Dr. Serena Sanders

Postdoctoral Resident

I’m a Postdoctoral Resident with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology who works with clients across the lifespan, from young children to adults. While I have a deep passion for supporting children and families, I also have a strong commitment to men’s mental health and the unique pressures boys and men often carry.

I believe every person’s story is unique. Many men, in particular, have learned to carry stress, fear, responsibility, or shame quietly. My role is to create a space where those experiences can be explored without judgment: a space where strength and vulnerability are not opposites, but part of the same human story.

My therapeutic foundation draws from psychodynamic therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and play therapy. These approaches allow me to understand the deeper roots of emotional and relational patterns while also adapting to each client’s style. For some, that means a reflective and exploratory pace. For others, it means structured, practical, and solution-focused work. I tailor therapy to fit each individual’s needs, strengths, and goals, including men who may feel uncertain about therapy or unsure how to begin talking about what they’re carrying.

I have particular interest in working with:

Anxiety and health-related fears
Shame and self-criticism
Identity and life transitions
Relationship and communication challenges
Trauma and early relational experiences
Men navigating fatherhood, partnership, or questions about purpose

In addition to therapy, I conduct psychological assessments that bring clarity to complex challenges, guiding treatment, academic planning, and personal growth. I view assessment not simply as data collection, but as an opportunity for clients to better understand themselves, including their patterns, strengths, and areas for growth, in a way that feels grounding and empowering.

Beyond the therapy room, I have a deep interest in technology and how it can be meaningfully integrated into mental health care. I’m particularly fascinated by the intersection of psychology and emerging technologies such as digital tools, AI, and brain-computer interfaces, and how these innovations can expand access, personalize treatment, and support growth in new and creative ways.

At the heart of my work is the belief that healing happens in connection: whether between therapist and client, within families, or in the ways we bridge psychological insight with innovation. My goal is to create a space where people feel understood, respected, and capable of meaningful change.