Sana Akhtar Ramay , LMFT

Sana Akhtar Ramay is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who built her career around supporting children, adults, couples, and families through a wide range of challenges. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in Biology from the University of California, Davis and went on to complete a master’s degree in Counseling at National University. Early in her career she worked with children diagnosed with autism, a role that proved both demanding and deeply rewarding and that led to a leadership position within that program.

Following graduate school she provided services in an agency setting across Behavioral and Community Services and the Children’s Department, working with clients from age two through young adulthood as well as with adults, couples, and families. One notable case involved a young client who struggled with long-standing anxiety; over about a year of individual counseling, family support, and coordination with a psychiatrist, the client transitioned off medication and completed counseling. That experience remains an important reminder for her about growth through challenge.

She holds several specialized certifications and trainings, including Certified Nurtured Heart Trainer, certification in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), and a 26-week training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), along with additional trainings in grief, trauma, and cognitive approaches. Her clinical style is warm and interactive, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative, Humanistic, and Psychodynamic approaches. She emphasizes client-centered work, collaborative treatment planning, and empowering clients with practical strategies to monitor progress and build confidence.

Evidence-Based Approaches and Online Care

Sana uses several evidence-based techniques tailored to each client. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning - it is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training, informed by her 26-week training, emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness to help clients manage intense feelings and improve relationships. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) supports caregivers and young children by coaching parents in real time to strengthen positive behaviors and improve family interactions.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Sana works with clients to understand their goals, needs, and preferences, and adjusts techniques as therapy progresses so the plan fits the individual or family she is supporting.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility for busy schedules and varying needs. Through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, clients can access licensed professionals from home or other convenient locations, arrange sessions that fit their routines, and continue consistent care without travel barriers.