Hi, I'm Sandy. I'm a licensed therapist in Pennsylvania and I hold a Master's degree in Clinical Social Work as well as a Master's degree in Educational Psychology. I specialize in helping women navigate the unique stressors and challenges of midlife so they feel less lost and anxious and more empowered and confident. We'll draw on the strength, experience, and wisdom you've built to reach this point, even if things feel uncertain right now. I will be your sounding board, collaborator and biggest cheerleader. You do not have to go through this alone.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Our first session is an opportunity for you to get to know me, my style, and what to expect in sessions together (perhaps you've been to therapy before, perhaps not...it's normal to have questions). It's also a time for me to get to know you and what issues you want to explore, as well as the goals you have for therapy (and it's ok if you're not sure).
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
In my experience, I've learned that for therapy to be the most effective, people need to first and foremost, feel comfortable with their therapist. They want to be heard, understood, and supported, and trust that their therapist has their best interest at heart. Some of the best feedback I've received from clients over the years is that I am real, open-minded, and down to earth. Laughing, cursing and crying are all welcome in our sessions.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
Are you a busy woman in midlife facing a major life change that's causing you to question where you've been and where you're headed? Are you feeling lost, confused, anxious, and sad? Changes in our bodies, relationships, and responsibilities can leave us asking, "Who am I?" and "Where do I go from here?". If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. It's ok to not feel ok right now. You don't have to figure this out by yourself. Therapy can help you manage the emotional roller coaster that comes with change, build your confidence and self-esteem, and identify a path forward that feels authentic to you.
About Sandy Cini
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is beneficial because it helps you figure out what you truly want and why it matters to you, without feeling judged or pushed. It creates a supportive therapy environment where you can explore any doubts or fears about changing, while helping you build confidence in your ability to take action. By focusing on your strengths and your goals, it can make the process of change feel more manageable and in line with your personal values, increasing your chances of lasting success. I have been using MI for many years. Clients report feeling really heard and understood and as if they were given the space to figure things out at a pace that was comfortable for them.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps you understand how your thoughts, feelings and behaviors are connected. It teaches you how to identify negative or unhelpful thoughts and replace them with positive, realistic ones. This helps to improve emotional wellbeing and make better choices. I have seen many clients have that "Ah-Ha" moment when they recognize why they continue to repeat behavior patterns they know are not healthy for them and don't produce the results they want. With the practical tools that come with CBT, you can break these patterns for good.
Attachment-based
Attachment-based therapy focuses on the relationships we have with important people in our lives, especially early on, like our parents or caregivers. The idea is that these early relationships shape how you connect with others later in life. If you didn't feel secure or supported growing up, it can affect your relationships, emotions, and how you see yourself as an adult. The goal is to understand these patterns and create healthier, more trusting relationships with others. I have found this type of therapy to be really helpful for people who struggle with feelings of loneliness, fear of rejection, or difficulty forming close relationships.
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma informed care recognizes that trauma is common and can affect anyone, and that past experiences can influence how someone reacts in the present. It emphasizes creating a safe, supportive and empowering environment so clients can focus on understanding the effects of trauma (big and small) on their mental and physical wellbeing at a pace that is comfortable to them.