From Stuck to Stronger
Monica Burford, LMFT of Sacramento California is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Supporting couples who are invested in their relationship but feel stuck in patterns of friction, miscommunication, or distance, helping them move toward more intentional, supportive, and respectful ways of relating.
LICENSED MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPIST #109798
Meet Monica
I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Sacramento, California. I've been practicing since 2014 and licensed since 2018, working with children, teens, and adults across a variety of settings before turning my focus to couples therapy in 2019.
I've worked hard to let go of my own unhelpful patterns, and it's something I still work at every day. For a long time, opening up to my partner registered in my body as danger. Being vulnerable meant I was exposed, and my instinct was to pull away, create distance, or start questioning whether the relationship should continue at all. It was an adaptation I'd built long before I met him, and it worked exactly as it was designed to until it started costing me the closeness I actually wanted.
I've experienced the power of letting go of what's no longer working, and I've seen it over and over in the couples I work with. It isn't easy, and insight alone won't do it, but it's worth it.
My approach is practical and grounded in research, focused on helping you understand what's happening and how to change it. This work isn't just about talking through problems. It's about learning new ways to communicate and applying them in real life.
I'm an immigrant from Mexico, the youngest of four, and I speak Spanish. I'm in a bi-racial marriage and I live in a multigenerational home, so cross-cultural dynamics aren't abstractions to me. I'm a mom to two young daughters, ages 3 and 5, and most of my time is spent with them and my husband. When I'm not working or with my family, you'll usually find me at a boxing or kettlebell gym. When I can, I love brunch with friends, and most recently, attempting to get my 10-year-old cat to accept our two new kittens.
Education & Certifications
Education
Licenses & Training
- B.A in Psychology, Applied Developmental Psychology Minor- UCLA
- Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy- USC
- Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #109798 Verify License
- Level 3 Trained in the Gottman Method Couples Therapy
- Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
- Certified TEAM-CBT Therapist, Level 1
Endorsements
" I’ve had the pleasure of working with Monica for over five years, and she is truly an exceptional therapist. She is a seasoned clinician with deep expertise in couples therapy, and I’ve confidently referred many clients to her over the years. Monica is compassionate, grounded, and highly skilled in helping clients navigate even the most difficult relational challenges. She is someone I hold in very high esteem, both personally and professionally. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking a thoughtful, experienced, and effective therapist.
Lisa Macedo, LMFT
"I have known Monica for over two years now and have learnt a great deal from her, specifically related to clinical care with couples. Her knowledge and skills related to Gottman methodologies in treating the couples she works with is admirable!"
Manasi Shankar, PhD, LPCC
I have known Monica Buford as a colleague for six years. She led our Couples Consultation Group for professionals at Palo Alto Therapy until she started her independent practice. I value her insights, skill set, and dedication to continued learning in providing couples the best possible growth in their journey together. I do not hesitate to refer couples to her!
Jeanne Jacobs, LPCC, NCC
My Guiding Principles
Active & Collaborative
Couples therapy is a shared process. I take an active role in guiding conversations, offering feedback, and helping you apply new tools. Real change happens through consistent practice, so we focus on using what you learn both in and outside of session.
Structured & Evidence-Based
My methodology is rooted in valid frameworks such as TEAM-CBT and the Gottman Method. This provides a clear framework for understanding your patterns and learning how to change them in practical, effective ways..
Supportive & Direct
You can show up fully in this space—your thoughts, reactions, and emotions are all welcome. I’ll meet you with warmth and respect, while also offering honest, direct feedback to help you move forward.
The Beginning
Every great story starts with a single step into the unknown.
The Journey
Challenges arise, but perseverance lights the way forward.
The Discovery
New insights emerge, transforming our understanding completely.
Unsure Where to Start?
Investing in your partnership is a courageous step toward a better future. It is natural to feel hesitant, but professional support can help bridge the gap. I provides a focused environment to help you both move forward. Book a consultation today to begin the journey of repair.
Conflict Isn't the Problem
Insights for Your Relationship Journey
Understanding the patterns that keep you stuck is the first step toward change. I created these short videos to explore common relationship hurdles and provide a glimpse into my collaborative, research-based approach, helping you decide if this path is the right fit for your partnership.
Are We Just Living Parallel Lives?
Feeling Misunderstood in Your Realtionship?
Clinical Practice Information
Professional Licensure
Monica Burford is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #109798) practicing in California. Her clinical work is deeply rooted in relationship repair and strengthening the foundational pillars of couples' communication. She offers an evidence based approach to psychotherapy, ensuring every couple feels seen, heard, and professionally supported throughout their healing journey.
Jurisdiction & Reach
Currently providing virtual therapeutic services to couples residing throughout California. In a digital-first era, Monica utilizes secure telehealth platforms to bridge the gap between geographic location and high-end clinical care. This ensures that expert relationship therapy is available wherever you and your partner call home.
Consultation Path
Prospective clients are invited to schedule an initial consultation to explore therapy goals and assess clinical compatibility. These appointments serve as an essential first step in the relationship repair process, facilitating a transition into deeper therapeutic work focused on communication and long-term connection.