Sonja M. Wanhala, LMFT

Marriage and Family Therapist
405 East D Street #116
Petaluma, California 94952
  • BTTI Trained
  • LGBTQIA+ Affirming
  • ADA Accessible
Narrative of Services:

My OCD treatment integrates Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT). ERP helps clients face fears and reduce compulsions, breaking the OCD cycle. ACT builds psychological flexibility, supporting clients in relating differently to intrusive thoughts and acting on their values. I-CBT addresses faulty reasoning patterns, helping clients distinguish imagined threats from reality. Together, these approaches provide a comprehensive, individualized path toward reduced symptoms, greater clarity, and a more meaningful life despite uncertainty.

Training Description:

I received my training through BTTI and have been part of an OCD consultation group with IOCDF professionals for 4 years. I have volunteered at both the IOCDF conference in San Francisco and the annual virtual OCD camp for kids. I have attended workshops on pediatric OCD, implementing ACT and building fear hierarchies. I am also trained in SPACE with Eli Lebowitz.

Diversity Statement:

I have experience working with multicultural populations, neurodivergent populations and am a LGBTQ+ ally.

I have over 20 years of experience of working with multicultural and diverse populations. I have taken cultural competency training throughout my career.