Bio

Sophia Gaffney is a licensed mental health counselor and substance use disorder professional at OpenWorld Psychology who works with adults navigating mental health challenges, substance use, trauma, and major life transitions. Her clinical approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, and social justice focused, emphasizing collaboration, empowerment, and walking alongside clients as they work toward healing and growth.

Sophia brings extensive experience in community mental health and co-occurring disorder treatment, having provided individual and group counseling across outpatient settings. She is particularly attuned to working with individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ and those who have experienced religious or spiritual hurt. As someone who integrates harm reduction principles into her work, Sophia meets clients where they are in their journey, reducing barriers to care and supporting sustainable, values-driven change.

“Great-Fit” Clients

Sophia may be a strong fit for:

• Adults in their 20s to 40s who are open-minded to the counseling process and ready to deepen their understanding of themselves

• Individuals navigating co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges who want collaborative, non-judgmental support

• Those exploring concerns related to trauma, especially religious or spiritual trauma, and seeking a safe space to process their experiences

• LGBTQIA+ individuals looking for affirming, identity-conscious care

• People experiencing major life transitions, including immigration, acculturative stress, or other significant changes

She works collaboratively with clients to build trust, cultivate safety, and develop practical skills for navigating life's challenges.

Areas of Clinical Focus

Sophia's clinical work centers on:

• Trauma, with particular expertise in religious and spiritual trauma

• Co-occurring substance use and mental health concerns

• LGBTQIA+ identity and affirming care

• Life transitions, including immigration, acculturative stress, and post-incarceration reintegration

She integrates a variety of evidence-based approaches, including Polyvagal Theory, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), tailoring interventions to enhance safety, build coping skills, and support meaningful change.

Training and Background

Sophia holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Seattle University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a focus on Crime, Law, and Justice from the University of San Diego. She has worked across a range of clinical settings, including community mental health agencies and substance use treatment programs, where she provided individual and group counseling, conducted assessments, and delivered case management services.

Her earlier career includes work with adolescents in residential care and restorative justice programming, shaping her developmentally informed and trauma-sensitive perspective. Sophia was selected as a National Board for Certified Counselors Addiction Counseling Minority Fellow (2021-2022), recognizing her commitment to advancing equity in mental health and addiction services.