AJ Sadler (they/them)
Providing psychotherapy under the auspices of Axis Mundi Center for Mental Health
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.
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.
The values that shape my work didn't begin in graduate school—they've been shaped by my lived experience, my communities, and my ongoing relationship with ancestry, nature, and collective care. One of the most meaningful parts of that journey has been reconnecting with the ancestral traditions of my Nordic and Celtic lineage. It has deepened my appreciation for resilience, the living world, and the interconnectedness of people, place, and all living beings. I continue to draw from ancestral ways of knowing rooted in animism, reciprocity, collective accountability, and resistance—perspectives that remind me healing and belonging emerge through relationship, not separation. Over time, this has become less of a therapeutic orientation and more of a way of being in the world—one that continues to shape how I live, learn, and practice.
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
Therapy, to me, is first and foremost a 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.
Beyond the Therapy Space
Outside of session, I find grounding and joy in spending time outdoors, creating with my hands, and staying connected with the people, animals, and communities that matter most to me.
You'll often find me hiking through the redwoods, kayaking, rock climbing, painting, working with clay, listening to an audiobook, building something with my hands, hanging out with my chickens and cats, or diving deeply into a new interest that's captured my curiosity. These moments remind me to slow down, stay connected, and embrace lifelong learning—values that naturally find their way into my work as a therapist.
My Values
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.
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.
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.
Continuing the Conversation
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.
If you're interested in learning more, I encourage you to explore it: