Hi, I’m Sandra!
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
Sandra is accepting new clients, with availability on weekdays and evenings.
Our office accepts most commercial insurances, including Aetna, Cigna, Florida Blue, United Healthcare, Optum, Oscar, and more.
Sandra’s private pay rate is $120/session.
Credentials and Experience
M.Ed., Community Counseling — University of Mississippi
B.S.W. — University of Mississippi, cum laude, Phi Kappa Phi
Education
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern (RMHCI), State of Florida
License #: IMH 25426
License
Psychodrama
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Specialized Training
Autism, ADHD & Neurodivergence
Areas of Focus
Sandra brings decades of experience in mental health counseling to Stillwater Therapy, with a background spanning private practice, community mental health centers, intensive outpatient programs, and crisis stabilization units. In the Tampa Bay area, she has provided individual, couples, and family therapy at outpatient and intensive outpatient treatment centers in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Palm Harbor, FL, with a focus on trauma, neurodivergence, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Experience
Sandra is an active speaker and educator in the Tampa Bay community. She has presented public seminars on topics including trauma recovery from natural disasters and neurodivergence awareness, including a free community seminar at the Largo Public Library titled "Surviving the Aftermath of the Storms," addressing trauma for survivors of Florida's 2024 hurricanes.
Community Involvement
Clearwater, FL: offering both in-person and virtual sessions throughout Florida
Based in
Healing isn’t about “fixing” yourself. It’s about understanding yourself.
My goal as a therapist is simple. I want to work myself out of a job. That means helping you heal the pain that brought you here and equipping you with tools and insight so you feel better prepared to handle life as it unfolds. Therapy should be empowering, not endless, and it should always feel like a place where trust is earned and safety comes first.
I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and groups, and I specialize in trauma, neurodivergence, and working with the LGBTQ+ community. I primarily use psychodrama and emotionally focused therapy, which are powerful, experiential approaches that can create meaningful change without requiring years in therapy. I also draw from CBT, motivational interviewing, and psychoeducation, because no one approach fits everyone.
In session, I bring a calm, grounded presence and meet you in your world, working within your belief system and at your pace. Sessions can be emotional and deep, but they are also supportive and often include humor. While we may open up difficult places, you will always leave feeling steady and supported. As long as you show up, you are doing your part. You cannot fail at therapy.
I hold a master’s degree in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Community Counseling and have over ten years of experience across private practice, community mental health, intensive outpatient programs, crisis stabilization units, and nonprofit work. I bring both professional training and lived experience into the room, along with the belief that everyone deserves a space where they can feel safe enough to heal.