Sidra

Sidra Gifford, MSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

“**Teletherapy is available to Californians during the hours of 6am-8am and 10pm-1am Monday through Thursday (PST) - private pay only (no insurance). Private pay coaching services are also available to English-speakers worldwide between 07:00 and 17:00 CET Monday-Friday.**”

About Me

I am a California Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Neurodivergent support coach worldwide. I provide support to adults with anxiety, ADHD, autism, and giftedness as they navigate life transitions and relationship issues. I teach mindfulness and practical coping skills to reduce distress and build a life of meaning.

Approach

I have an integrated, holistic approach. That means I typically customize treatment, drawing from among the following in order to best meet your needs: Mindfulness, CBT, ACT, CPT, DBT, EFT, Gottman Method, PACT, Attachment Theory, Motivational Interviewing, Psychoeducation, Buddhist Psychology, Positive Psychology, Humanist and Existential models, Feminist and Narrative models, Systems Theory, Health at Every Size, Nature Therapy/Ecotherapy, Strength-Based, and Problem Solving Treatment.
Contact Sidra

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

Services

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. In fact, you're not really healthy if you aren't taking care of your thoughts and emotions. I use my education and life experience to help you to navigate your thoughts and emotions to obtain a sense of clarity and peace. I specialize in applying mindfulness to help move you to a place of acceptance and a life consistent with your values. In addition, I help people understand patterns that have gotten in the way of developing and maintaining healthy relationships and take the necessary steps to turn their perfect vision of a relationship into reality.

Services Offered:

  • •
    Coaching

    A goal-oriented practice focused on identifying objectives, overcoming obstacles, and taking action, centred on the present and future rather than past difficulties.

  • •
    Consultation

    An initial meeting with a therapist to discuss concerns, ask questions, and determine whether they are the right fit.

  • •
    Counseling

    A form of talk therapy providing a safe, confidential space to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviours with a trained professional.

    Learn more about Counseling
  • •
    Personal Development

    The ongoing process of self-awareness, self-improvement, and reaching one's potential, pursued not because something is wrong but to live more fully.

  • •
    Mindfulness

    The practice of paying deliberate attention to the present moment without judgement, used to reduce stress and increase awareness of automatic reactions.

    Learn more about Mindfulness
  • •
    Psychotherapy

    In-depth therapeutic work that explores patterns in thoughts, emotions, and relationships to produce lasting psychological change.

    Learn more about Psychotherapy
  • •
    Therapy

    Professional treatment for mental health concerns, providing a structured space for insight, emotional processing, and behavioural change.

    Learn more about Therapy
  • •
    Individual Therapy

    One-on-one therapy sessions between a client and a therapist, focused on that person's specific concerns and goals.

    Learn more about Individual Therapy
  • •
    Online Therapy

    Therapy sessions conducted over video call, phone, or secure messaging, using the same professional methods delivered remotely.

    Learn more about Online Therapy
  • •
    Relationship Counseling

    Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.

Works With:

  • •Adults
  • •Couples
  • •Groups
  • •Individuals
  • •Organisations
  • •Parents

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • •
    Life Transitions

    Major life changes, such as relocation, retirement, parenthood, or career shifts, that disrupt routine and require psychological adjustment.

    Learn more about Life Transitions
  • •
    Anxiety

    Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about Anxiety
  • •
    Relationship Issues

    Difficulties in romantic relationships, including communication problems, trust breakdowns, conflict patterns, or uncertainty about the relationship's future.

    Learn more about Relationship Issues
  • •
    ADHD / Attention

    A neurodevelopmental condition involving persistent difficulty with attention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity that interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about ADHD / Attention
  • •
    Divorce Counseling

    Counselling for individuals or couples going through separation or divorce, addressing the emotional, practical, and relational dimensions.

  • •
    Stress / Burnout

    The body and mind's response to prolonged or excessive demands. When sustained, it can lead to emotional exhaustion, detachment, and reduced functioning (burnout).

    Learn more about Stress / Burnout
  • •
    Parenting Support

    Guidance for the psychological challenges of raising children, including discipline, communication, co-parenting, and managing the emotional demands of parenthood.

  • •
    Trauma

    The lasting psychological impact of deeply distressing events, such as violence, abuse, accidents, or disasters, that overwhelm a person's ability to cope.

    Learn more about Trauma
  • •
    Autism (ASD)

    A neurodevelopmental condition affecting social communication, sensory processing, and behaviour patterns, with a wide range of presentations and strengths.

  • •
    Cancer Support

    The psychological and emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis on the individual and their loved ones, including fear, grief, and adjustment to treatment.

Professional Title:

  • •
    Licensed Clinical Social Worker

    A social worker licensed to provide clinical therapy, diagnosis, and treatment for mental health conditions.

Qualifications

Master of Social Work

Masters

CSWE / CASWE Accredited University

Year: 2015

Master of Health Science (Mental Hygiene)

Johns Hopkins University

Year: 1996

Registrations

Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Service Area