I attended a presentation today at One Safe Place in San Marcos. The speakers were Mitra Sarkhosh--known throughout San Diego County's family court system as a go-to court-appointed professional--and family law attorney Erica Bloom. It was absolutely appalling. While the event was presented under the premise of supporting domestic violence victims and families in crisis, I left feeling deeply concerned.
One Safe Place markets itself as a haven for DV survivors seeking protection, support, and healing. However, inviting Mitra Sarkhosh to speak raises serious ethical questions. While she presents herself as an experienced and compassionate therapist, many protective parents are aware of her controversial reputation. Families struggling through the complexities of family court--particularly those who are vulnerable and without means--have voiced concerns for years about the role some professionals play in perpetuating trauma rather than alleviating it.
In my opinion, today's presentation was not only misleading but potentially harmful. A so-called sales pitch to profit off of these helpless families in order to profit off these family courts cases. It painted an overly simplified picture of high-conflict custody cases and the role of therapeutic intervention, while ignoring the realities many families face--particularly those navigating abuse, coercion, and systemic bias within family court.
I urge One Safe Place to re-evaluate who they give a platform to. Survivors deserve access to ethical, balanced, and trauma-informed guidance--not content that may further confuse or retraumatize those already in crisis.
To truly serve your mission, please exercise greater discernment and ensure the professionals you invite reflect the values of integrity, transparency, and advocacy for the vulnerable. Shame on you One Safe Place for allowing harmful therapists a platform that give misleading information to those who are seeking help. Do better and stop taking advantage of these families who truly need your help. read more