Dr. Sarah Koerner is an integral part of our PsychPro Consulting team. Here is a little more about her approach to treatment and what future clients can expect when starting therapy with her!
Dr. Koerner earned her Doctorate in Psychology from Wright State University School of Professional Psychology in 2010 and has been practicing for almost twenty years. She realized early on that she wanted to become a therapist due to her exposure to the mental health field from her parents, who both worked at inpatient facilities and taught her the value of helping others. She enjoys creating a safe space for people who may not have one elsewhere and connecting with clients as they embark on the therapy journey together.
Dr. Koerner has spent her career working with a wide range of clients — from older adults, to individuals in community mental health programs, to leading behavioral health services for seven years at Father Joe’s Villages in San Diego, the region’s largest provider for people experiencing homelessness. In every setting, she has seen how trauma weaves through people’s lives, and she brings that insight into her work today with adults facing challenges such as stress, burnout, trauma, and life transitions. She is especially passionate about supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, women in high-pressure careers, and self-identified “nerds” who appreciate a therapist who understands their world—yes, Dungeons & Dragons talk is welcome in her sessions.
Her therapeutic approach is flexible and integrative, drawing from EMDR, solution-focused therapy, CBT, and DBT. She adapts her style to meet the needs of each client, whether they prefer structure or space for reflection. Known for bringing humor and joy into the therapy room, Dr. Koerner helps clients feel grounded in the present and empowered to reframe their experiences. Her goal is for each person she works with to feel more flexible—in their nervous system, their thoughts, and their behavior—so they can live more fully in the moment.
When asked what drew her to Dr. Khandekar’s PsychPro practice, Dr. Koerner shared that she wanted to continue meaningful work in a supportive environment that also allowed her the flexibility to be present for her family.
Outside the therapy room, Dr. Koerner describes herself as full of “indoor kid hobbies.” She enjoys crafting, video games, reading, time with friends and her family, and the occasional round of drag bingo. She is also a proud guardian of a three-legged calico.
For those who are considering therapy but feel nervous about taking the first step, Dr. Koerner offers this reassurance: “I’m here to create space for you. To give an hour that’s truly focused on you and anything you may need help with. Therapy goes at the client’s pace—at your pace. It can be whatever you need it to be.”
To schedule a session with Dr. Koerner, call (619) 693-8327 or request a consultation here.
