Sara Lappan
PhD, LMFT

Education

I received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Kalamazoo College. I received a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Western Michigan University followed by a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy at Michigan State University. I then completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in Health Behavior.

Professional

I have worked in a variety of therapeutic settings as both a therapist as well as a clinical coordinator and director over the years, including in private practice, university clinics, and an adolescent partial hospitalization program. My current position is serving as an Assistant Professor in the Couple and Family Therapy program at Alliant International University. I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California (LMFT #133066) and an AAMFT Approved Supervisor.

Clinical Specialties

In my work with individuals:

• Trauma
• Self-worth
• Sexuality
• Purpose
• Grief

In my work with couples:

• Infidelity
• Communication
• Disconnection
• Conflict

In my work with families:

• Rules
• Roles
• Cohesion
• Understanding
• Conflict

Personal

I hail from the great state of Michigan and was born and raised in a small town in one of the most northern points in the lower peninsula (on the tip of the index finger for anyone who understands the “mitten”). I grew up playing sports and played basketball collegiately, so sports are a huge influence not only in my life, but also in my therapy. After I completed by doctorate, I moved to Alabama to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship where I met my fiancé, Lorenzo. We then made the move to California together for me to start my faculty position at Alliant International University in Los Angeles. In my free time, I enjoy being outside, walking, hiking, and staying active. I also love traveling with Lorenzo whenever we have the chance.