Hi, I’m a licensed psychotherapist specializing in individual psychotherapy counseling and in marriage and family therapy, with experience supporting individuals, couples, and families since 2016. My journey began as a behavior technician, helping clients navigate emotional and behavioral challenges in community settings. After completing full licensure as a clinical psychotherapist, I now work with clients addressing issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety, relational conflict, emotional dysregulation, and burnout. My therapeutic approach blends psychodynamic therapy, psychoeducation, and body-mind (somatic) therapy, helping clients uncover emotional patterns, increase self-awareness, and heal the effects of stress and trauma held in the body. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck in cycles of reactivity, or struggling to connect with yourself or others, I offer a collaborative, trauma-informed space for deep healing and growth. I work with clients on a wide range of issues, including: Emotional & Mental Health: Grief and loss (including complicated grief) Bipolar disorder, mood instability, and psychotic features Depression, anxiety, low motivation, and emotional withdrawal Behavioral addictions, compulsive behaviors, and self-worth issues Schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and psychotic spectrum disorders Life Transitions & Identity Work: Life transitions (career changes, divorce, relocation, new parenthood) LGBTQ+ affirmative support, spiritual exploration, and existential concerns Relational & Family Dynamics: Co-parenting, communication, and boundary issues Divorce recovery, attachment wounds, and relational distress Somatic & Body-Oriented Work: Chronic pain, body image concerns, and somatic trauma symptoms Mindfulness-based stress reduction and emotional regulation Professional Stress & Executive Function: Workplace stress, burnout, perfectionism, and executive functioning challenges
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, and moving forward, you can expect a space where hope is restored, and where we begin to unravel the challenges you're facing. I will listen closely and support you at a pace that feels right for you, ensuring that you feel seen and understood throughout the process. My goal is for you to leave each session with a sense of clarity and renewal, with a deeper understanding of yourself and the dynamics behind the challenges you’re experiencing, while also developing actionable strategies and insights for your growth. If at any point something doesn’t feel right, I encourage you to share it with me. Rest assured, you will always be met with empathy, unconditional regard, and understanding, and I will make any necessary adjustments to best support you.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strengths as a provider are my patience and my commitment to putting in the hard work necessary for meaningful progress. I believe that each client’s journey is unique, and I give my full attention to understanding their needs. While I acknowledge that there are many highly skilled professionals in the field to choose from, I take pride in my strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to my clients, consistently adhering to best practices in care to ensure they receive the highest quality support and guidance.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I am best positioned to serve individuals, couples, and families who are ready to take an active role in their personal growth and self-understanding. My ideal clients are those who are committed to engaging with accountability and openness, working alongside me as their therapist to explore the underlying dynamics and patterns that influence their behavior. In my role, I provide support and insight to help them gain deeper self-awareness, break free from limiting patterns, and create lasting change that leads to a more fulfilling, empowered, and joyful life.
About Sandy Herek
Sandy Herek offers therapy covered by Kaiser Permanente - Medicaid and UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid in Virginia.
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Psychodynamic
In my practice, I integrate a psychodynamic approach with a variety of evidence-based therapies to create a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan for each client. Psychodynamic therapy aims to uncover unconscious processes, past trauma, and emotional patterns that influence present-day functioning, particularly in relationships and emotional regulation. I also incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns, allowing them to develop healthier, more adaptive ways of thinking and behaving. Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) is another key approach that assists clients in exploring and processing their emotions, fostering emotional awareness and transformation. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides practical skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness, especially beneficial for clients managing intense emotions. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is used to help clients explore their ambivalence and build intrinsic motivation for change, particularly in areas like addiction or behavioral modification. Person-Centered Therapy, rooted in empathy and unconditional positive regard, offers a space where clients can feel heard and explore their experiences in a non-judgmental, supportive environment. Additionally, I integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help clients understand and heal the different "parts" of themselves, promoting self-awareness, internal harmony, and growth. On a broader scale, I also apply systemic theories, such as Family Systems Theory and Structural Family Therapy, which examine how family dynamics, roles, and communication patterns influence emotional health and behavior. These modalities represent some of the core approaches I use, though I have also been trained in other therapeutic methods that complement and enhance my work. By combining these diverse therapeutic approaches, I create a holistic, collaborative process where clients gain insight into both their internal emotional landscape and external relational systems, fostering healing, personal growth, and enhanced well-being.