Hi, I’m Sara Fischer Sanford, LCSW (she/her). I’m a licensed psychotherapist based in the Castro District of San Francisco, and for more than 20 years I’ve had the privilege of supporting people as they move through pain, healing, and transformation. I love this work because I believe deeply that therapy can help release even the heaviest trauma, and that every single person is inherently deserving of a fresh start — whenever and however they need it. Nobody is “too far gone.” Change is always possible.

My path began with a degree in Gender Studies, where I first committed myself to advocating for and supporting the LGBTQ+ community. That foundation has shaped my career and my values: affirming identity, honoring resilience, and holding space for the many ways people choose to live and love. My office in the Castro feels like an extension of this — a safe place in the heart of San Francisco for clients to show up exactly as they are.

In therapy, I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, teens, and families who are navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship shifts, identity exploration, or simply the stress of life transitions. I know how overwhelming it can feel to move through a breakup, divorce, coming out process, or even the quiet uncertainty of “what’s next.” Together, we can work through these challenges with compassion, curiosity, and hope.

My therapeutic style is relational and collaborative. I use a blend of IFS-informed therapy, somatic and mindfulness-based CBT, attachment-focused and psychodynamic therapy, and ACT. More importantly, I listen closely to your needs and tailor therapy to fit you. Sessions are not about fitting you into a system — they’re about helping you reconnect with your strength, release what no longer serves you, and move toward the life you want to create.

Beyond private practice, I’ve worked in hospitals, schools, and community organizations, which has given me a deep understanding of how trauma and identity often intersect. As both a Jewish and LGBTQ+-affirming therapist, I bring an intersectional perspective that honors complexity while always centering dignity and healing.

If you’re looking for a San Francisco LGBTQ+ trauma therapist or simply someone to walk with you through a season of change, I’d be honored to connect. Healing is not about erasing your past — it’s about reclaiming your future.

🌈 If you’re ready for a fresh start, let’s talk. You can schedule a consultation today to see if we’re a good fit.