top of page

Sonja Wanhala, LMFT
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

“Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength” -Sigmund Freud

Home: Welcome

Services Offered:

Kids Playing Tug of War

Therapy for Children & Teens

As the parent of a struggling child it can sometimes be hard to know where to turn.  You may feel like you've tried everything but nothing seems to work.  Therapy can be the path where both of you find peace again. I utilize play therapy, sandtray and mindfulness based approaches for children.

 Does your teen not seem like themselves lately?  Do they seem withdrawn, anxious or angry?  Have the pressures of navigating peer relationships been getting to them?  Therapy can help teens process difficult feelings and learn important coping skills.  My work with teens focuses on facilitating the development of healthy self esteem, emotional healing and growth.

Woman holding temples

Therapy for Adults & Children with OCD

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can feel overwhelming, with persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) that interfere with daily life. Many people pursue therapy to find relief from the constant anxiety, shame, or confusion these symptoms can bring. Whether it's struggling with intrusive thoughts, time-consuming rituals, or the impact OCD has on relationships, work, or self-esteem, therapy offers a safe, nonjudgmental space to understand what you're experiencing and learn effective strategies for managing it. You're not alone—and with the right support, change is possible.  I have specialized training in pediatric OCD and parenting children with OCD. 

Group Portrait

Therapy for Adults

Have you been feeling disconnected lately and nothing seems to lift your spirits? Do you feel unfilled in your life and you don't really know why?  Has a life event made you feel unsettled? It might be time to seek help.  In therapy we will work to provide you with valuable tools to cope with life's obstacles. Therapy can help you find your way towards wholeness again.  I look to collaborating with you on this journey towards wellness.

Family at a Beach

Parenting Support

Parenting can be one of the most beautiful and one of the most challenging experiences.  It can be difficult and stressful to parent a child who is exhibiting distress.  Therapy can help parents in need of support.  I am certified as a Positive Parenting facilitator and can provide parents with strategies and hope.

Home: Service

About Me:

Experience: I have been in the field of mental health for over 21 years.  I have extensive experience with the following populations:

  •  children and families (play therapy and parenting support)

  • adults and children living with OCD (trained in ERP and iCBT)

  • adults and children living with anxiety

  • adults and children going through life transitions  

 

Education: I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Sonoma State and a Master's of Science degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in marriage and family therapy from Dominican University.  

Home: Inner_about

Contact Me

Your details were sent successfully!

DSC_0654 4.jpg
Home: Contact

Good Faith Estimate

Click to Download

Home: Files

Sonja Wanhala, LMFT

License No. 46374 sonjawanhala@gmail.com

Petaluma, CA

707-416-2392

©2019 by Sonja Wanhala, LMFT. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page