About ETC

ETC Serves Clients Around California

Our clients include individuals, couples, and families seeking to enhance their emotional and mental well-being. Our skilled therapists are deeply committed to providing personalized in-person and virtual counseling, utilizing a range of strategies tailored to each client’s unique needs and circumstances.

Our Team

The Essential Therapy & Counseling team has more than three decades of experience in psychological counseling. Dr. Sara Bowerman, who graduated from the California School of Professional Psychology, is ETC’s director.

Sara Bowerman, Ph.D.

Director

My work with clients begins with acceptance. I create a judgment-free zone and meet clients where they are. Together, we explore experiences that call for healing, issues that merit resolution, and goals that deserve to be met. I draw on my 20 years of experience in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, strength-based therapy, and motivational interviewing to offer insights and provide tools that empower clients to make progress toward emotional and spiritual health. My practice centers deep connection, empathy, and caring as I work with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, codependency, relationship issues, or stumbling blocks in achieving work-life balance.

Sara has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. She specializes in women’s issues, and has deep expertise in crisis intervention and psychological evaluations.

Sherry Sedler, Psy.D.

Psychologist

My compassionate, holistic, person-centered approach helps my clients achieve long-term positive change. I draw from a wide range of therapeutic tools – such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, play therapy, expressive art therapy, and sand tray therapy – to develop a tailored approach for each client. My work centers on helping clients achieve wellness through the healthy integration of life elements, heal from past trauma and become empowered to overcome life stressors, and find greater peace and balance in life. I work with children, teens, young adults, and parents to develop innovative interventions and supports that maintain empathy and hold space for growth.

Sherri has a B.A. in Child Development from Stanislaus State University, an M.A. in Counseling from Sacramento State University, and a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from California Southern University. She has over ten years of experience as adjunct faculty teaching Child Development at Stanislaus State University and Social Psychology at the University of Phoenix. Sherri is a Certified Child & Adolescent Trauma Professional, Social Thinking Clinical Trainer, Early Barriers to Learning Trainer, Certified Parent Project Trainer, and Certified Bullying Prevention Specialist. She sits on the Calaveras County Mental Health Board, and is a committee member for the Calaveras County Mentoring Group and the Calaveras Trauma Consortium.

Cassasndra Wells, Psy.D.

Psychologist

I bring a compassionate, client-centered approach to my practice. With a master’s in Counseling Psychology and a doctorate in Clinical Psychology, I am licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) and registered as a Psychological Assistant. Over the past 8 years, I have dedicated myself to providing counseling services, with the last 3 years spent in private practice.

Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), I tailor my therapeutic approach to meet each client where they are, empowering them to achieve their personal goals. My extensive experience spans working with many different types of clients and a wide range of diagnoses. I have supported young children, teens, young adults, and older adults in navigating challenges related to depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and relationship issues.

My practice focuses on fostering a safe, empathetic environment where clients can explore their experiences and work towards long-term positive change. I believe in the power of holistic wellness, helping clients integrate various life elements to find greater peace and balance. Whether addressing past traumas or current life stressors, my goal is to support my clients in their journey towards healing and empowerment.