Sydney Hafer (she/her)

AMFT #153007
Accepting Clients

Queer, trauma-informed therapist supporting teens & adults with eating disorders, anxiety, identity, & self-worth through compassionate care

Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in California
Supervised by Julia Malone, LMFT #94900

Services
  • Individual
  • Couples
  • Family
  • Adolescent/Teen

About My Clients

I work best with teens and adults who are navigating eating disorders, disordered eating, body image concerns, anxiety, trauma, identity exploration, and life transitions. Many of my clients are thoughtful, sensitive, and motivated individuals who may feel stuck in cycles of perfectionism, self-criticism, or feeling disconnected from themselves. I provide a supportive, affirming space where clients can explore their experiences, build self-compassion, and create meaningful change.

My Background and Approach

I am a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in California (#153007) with a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. I have experience providing therapy across a variety of levels of care, including residential treatment (RTC), partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and outpatient settings. My clinical work focuses on supporting individuals navigating eating disorders, disordered eating, body image concerns, trauma, anxiety, identity exploration, and life transitions. I integrate evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, ACT, trauma-informed care, and relational therapy to create a space that is collaborative, compassionate, and individualized to each client’s needs. I believe therapy is a process of building a deeper understanding of yourself, developing new ways of coping, and creating meaningful change while feeling supported and empowered along the way.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I believe that therapy is most meaningful when clients feel genuinely seen, accepted, and valued for who they are. As a queer therapist, I am passionate about creating affirming spaces where individuals can explore identity, relationships, and personal growth without fear of judgment. I value social justice, inclusivity, and the importance of recognizing how culture, systems, and lived experiences shape each person’s story. I am committed to providing care that is compassionate, trauma-informed, and grounded in respect for each client’s unique experiences. Outside of my clinical work, I value connection, creativity, time in nature, and continued learning as ways to deepen my understanding of myself and the world around me. I strive to bring authenticity, curiosity, and empathy into both my personal life and my work with clients.

Techniques I Use

Other Techniques
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Attachment Theory
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • Family Systems
  • Family Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Internal Family Systems
  • Trauma Therapy
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy

Issues I Treat

Specialties
Body Image Issues Eating Disorders LGBTQ-Friendly Therapists
Other Issues
  • Addiction
  • ADHD Therapists
  • Anxiety
  • Attachment
  • Burnout
  • Depression
  • Family Conflict
  • Gender Identity Therapy
  • Grief or Loss
  • Personality Disorders
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self-Esteem
  • Self-Harm
  • Sexual Abuse or Assault
  • Suicidal Thoughts
  • Teen Issues
  • Women's Issues
I offer online counseling in the following states:

At A Glance

  • Experience: 2 years of practice
  • Languages: English
  • Rate: $150 - 175/session

Reach out to Sydney