Ava Sambora, M.S.

practicum counselor, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist* (140339)

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers


I try to create and maintain a space where clients feel safe, heard, and deeply respected, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, warmth, and compassion. My approach centers on meeting clients where they are while also keeping broader therapeutic goals in mind, so that we can move at a pace that feels both grounded and meaningful for them.

In sessions, I typically invite clients to decide where they would like to begin that day, while also coming prepared with ideas or direction when support or structure is needed. I see therapy as a shared process, and I try to balance openness and flexibility with thoughtful guidance so that sessions feel both client-led and purposeful. I also tend to value giving clients something tangible to carry forward from our time together, whether that is a coping skill to practice, a new perspective to consider, or a specific topic to reflect on between sessions. My hope is that therapy feels not only reflective but also practically supportive in daily life.

I identify as Christian and appreciate working with clients around issues related to religion and spirituality, if that is something they would like to explore. There is never any pressure to include these conversations in our work, and I enjoy working with all clients from all backgrounds - whether they identify as religious/spiritual or not. But I do like to keep that door open so clients feel free to integrate religion and spirituality into therapy in whatever way feels meaningful to them.

I have a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from USC. I am currently pursuing my Doctorate at Pepperdine.

I’m a practicum counselor supervised by Dr. Scott (CA 29242;IL 071010928) and Dr. Chassman. Clients are welcome to reach out to Framework’s Assistant Director of Training, Dr. Leal, for any questions or concerns.

*In addition to being a practicum counselor, I’m an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. The California license title of “Marriage and Family Therapist” can be a bit misleading. MFTs are trained to assess, diagnose and treat individuals, couples, families, and groups to help those who are struggling achieve more adequate, satisfying and productive lives. You can learn more about this license at this link.


EDUCATION:

(Currently in-progress: Doctorate in Clinical Psychology; Pepperdine University)

Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy; University of Southern California

Master of Arts in Psychology; Loyola Marymount University


TOP SPECIALTIES:

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Relationship Issues

  • Religion & Spirituality Issues

  • Young Adults

Expertise:

  • Anxiety

  • Body Image Improvement

  • Career Issues

  • Depression

  • Divorce

  • Grief

  • Life Transitions

  • LGBTQIA+ Issues

  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

  • Race & Ethnicity Issues

  • Relationship Issues

  • Religion & Spirituality Issues

  • Stress Management

  • Trauma


THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES:

  • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

  • Relational Therapy

  • Strength Based Therapy

CULTURAL COMPETENCE & SOCIAL JUSTICE:

I'm committed to fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates human diversity. I strive to honor and affirm my clients’ race, ethnicity, immigration status, gender identity, sexual orientation, abilities status, religious affiliation, and physical appearance.

I strive to ensure therapy is:

  • Culturally Affirming

  • LGBTQIA+ Affirming

  • Neurodiversity Affirming

  • Social Justice Aligned