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Image by Nina Plobner

Who I Am

Therapy is built on relationship, and finding the right therapist is an important part of that process. Here's a little about who I am, what shapes my work, and the values I bring into the therapy room.

AJ smiling outdoors beneath sunlit trees, with half-up long curly green hair, a blue fleece, and warm afternoon light filtering through the forest canopy.

Hi, I'm AJ (they/them), nice to meet you! I am a queer, non-binary, and neurodivergent (Autistic/ADHD) therapist of white European ancestry.

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The values that shape my work have been shaped by my lived experience, communities connections, and an ongoing relationship with animism, reciprocity, collective care, accountability, and resistance. One of the most meaningful parts of my journey at the moment is reconnecting with the ancestral knowledge and traditions of my Nordic and Celtic lineage. I hold a deep appreciation for resilience, the living world, cyclical nature of life, and the interconnectedness of people, place, and all living beings. My perspective is that healing and belonging emerge through relationship, not separation.

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I believe meaningful healing requires both compassion and accountability, and I strive to create a therapeutic relationship rooted in curiosity, honesty, respect, and care—a space where you feel genuinely seen and supported while also being gently challenged toward growth.

My Approach

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My approach is first and foremost rooted in relationship.

I believe meaningful change begins with understanding—not judgment. Rather than asking what's wrong with you, we'll explore how your experiences, relationships, nervous system, and the broader systems around you have shaped the patterns that show up in your life.

My role isn't to tell you who you should become, but to walk alongside you as you reconnect with yourself, learn to work with your brain and body rather than against them, and move toward a life that feels more authentic and aligned with your values.

AJ rock climbing on a cliff overlooking a mountain landscape, looking upward while secured with climbing gear.

Beyond the Therapy Space

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Outside of session, I find grounding and joy in spending time outdoors, creating things, and staying connected with the people, animals, and communities that matter most to me.

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You'll often find me hiking through the redwoods, kayaking, rock climbing, painting, working with clay, listening to an audiobook, building something, hanging out with my chickens and cats, or diving deeply into a new interest that's captured my curiosity (yay for AuDHD hobby collections).​

My Values

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My work is grounded in curiosity, humility, authenticity, and accountability. I strive to create a therapeutic space that is trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, LGBTQIA+-affirming, and responsive to the broader social and cultural contexts that shape our lives.

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I live and work on the unceded lands of the Awaswas-speaking Ohlone people, the Popeloutchom (Amah Mutsun) Tribal Band, the Esselen people, and the Tachi Yokut Tribe. As someone of European ancestry living on Indigenous land, I understand decolonization as an ongoing practice of relationship and embodiment—one that invites us to examine the ways systems of power influence ourselves, our relationships, and our communities.

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While these values shape my work, therapy is never about asking clients to share my worldview. My commitment is to meet you with curiosity, respect, and openness as we explore what matters most to you.

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AJ smiling while seated indoors with a mug of yerba mate, wearing a red flannel shirt and dark red lipstick in a warm, relaxed setting.

Continuing the Conversation

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One resource that has deeply influenced my thinking is White Supremacy Culture, originally conceived by Tema Okun and now maintained through collaborative contributions. It explores how patterns of colonization and white supremacy culture can shape our institutions, relationships, and ways of being, while inviting ongoing reflection and growth.

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If you're interested in learning more, I encourage you to explore it:

whitesupremacyculture.info

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AJ Sadler (they/them)

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Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #157238

Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor #20234

(Registered under the name Amanda Jane Sadler)

 

Supervised by:

  • Rayne Banneck, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #124607)

  • Leticia Brown, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #116486)

Contact:

(408) 898-1966

Available Mon-Thursday: 10am-6pm

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