
• Emotionally Focused Therapy
• Mindfulness-Based Approaches (MBCT)
• Person-Centered & Humanistic Therapy
• Motivational Interviewing
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
• Existential & Experiential Therapy
• Strength-Based & Culturally Sensitive Care

Her dual training as both an APCC and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRCC) allows Sarah to address emotional distress while also understanding how mental health impacts daily functioning, identity, work, and relationships — helping clients move toward meaningful, sustainable change.

Who Sarah Works With

Sarah provides individual therapy for adults and teens in a space that is safe, affirming, and inclusive. She is committed to culturally sensitive, racially just care.

Sarah is currently accepting new clients.

Fees & Availability

Sarah is able to see clients with Blueshield Promise, CHG and Cigna and she also offers fee-for-service (private pay). Sarah also sees clients in a Coronado therapy practice.

Sessions are 50 minutes and typically scheduled weekly. A free 15-minute consultation is available to help you decide if Sarah is the right fit.

Sarah is available for in-person sessions at the Family Guidance & Therapy Center's San Diego (Point Loma) office, as well as secure telehealth sessions for clients anywhere in California.

Education & Credentials

• M.S., San Diego State University, 2025
• Associate Professional Clinical Counselor | APCC #17719
• Certified Rehabilitation Counselor | CRCC #655959
• Supervised by Jenny Palmiotto, Psy.D., LMFT (#47573)

Get Started with Sarah

Sarah currently has availability for new clients at our San Diego Point Loma office and via telehealth across California.

📞 Call: 619-600-0683 📅 Submit a Booking Request

Family Guidance & Therapy Center | 3555 Kenyon St, Suite 101, San Diego, CA 92110