Top-notch therapy that transcends the ordinary.
Sandra Killebrew, LMFT
High-Conflict Couple Therapist in Tacoma and across WA, OR & UT
Whatever is going on, you’ve found someone who can handle it.
Life right now is a constant cycle of arguments, accusations, and misunderstandings.
You’re exhausted and emotionally drained as disagreements turn into frustrating full-blown battles and the resentment keeps building. Trust erodes along with communication, and you feel like you’re walking on eggshells—afraid to say or do anything that might ignite the next explosive confrontation.
It takes courage to accept that you don’t have all the answers and might need outside help from an expert. Seeking therapy isn't a sign of weakness—it's recognizing that your relationship deserves better and being willing to fight for it.
My Approach
Grounded in the principles of Vipassana meditation, my therapeutic approach is rooted in the concept of seeing reality as it truly is, without judgment or distortion. I thrive on the challenge of deep, difficult, transformational work—it's where I excel. In this space I encourage you not to hold back, bringing everything—the good, the bad, the never-talked-about-before—to the table.
I’m also not going to ask you not to fight here. I can handle anything you bring to the table, and I want (and need) to see the real side of your relationship. Of course, I’m here to help you, but it’s important to remember change can only come when we address realities head-on and it’s your responsibility to learn how to handle your challenges. As we work together, you'll experience progress in the form of newfound hope and tangible results.
It's not just therapy. It's an investment in profound change.
I’m known for being someone who doesn’t shy away from speaking the truth, no matter how hard it is to hear, or asking tough questions. When you choose to work with me, you're signing up for an intense, rigorous journey that demands your full commitment. This process yields meaningful rewards not just in your personal growth, but in your relationships too.
I regularly practice my skills and pursue further knowledge because I value the therapy process and I believe in offering you the most transformative experience possible. To that end, I use Deliberate Practice and Feedback Informed Treatment, both research-backed and proven to yield better results. I bring an unbiased and understanding perspective, which helps to facilitate discussion and mediate deep conflict.
I am relentless in my pursuit of excellence because I believe you deserve nothing less.
My mission is clear: to empower you with a profound understanding of yourself—and your reality—and equip you with the tools to navigate your specific challenges with clarity and resilience.
This is about more than just investing your time or money, it’s a sacrifice that requires energy and effort in the potential to change your life. As we dive into the depths of your experiences, we’ll uncover insights and achieve breakthroughs that go beyond any type of traditional therapy. This hard work creates real change, and I'm here to guide you every step of the way.
Specialties
Couples Therapy
High-Conflict Couples Therapy
Couple Intensives
Credentials
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Bachelor of Science in General Biology from the University of California San Diego
Master of Arts in Counseling from St. Edward’s University
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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Washington #LF 70002754
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Oregon #T3159
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Utah #11768842-3902
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This is not an exhaustive list of all of my training, consultation & supervision:
Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) Core Training Graduate 2023-2026
Ongoing individual consultation with Johannes Kieding, ISTDP teacher and supervisor
Monthly consultation with Patricia Hart, PACT faculty, 2024-2025
International Experiential Dynamic Therapy Association (IEDTA) Conference 2024
Tami Chelew consult group 2024, ISTDP couples therapy
Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT) Level 1 & 2
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 1
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Level 1
Austin Group Psychotherapy Society (AGPS) Weekend Institute
AGPS Workshop - Our Emotional Resistance to Climate Change
AGPS Workshop - Blending Modern Analytic and DBT in Group
AGPS Workshop - Women Group Leaders and Aggression: Our Stories, Our Challenges and Our Growth
Domestic Violence: Red Flags and Resources
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I have over 7 years of experience working as a therapist with couples, families, groups, adults, teens and children. I consider myself first and foremost a couples therapist. I have always maintained an interest in relationships and have primarily focused on couples, with more than half of the clients I see at any one time being a couple, and the rest individuals. Before owning my own private practice, I worked in group practice, community mental health, and wilderness therapy. Previous to my counseling career, I worked for more than 2 years combined as a nanny, babysitter and live-in Au Pair. In addition to my professional experience, I have always participated myself in whatever therapy I offer to my clients. This means that, yes, I have been a client in my own individual, couples, family and group therapy!
Additionally, I meditate for 2 hours daily and meditate for several weeks every year in silent retreat or supporting other meditators in silent retreat. I have been seriously meditating in the Goenka Vipassana tradition since 2018 and have sat/served more than 20 retreats combined. I lived at a Goenka Vipassana meditation center for several months in 2022. My meditation practice is the backbone of my presence as a counselor and enables me to do what I do with patience, strength and a loving heart. I am a meditator first and a therapist second.
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Founder and Host: Seattle Therapists Get Caffeinated!, an in person networking group for therapists, since 2022
Founder and Host: Tacoma Therapists Get Caffeinated!, an in person networking group for therapists, since 2024
Former board member & IT Committee Chair of the International Experiental Dynamic Psychotherapy Association (IEDTA)
IEDTA member
If you’re ready to do your part, I’m ready to help.
Take the first step by clicking below to schedule your first appointment.