Sandra Italiano

LMHC, 10 years of experience
Warm
Empowering
Solution oriented
VirtualAvailable

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 processing current and past stressors, I will help you replace unhelpful ways of thinking. I will empower you by teaching you skills to process emotions in a healthy way, engage in positive relationships, and develop a more balanced lifestyle.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

In our first session together, we will review limits of confidentiality, start with introductions, and explore the specific challenges you are facing. This allows me to create a tailored plan for us moving forward and ensure I am the best fit for your unique needs. We can also talk through common hesitations individuals have regarding starting therapy and I can answer any questions you may have.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

As an experienced counselor, I integrate a variety of evidence-based techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness practices, to help clients identify and overcome negative thought patterns and behaviors, build on their strengths, and work toward meaningful, solution-focused outcomes. I believe in a holistic approach to wellness that considers both the mind and the body. I provide a nonjudgmental, supportive space where clients feel safe expressing and experiencing their thoughts and emotions as they work toward their personal goals. Identifying and changing limiting core beliefs and automatic thoughts, such as “I am not good enough,” is one of my primary areas of focus. Core beliefs are deeply held ideas we develop about ourselves, others, and the world, often formed through early life experiences and repeated messages over time. These beliefs, or schemas, shape how we interpret situations, influence our emotions, and guide our behaviors—often outside of our awareness. Clients learn to challenge distortions and replace them with more balanced, helpful perspectives that promote growth, confidence, and lasting change. I also have a strength for treating anxiety. Gaining a clear understanding of what anxiety is, learning how to release what is outside of your control, and developing skills to stay present in the moment can be both empowering and validating.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

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. I enjoy working with those who are open to developing new perspectives on life and see their life in a way that encourages positive change, growth and utilization of new skills. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling, happier life and take the first steps toward change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey.

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Virtual
My treatment methods

Forensic Psychology

Forensic Psychology is a specialty in professional psychology characterized by the application of clinical expertise to issues relating to the judicial and legal systems. Forensic-informed therapy addresses the emotional and psychological impact of legal stressors, high-conflict situations, or interactions with systems such as courts, law enforcement, or child welfare. Therapy is focused on emotional regulation, personal growth, coping skills, accountability, insight development, and behavior change—not on providing legal opinions or advocacy.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based, goal-oriented approach that focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. CBT is based on the understanding that unhelpful thought patterns influence our emotions and behaviors. Clients will gain insight to identify negative or distorted thinking, increase emotional regulation, build coping skills that can be applied in daily life, and develop practical strategies to respond more effectively. CBT and Schema Therapy are also the primary approaches for identifying and changing core beliefs and automatic thoughts, such as ‘I am not good enough.’ Core beliefs are deeply held ideas we develop about ourselves, others, and the world, often formed through early life experiences and repeated messages over time. These beliefs, or schemas, shape how we interpret situations, influence our emotions, and guide our behaviors—often outside of our awareness. While some core beliefs are supportive, others can be limiting and contribute to distress or negative moods. Clients learn to challenge distortions and replace them with more balanced, helpful perspectives. CBT and Schema Therapy are effective in treating a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, trauma, personality patterns, and life transitions.

Strength-Based

Drawing from Positive Psychology, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Strength-Based practices, this integrative evidence-based therapy approach emphasizes resilience, personal strengths, solutions, and resourcefulness, rather than focusing solely on problems, past difficulties, or weaknesses. Clients are viewed as the experts of their own lives, and we work collaboratively to identify goals and establish practical, achievable action steps to create meaningful change.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Utilizing the combination of Somatic Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Polyvagal Therapy, and Biofeedback, this integrative approach promotes nervous system regulation and stress reduction. By increasing the awareness between the mind–body connection, clients learn to recognize stress responses, patterns of anxiety, build relaxation skills, and release tension. Techniques may include breathwork, grounding, mindful movement, present-moment awareness, meditation, and real-time feedback to support resilience, emotional stability, and overall wellness. These approaches are ideal to treat trauma, anxiety, and stress.

Eclectic

I take an eclectic, flexible approach to therapy, drawing from evidence-based methods such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Person-Centered Therapy, Trauma-Informed Care, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This personalized, client-centered tailored approach allows our work together to address your unique needs and goals, and support your growth in a safe, collaborative, and empowering space.

, 59 ratings

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.

Verified client, age 45-54
Review shared after session 1 with Sandra

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.

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 57 with Sandra

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.

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 11 with Sandra