Therapist Profile

My Approach to Helping

Sandy works with both adults and children seeking help for a variety of problems, including depression, anxiety, addictions, and relationship issues. Sandy's work with couples is founded in Gestalt therapy, which he has found to be very effective when working with systems of all sizes, from couples to families to businesses. He empowers couples to examine how they communicate or "get in the way of" communication and intimacy. He also focuses on present moment experience, personal responsibility, and mindfulness.A native of Washington D.C., Sandy received his Masters in Counseling Psychology from Naropa University. He is a Board Certified Music Therapist and is certified as a Gestalt therapist from the Gestalt Institute of the Rockies, where he continues to pursue advanced studies in couples and family therapy. He is also trained in EMDR, (an effective technique for resolving trauma) and Experiential Play Therapy. Before he became a therapist, Sandy worked in a recording studio and played jazz guitar semi-professionally. He has found music to be an enriching and healing power in his own life, and has found it to be effective in helping others achieve new levels of connection and self-awareness. Sandy uses sound and music listening and improvisation to help his clients access emotions, enhance communication, and connect with a part of themselves that is beyond words. For children and teens, music is a naturally engaging medium, encouraging greater participation in the counseling process. No therapeutic technique will be effective for all people. For this reason, Sandy tailors his treatment to each individual. For some, solution oriented talk therapy may be most appropriate while others may enjoy and benefit from a more dynamic approach involving music, mindfulness, or guided imagery.

More Info About My Practice

I specialize in working with mindfulness, teens, young adults in transition, and identity/ personal growth issues. I also specialize in the use of sound and music as an expressive arts therapy. Vocalization or improvisation with musical instruments can help access and express emotions or needs that may lie beyond words. The work I do tends to be fairly deep as opposed other approaches that may just feel like "rehashing your story" over and over. My approach incorporates experiential learning and a focus on the here and now. I work with body awareness and mindfulness to help you move through those "stuck" places and achieve a richer, more fulfilling, and vibrant life.