LMHC, 10 years of experience
Frequently rebooked
I have a Master of Arts degree in forensic psychology and have maintained a career within the criminal justice system for over two decades. In addition, I have been a licensed mental health professional for over 10 years. My purpose in life is to inspire, empower and support others so they can develop into, and function from, their best selves. This fueled my desire to form Stronger Than Fear, LLC, a company that offers coaching, therapy, and empowerment services, and to publish the Stronger Than Fear Empowerment Journal.
In our first session together, we will review limits of confidentiality, start with introductions, then dive into the specific challenges you are facing. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions.
As an experienced counselor, I integrate a variety of evidence-based techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices, to help clients overcome negative thought patterns and behaviors, and develop strength-based and solution focused outcomes. I believe in a holistic approach to mental health, addressing both the mind and body.
My clinical background includes assisting individual clients with various issues, including, but not limited to, stress, anxiety, depression, motivation, self-esteem and confidence, relationship issues, coaching, burnout, life purpose, and trauma and abuse. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey.
Forensic psychology is a specialty in professional psychology characterized by the application of clinical expertise to issues relating to the judicial and legal systems.
Positive psychology emphasizes traits, thought patterns, behaviors, and experiences that are forward-looking and can help improve the quality of a person’s day-to-day life. Focus is on internal strengths and resourcefulness, rather than on your weaknesses, failures, and shortcomings. This approach sets up a positive mindset that helps you build on your best qualities, find your strengths, improve resilience, and change your worldview to one that is more positive. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a short-term goal-focused evidence-based therapeutic approach, which incorporates positive psychology principles and practices, and which helps clients change by constructing solutions rather than focusing on problems.
CBT has been shown to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, relationship problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness. CBT addresses unhealthy patterns of thinking, behavior, and coping.
Mindfulness-based therapies use meditation, relaxation and awareness exercises to help focus on the present moment, aiming over time to experience day to day situations and stressors in nonjudgmental and non-reactionary ways.
Narrative therapy is client-driven and seeks to help individuals become aware of the stories they carry with them through life and how these stories can influence the way they view themselves.
3 ratings with written reviews
July 14, 2025
She was very understanding and patient with me which I really appreciate considering I ask a lot of questions.
May 22, 2025
It usually is very hard for me to open up to people and start working on the self love stuff. Stephanie has made it very easy. I don’t know where I’d be without her help discovering and unpacking what I went through and steps forward on how to improve my life and self esteem.
May 21, 2025
In the short time I've spent with Sandra, she has helped me rethink certain patterns and perspectives I hadn't realized were having a negative impact on my life. Her guidance has made my return to therapy surprisingly smooth, especially after struggling to be open to the idea again.