COACHING & COUNSELING FOR OCD AND ANXIETY
Hi, I'm Sandra
It has always been my mission to help people self-actualize and live their life to the fullest.
My first career was in training, leadership development and human resources. After opening a successful life-coaching business in Chicago, I became passionate about helping people address mental health symptoms which created barriers to the success they were searching for. After obtaining a second master's degree in Mental Health Counseling, I found my niche working with OCD and anxiety disorders while working in a community mental health center. I was fortunate to receive training in ERP early in my career.
My mom suffered with OCD at a time when treatment wasn't readily available. She was a silent warrior of a disorder that is still misunderstood today. In my twenties, I experienced purely obsessional OCD. I was fortunate that the episode diminished naturally, and now I know how to handle triggers when they arise.
I love to see the changes that happen over the course of treatment, and to see how brave people are, even when they haven’t yet realized it. The effects can be life changing.
Professional Degrees
I have a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, and a second master’s degree in human resources from the New School for Social Research in New York.
I have been trained in Exposure and Response Prevention by the International OCD Foundation and awarded the Foundation's BTTI designation. I have completed Micheal Greenberg's Rumination-Focused training as well.
In addition, I have two Hypnotherapy certifications specifically designed for therapists. I am Myers-Briggs and DISC Qualified and completed my certifications as an Employee Assistance and Human Resources Professional. I finished a Life Coaching certification for therapists and use ACT as a model for life coaching and high-performance coaching.
Specialties
All Subtypes of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Phobias including Emetophobia
General Anxiety Disorder
Panic Disorder
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Social Anxiety
Hair Pulling/Skin Picking
Depression
Trauma
Therapy Used
Exposure and Response Prevention
Prolonged Exposure Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Rumination-Focused Therapy
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Habit Reversal
Behavioral Activation for Depression
Hypnotherapy for General Anxiety & Depression
ACT Life Coaching
Populations Treated
Adults
Teens if appropriate for practice
Virtual Sessions & In Office