Our Therapy Team

Love Your Story Therapy

Sarah Holstra 

Pastoral Counselor & Boundary Coach

MaCM, Doctor of Ministry: Spiritual Formation & Relational Neuroscience, Western Theological Seminary (anticipated completion, January 2028)

Training/Education/Experience 

  • Master’s in Counseling Ministry – California Baptist University
  • Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Formation & Relational Neuroscience - Western Theological Seminary (anticipated completion, January 2028)
  • Gallup Strengthsfinder certified (2006)
  • RelationshipIQ Certified - Pepperdine Boone Center for Family (2014) 
  • SYMBIS Premarital Facilitator Certified (2022)
  • Licensed Pastor at CrossWinds Church
  • Workshops & Community Support

Therapy Modalities

  • Pastoral/Biblical Counseling
  • SYMBIS Couples Relationship Roadmap
  • Christian Therapy
  • Conflict Resolution Tools
  • CBT
  • Spiritual Direction
  • Clergy/Pastor & Church Staff Care
  • Pastor Family Care

Areas of Focus, Specialties, or Conditions Helped

  • Relationship & Marriage Support
  • Spiritual/Church Trauma
  • Anxiety & Depression
  • Communication Skills
  • Conflict Resolution Training
  • Boundary Setting
  • Codependency
  • Grief & Loss
  • Weight/Appearance Struggles
  • Life Transitions
  • Faith Deconstruction
  • Clergy/Pastor & Church Staff Care
  • Pastor Family Care
  • Workshops & Community Support



Language Spoken

  • English

Appointment Times/Availability

  • Daytime
  • Evenings
  • Weekends

Populations Served

  • Teenagers (13+)
  • Adults (18+)
  • Couples (In Person or Online)

Fees

  • $120 per Session
  • Sliding Scale Fees May Be Available Upon Request

Are You Accepting New Patients?

  • Yes

Therapy Format(s)

  • In Person at the LYS Burlingame Office
  • Virtual
  • Phone

Points That Differentiate You From Other Therapists

  • Biblical Education with a Neuroscience Lens
  • Warm, Friendly Tone/Client-Centered
  • Works with Teenagers
  • Spirituality
  • Support for Women
  • Communication Challenges
  • Setting Boundaries
  • Church Staff Experience

What Brings You a Sense of Ease

I lived in LA until 2019 and now reside in the Bay Area with my husband, Zac, our dog, Charlie, and our two cats, Winston & Cece.



I love to run and garden and bake sourdough bread. I always have at least one book in my purse and love talking about what I am

reading!

Are you struggling to find your place in your faith journey? Perhaps you're wrestling with church experiences that have left deep wounds, feeling trapped in unhealthy relationship patterns, or searching for your authentic self amidst others' expectations. As a pastoral counselor and boundary coach, I create a gentle, judgment-free space where you can explore these challenges while holding onto your faith – or questioning it – in whatever way feels right for you.


I believe that healing happens in safe, authentic relationships where you're truly seen and accepted exactly as you are. Whether you're navigating spiritual trauma, working through codependency, setting healthy boundaries, or dealing with anxiety and depression, I walk alongside you with unconditional positive regard. My approach combines faith-based counseling with practical boundary coaching, weaving in Biblical wisdom to help illuminate your path forward. Nothing brings me more joy than witnessing the beautiful transformation as people discover their strength and step into their full potential.


I work with both individuals and couples, offering virtual sessions that fit your schedule. For couples, I'm certified in SYMBIS pre-marital counseling, helping you build a strong foundation for your relationship. Drawing from my Master's in Counseling Ministry and experience as a Licensed Pastor at CrossWinds Church, I bring both spiritual understanding and practical tools to our work together.


My areas of focus include spiritual and church trauma, faith deconstruction, codependency, marriage and relationship issues, anxiety and depression, communication skills, boundary setting, grief and loss, and weight/appearance struggles. I believe that everyone deserves a safe space to process their experiences without judgment, especially when navigating complex faith and relationship challenges.


Ready to take the first step? I'd love to connect and see how we might work together on your journey of healing and growth. Each person's growth story is unique and precious, and I consider it a privilege to be part of yours.


Hey Church & Community Leaders! 👋

Looking for a speaker or planning an upcoming workshop? I love taking what we do in the therapy room and bringing it to the heart of our communities—through honest, grace-filled conversations about mental health, faith, and connection.

Here are a few workshops currently available:
 

  • Holy Unhappiness: Finding God in Grief and Loss
  • What Jesus Teaches Us About Boundaries
  • Navigating Boundaries for the Holidays
  • Understanding Grief
  • Radical Candor: Leading with Courage and Compassion
  • To Be Restored: A Workshop on Forgiveness
  • The Sacred Art of Disagreeing: Staying Calm So We Can Stay Connected

Have something else in mind? I’d love to collaborate on a topic that fits your community’s unique season or need.
📩 Reach out anytime —
sarahholstra@loveyourstorytherapy.com