Amy

Amy Sargent

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

“I am glad that you are pursuing counseling for you or a loved one. Therapy can be an investment in your emotional health, your relationships and can help you move from a place where you feel like you're barely surviving life to a place where you are thriving and loving life. ”

About Me

For 20 years I've been able to work toward a passion of mine which is to bring about health, healing and hope to as many people as I encounter. I have a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University and a Master's of Theology degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. My emphasis is to help adults recover from anxiety, depression, codependency, low self-esteem and past traumas, including from institutionalized religion. My specialization is counseling individuals with a history of trauma. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy which is proven to be an effective treatment with traumatic experiences or PTSD. I also use tools from Dialectical, Cognitive Behavioral, Emotionally Focused, Attachment and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy approaches depending on what is best for each client.

Approach

I work primarily from a Psychodynamic orientation which views our past relationships and experiences as significantly impacting the person we are today. By uncovering the reason behind our coping strategies, you can consciously change your responses, actions and emotional triggers. This leads to more emotional regulation skills and improved self-awareness which leads to more successful relationships.
Contact Amy

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

Services

"Talk therapy" has been shown to help many issues. My areas of emphasis or expertise are working with folks who have had traumatic events happen in their past, victims of abuse, anxiety, depression, family of origin issues, parenting concerns, self-esteem or life transitions, spirituality concerns including religious abuse and grief including complicated grief.

Services Offered:

  • •
    Advocacy

    Services that help individuals navigate healthcare, education, or social systems to ensure their mental health needs are recognised and met.

    Learn more about Advocacy
  • •
    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
  • •
    Psychoeducation

    Structured information provided about a mental health condition (what it is, why it occurs, and what strategies can help) as part of the therapeutic process.

    Learn more about Psychoeducation
  • •
    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
  • •
    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.

  • •
    Conflict Management

    Structured approaches to resolving disputes and improving communication between people in conflict, whether in relationships, families, or workplaces.

  • •
    EMDR

    Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, a therapy that uses guided eye movements to help the brain process and integrate traumatic memories.

    Learn more about EMDR
  • •
    Psychodynamic Therapy

    A therapy that explores how past experiences and unconscious patterns shape current feelings, relationships, and behaviour.

    Learn more about Psychodynamic Therapy
  • •
    Trauma Counselling

    Counselling specifically for people affected by traumatic events, focused on processing what happened and reducing symptoms like flashbacks and hypervigilance.

    Learn more about Trauma Counselling

Works With:

  • •Adolescents
  • •Adults
  • •Families
  • •Parents
  • •Couples
  • •Individuals
  • •Elderly

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • •
    Abuse

    Emotional, physical, or sexual mistreatment by another person that causes lasting psychological harm and disrupts a person's sense of safety.

  • •
    Anxiety

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

    Learn more about Anxiety
  • •
    Grief & Loss

    The emotional, physical, and psychological response to the death of a loved one or another significant loss.

    Learn more about Grief & Loss
  • •
    Mood Disorder

    A category of mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder, in which a person's emotional state is significantly and persistently disrupted.

    Learn more about Mood Disorder
  • •
    Forgiveness

    The psychological process of releasing resentment or anger toward someone who has caused harm, a complex emotional journey rather than a simple decision.

  • •
    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.

  • •
    Parenting Support

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

  • •
    Relationship Counseling

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

  • •
    Women's Issues

    Psychological challenges more commonly experienced by women, including gender-based stress, reproductive health concerns, body image, caregiving burden, and societal expectations.

  • •
    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

Professional Title:

  • •
    Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

    A therapist licensed to work with couples and families on relationship difficulties, communication, and family dynamics.

Qualifications

Masters in Counseling Psychology

Certification

Santa Clara University

Year: 2007

Service Area

Private Practice Office

In-person & Online

San Francisco, California

United States