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Hello, my name is Saira Matthiesen but, you can call me Sam. I am a licensed clinical social worker in CA with additional specialty training in ADHD, trauma, and victims of crime. I primarily offer folks a warm, safe place to process their experiences, feel heard, and incorporate narrative therapies and cognitive strategies for reframing life’s most challenging experiences into opportunities for resilience.
My approach
I rely on attachment and cognitive theories and utilize a trauma-informed approach from a biological perspective of how formative experiences leave imprints on our minds and bodies.
My focus
Older adolescents through the elderly: trauma-based anxiety, malfunctioning interpersonal relationships, parenting concerns.
My communication style
There are times when I mostly listen and provide guide posts for your own discovery, and there are plenty of times when I am more directive and seek to have you challenge your own beliefs about your abilities. To work with me is to know you are not alone, to know you have someone alongside your growth to remind you it is ok to feel unsteady and continue to move forward.
My journey to mental healthcare
I come from a closed, village mentality culture- no one talks outside the family, and no one talks about what is going “wrong.” Working in health, it became apparent that people were suffering and had experienced families like mine. If I wanted to reduce suffering, I had to understand the connections people have to one another and learn how to empower others to make those connections meaningful. Having advanced training in ADHD, law, and trauma gives me the unique perspective to see how our lives are impacted by others and how we impact others as well.
My goals for you
Goals are directed by the client, initially and as the relationship and needs change, we may adjust as needed or find closure in the relationship as well.
My first session with you
Expect me to be the nosy auntie who will start to understand what brought you to our session and what your desired comfort and pace is for therapy.
