LPC, 5 years of experience
New to Grow
My name is Sandra and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor (NCC) through the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC). I received a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Women’s Studies. In addition, I have a plethora of knowledge and experience while working in an in-patient/out-patient hospital facility. In this environment, I've had the opportunity to work with various ethnicities and diverse populations. As a helper, I am passionate about connecting with clients to assist in facilitating their needs and aspirations to heal and grow into the best version of themselves.
AN INTRODUCTION is the beginning of preparing the scene of a new chapter. I enjoy getting to know my clients and inquisitive to learn what brings them to therapy. By nature, I extend a warm and welcoming invite that consumes a non-judgmental and safe space. The first meeting will include asking questions to complete the Intake process. The client also has the opportunity to ask questions. This is the meeting that sets the stage in which the therapist will share important information with the client from an informational purpose standpoint. Before closing of the first meeting and having an understanding of the narrative, as well as the client deciding on their goals, a treatment plan will then be established. As a lineage in building support, as your journey begins moving forward, so does establishing rapport and a positive therapeutic relationship. It is important that the client feels comfortable as this will be their space to share some of the most important narratives of their life. I have empathy in knowing that it is not always easy to open a book to that which is most privy in one's life, filled with challenges, disappointments, fears, and interruptions in life. Anxiety and depression may be two of the most highlights on stage. In a positive direction, the plot thickens as the therapist engages with the client in achieving the results they want to see.
MY GREATEST STRENGTH is being a listener and supporter to do WHAT I DO BEST as a helper and therapist. I am waiting to hear your story! I facilitate a platform for learning, implementation and engaging, as positive change evolves from narratives of problematic and unhealthy challenges and experiences. With each chapter comes clarity to better understand your path and dynamics. In order to best serve and support as a therapist, I provide unconditional positive regard, empathy, and authenticity while creating an open space for the client. Allowing clients to share their narrative and to be open and transparent in a safe space...is the beginning. Now! the work begins. And Talk Therapy is key toward self-awareness, clarity, and transformation. I work and assist clients through exploration, processing, and discussions, as well as delegating assignments outside of therapy. Delegation of assignments will help to increase the ability to experience healthy narratives. My joy is for clients to achieve the plot of their story through positive outcomes that affords them to be in a good place, emotionally and psychologically. The end of your story...will be different from your beginning!
The door is open in welcoming clients who are paused by stress and anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, grief and loss, anger, ADHD and challenges in school environments. Clients present with various concerns, as it is crucial to turn the pages toward the ending with clear, desirable goals and outcomes. All clients deserve to write their own personal caligraphy of change to bud and blossom in witnessing one's progress and personal growth. It is gratifying to leave with knowledge through facilitated psychoeducation and empowerment, as well as tools needed to etch an amended story with sustained happiness and resilience. The fulfilled experience comes positive results, holistic freedom, and transformation. Clients no longer have to be stimatized by feeling unheard, devalued, and by unwanted symptoms untreated but will appreciate their scripted outcomes to end on a positive note. I work with populations ranging from ages 18 and above - Individual and Couples Counseling.
As a clinician, I utilize eclectic treatment methods, such as: CBT, Person-Centered Therapy, Grief Therapy, Couples Counseling, DBT, Gestalt, Interpersonal Therapy, Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, as well as Psychoeducation. My experience with these treatment methods has been gratifying, witnessing my clients progress in their acclaimed directions and growth. Applying these treatment methods, as needed based on problem areas, have allowed clients to navigate through their will and motivation to heal sometimes due to trauma, personal relationships, or grief and loss. Regardless of what brings clients seeking therapy, they have been able to excel beyond their expectations by first meeting them where they are in the midst of challenges, unwanted change, tragedies and bereavement, psychological pain influencing self-harm, low self-esteem, self-blame and shame, undesirable body image, lack of social skills/improve interpersonal relationships, challenges in academics, and even being in an unforgiving space daunted by anger. Last but not least, personal growth, self-wareness, and clear insights are like diamonds polished from the rough.