Meet Sandra
Hi, I'm Sandra.
[photograph would go here]
My story would be next:
"My interest in psychology started long before I became a therapist.
In high school, I knew I wanted to study psychology. At the time, I was fascinated by understanding what makes people think, feel, and behave the way they do. I even imagined myself becoming an FBI profiler someday. Yes, really.
What drew me to that idea wasn't the “detective” part as much as the psychology behind it—the desire to understand what happens beneath the surface and what experiences, beliefs, and perspectives can shape the way a person sees the world.
Looking back, the therapist in me was already there, too. Even as a teenager, friends would come to me when they were struggling. I was often the person people felt comfortable talking to, and my mom used to joke that I was going to have to start charging for therapy.
As I continued studying psychology and gaining experience, I realized that what I found most rewarding wasn't simply understanding why someone thinks or behaves a certain way. It was seeing what could happen when that understanding gave someone a new perspective.
I love those moments when something clicks.
When a client says, “I never thought about it that way,” and suddenly something that felt overwhelming begins to make a little more sense. Sometimes that shift brings relief. Sometimes it opens the door to a new choice. And sometimes it simply helps someone understand themselves with a little more compassion.
That's what continues to draw me to this work. I'm naturally curious about people, but I'm equally passionate about helping people turn that understanding into meaningful change. I want therapy to be a place where we can slow things down, look beneath the surface, make sense of what's happening, and find practical ways forward. I became a therapist because I believe people deserve a space where they can be understood without judgment and supported without having to fit themselves into someone else's idea of how they should be."
Then:
My approach
I believe meaningful therapy begins with understanding. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, I take the time to understand the person as a whole—their experiences, relationships, strengths, and the ways they make sense of the world. My approach is warm, collaborative, trauma-informed, and strengths-based. I believe therapy should be flexible enough to meet people where they are, whether through talking, practical strategies, creative expression, or family involvement. My goal isn't simply to help you feel better in the moment. It's to help you better understand yourself, develop tools that work for you, and feel more confident navigating life in a way that feels authentic to who you are.
Education
Master's Degree in Counseling, specializing in Art Therapy — University of Louisville
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology — University of South Florida; University of Puerto Rico
Licensure & Certifications
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP)
Specialized Training & Experience
EMDR Trained
8 years of experience as a certified school counselor in Pinellas and Pasco County Schools
12+ years of experience working across mental health settings
