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Therapist profile

Sonya Drottar

Therapist · California

Compassionate LCSW helping people move forward

Continue with Sonya

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Sonya Drottar
Credentials
LCSW
License
LCSW, California · 22536
NPI
1134975170
Experience
25 years
Languages
English
Location
California
  • 25 years experience
  • Practical skills focus
  • Nonjudgmental listening

About Sonya

Sonya Drottar is a licensed clinical social worker with 25 years of experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, parenting challenges, and major life changes. She practices in California and offers a steady, respectful approach for people who are ready to take a first step toward change.

She creates a straightforward, nonjudgmental space where clients can talk about thoughts and feelings. Sonya focuses on listening first, then working with each person to set clear, manageable goals. Sessions are conversational and practical, with an emphasis on usable skills rather than jargon.

Her background includes long-term work with people facing relationship strain, grief, trauma and abuse, and addiction concerns. She also supports those dealing with caregiving burden, chronic illness, cancer-related stress, and codependency. That experience informs a flexible approach tailored to each person’s life circumstances.

Sonya draws on proven methods such as cognitive behavioral techniques, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing. She blends these to suit what the client needs that day - whether learning coping skills, shifting unhelpful thinking, or building communication habits.

People who prefer calm, practical sessions tend to fit well with her style. She aims to help clients leave each session with something they can try right away. If you want steady support and clear steps forward, Sonya offers a compassionate, experienced presence.

Therapeutic approaches and online care that fit your life

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, focuses on values and meaningful action. It helps people notice painful thoughts and still move toward the life they want. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at patterns of thought and behavior and teaches concrete skills to change them. These methods are often used to address anxiety, stress, and unhelpful habits.

Sonya approaches work collaboratively. She will listen to your goals and suggest approaches that seem likely to help. Together you can try different methods and adjust what you do based on what feels useful and practical for your life.

If you are interested in online therapy, confirm the specific session formats offered before booking since the biography does not list them. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce commute time, and allow shorter check-ins when that suits your day. It can also make sessions more accessible during treatment for chronic illness or caregiving duties. Licensed professionals can adapt ACT and CBT to work well over distance when that option is available.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue

Also works with

AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCareer difficulties

Additional focus areas

Attachment issuesBlended family issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesPanic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPregnancy and childbirthSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

25+ years

Credentials

California

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she commonly address?

She works with stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, parenting challenges, grief, trauma and abuse, addiction issues, and codependency among other concerns.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Her style is conversational and pragmatic, with a focus on listening, setting clear goals, and teaching practical coping skills clients can use between sessions.

What experience does she bring to therapy?

She has 25 years of professional experience, including long-term work supporting people with caregiving stress, chronic illness, cancer-related concerns, and trauma.

What credentials and region are listed for this clinician?

She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in California.

In which languages are sessions offered?

Sessions are offered in English, and she does accept international clients.

What session formats are available?

The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.

How is cost handled for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What should I do to begin working together?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.

Sonya DrottarContinue with Sonya