Sandy has over 20 years of experience working with families and children. Her professional career began as a Special Education Teacher where she taught children with learning and emotional/behavioral struggles. A Masters in Social Work followed this career and has allowed Sandy to work with children, adolescents, families, and adults in a number of settings including: In Home Therapy, Christian Counseling, School Social Work (Kindergarten – 8th Grade), and Residential Treatment Therapy with ages 12-17. She currently works as a School Based Therapist, working with Kindergarten – 5th graders. Her eclectic experiences have allowed her to work across age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, and experience.
 
As a Christian Counselor Sandy believes the only way to experience true healing is through God’s leading and the love He demonstrates through the person of Jesus Christ. Therapy begins with meeting the person or family where they are, developing a shared plan and goal, and walking with them toward achieving wholeness of mind, body, and spirit. It means allowing the Holy Spirit to guide therapy and to actively participate in prayer. Sandy also incorporates techniques appropriate to her client needs such as: Cognitive Behavioral Techniques, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Techniques, Narrative Therapy Techniques, EMDR, and Psychoeducation.

In Sandy’s experience with children and adolescents she has worked with presenting issues such as: ADD/ADHD, Autistic Disorder or Asperger’s Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, Developmental or Learning Disability, PTSD and trauma histories, Anxiety, Depression, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, grief and loss, self-esteem issues, and peer or other interpersonal struggles.

Her experience with adults includes ages 21-60 and presenting issues such as: life cycle transitions or difficulties, relational conflicts, Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, grief and loss, career changes, trauma, and addictions and recovery.

Experience
Sandy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Augsburg College. In addition, she received a Master’s of Arts in Leadership for Mission from Luther Seminary as part of a dual Master’s Degree program with Augsburg College. Prior to completing her graduate work she received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Elementary and Special Education from Moorhead State University.

Tel. 651.439.2059
Email. info@christianheartcounseling.com