Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Fultz.
Hi Sarah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Absolutely. I’ve always had this quiet, deep desire to help people—but I didn’t always know what that would look like. Growing up about 40 minutes outside of Los Angeles, I often found myself being the “mom” friend—the one people turned to when they needed a listening ear, a comforting presence, or the occasional tough love. I showed up with empathy (and snacks), not because I had to, but because it felt natural.
When I turned 18, someone I really looked up to told me, “You’d make an excellent therapist.” That moment stuck with me. At the time, I was starting college at Point Loma Nazarene University, majoring in History. But by my second semester, I added Psychology as a second major because I realized that was where my heart truly was. Studying both gave me a broader understanding of people—from past to present—and I knew I wanted to be someone others could trust and turn to when things felt overwhelming.
After graduating, I pursued my Master’s in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy at Pepperdine University. From there, I began working in various clinical settings—from non-profits and hospitals to treatment centers and private practice—gaining experience with trauma, identity work, family systems, and more.
Along the way, I became a Certified Brainspotting Practitioner, completed training in sexual assault crisis response, and received LGBTQIA-affirming training, which has been incredibly important in my work with diverse clients.
Now, in my own practice, I approach therapy holistically—addressing the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of healing. I focus on collaboration, open communication, and tailoring the process to each client’s unique needs. My goal is to be the kind of support I needed when I was younger—warm, honest, and empowering.
Outside of work, I stay grounded by spending time with my family, volunteering with NextGen Rotary, drinking way too much coffee, and rewatching Gilmore Girls on a near-constant loop.
That’s how I got here—a mix of lived experience, strong mentors, and a calling that never really let go of me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not a smooth road—rewarding, yes, but not without challenges. I went through grad school during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, so the last year and a half of my program ended up being fully virtual. That meant navigating really emotionally heavy topics—like trauma and clinical practice—through a screen, which made connection and support more difficult at times. It was isolating, and like so many others, I was trying to manage both personal and academic stress all at once.
Then there’s the licensure process itself. Becoming a therapist in California requires 3,000 supervised hours, passing a national exam, and then a clinical exam—and none of that is easy. It’s a long, demanding journey that tests your commitment, patience, and resilience. There were definitely moments when it felt overwhelming, but I kept reminding myself why I started: to show up for others in a meaningful way.
So while the road has had its bumps, each challenge really helped shape the therapist I am today—more grounded, more compassionate, and definitely more adaptable.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I’m the founder of Calming Waters Wellness, a private therapy practice rooted in compassion, connection, and holistic healing. Our mission is to provide a safe, affirming space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to navigate life’s challenges—whether they’re dealing with anxiety, ADHD, trauma, identity exploration, or just the weight of being human in a high-pressure world.
We specialize in working with neurodivergent individuals, teens, LGBTQIA+ clients, and those experiencing burnout, grief, or major life transitions. Many of my clients are high achievers who have spent years “keeping it together” for everyone else and are finally learning to turn that care inward. What sets Calming Waters Wellness apart is that we offer a truly client-centered approach—therapy that adapts to you. I combine evidence-based modalities like CBT and Brainspotting with real, authentic connection, and always leave space for humor, creativity, and humanity in the room.
I’m also a big believer in accessibility and openness, which is part of what led me to create my podcast, Minding the Waves. It’s a space where I talk about real-life mental health topics in a relatable, down-to-earth way—like what it means to live with ADHD, how binge-watching can actually be self-soothing, or how anxiety shows up in unexpected ways. It’s therapy-adjacent, but casual—something you can throw on during a walk or in between sessions and still feel seen.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Calming Waters Wellness reflects who I am at my core: warm, empathetic, inclusive, and a little bit quirky. I want people to know that you don’t have to be in crisis to come to therapy—you just have to be human. If you’re looking for a space that honors your story and helps you find peace without pressure, you’re in the right place.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Definitely! I’m always looking for tools that help me stay grounded and inspired, both personally and professionally. A few of my go-tos are:
Apps: I love Insight Timer for guided meditations—it’s such a grounding way to start or end my day. I also use Notion to keep my thoughts, projects, and to-do lists organized. And honestly, the Notes app on my phone gets a lot of love too—it’s where I jot down everything from session reflections to random podcast ideas.
Books: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk has been transformative for my work as a trauma therapist. Burnout by Emily and Amelia Nagoski is another favorite I often recommend, especially for clients learning to break the stress cycle. Know My Name by Chanel Miller is a powerful memoir that I deeply admire, and Meditations for Healing Trauma by Louanne Davis is another resource I return to often.
Podcasts: Besides my own, Calming Waters Wellness (the podcast), which I created to make mental health conversations approachable and real, I listen to Unlocking Us with Brené Brown and Therapist Uncensored for fresh professional insights. And for fun, I absolutely love Two Hot Takes—it’s my lighthearted escape when I need a laugh and a break from heavier topics.
Other resources: Honestly, spending time in nature—whether it’s walking along the beach in Coronado or just sitting outside with a cup of coffee—is one of my best “apps,” if you will. It’s the most reliable reset button I know.
All of these resources help me show up as the best version of myself—grounded, present, and ready to support others.
Pricing:
- 30 minute session $100
- 60 minute session $200
- Brainspotting Intensive TBD
- I also take most insurance
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.calmingwaterswellness.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calmingwaterswellness/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553967533771
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-fultz-07730a138/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@calmingwaterswellness
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@calmingwaterswellness
- Yelp: https://zencare.co/provider/therapist/sarah-fultz
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0J7n3RXIfdoj1VDkDlPksy
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/sarah-fultz-thousand-oaks-ca/1036577
Image Credits
Rachel Grey: https://www.rachelgrayphoto.com/
