CREDENTIALS
Sandra is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and a student member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). She is also an Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT).
Verify registration: https://my.crpo.ca/publicregister
AREAS OF FOCUS
Sandra supports adolescents and adults navigating a range of emotional and relational challenges, including:
Emotional & Mental Health
Depression and low mood
Anxiety and excessive worry
Emotional distress and overwhelm
Grief, loss, and life changes
Relationships & Family
Relationship challenges and conflict
Family conflict and communication difficulties
Codependency and boundary issues
Recovery from narcissistic abuse
Sandra provides a compassionate and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences, process difficult emotions, and move toward greater clarity and healing.
LANGUAGES
Sandra is fluent in English and proficient in Italian.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Sandra earned her:
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) from Yorkville University
Master of Education (MEd) from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE)
Honours Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Toronto
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations from Humber College
Before becoming a therapist, Sandra worked in the non-profit sector with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) and as a teacher with the York Region District School Board (YRDSB), as well as internationally in China, South Korea, Italy, and Abu Dhabi.
Her years as a high school teacher gave her extensive experience working with families and youth from diverse backgrounds, including marginalized communities and individuals with learning exceptionalities, behavioural challenges, and social-emotional difficulties. This background informs her understanding of school-related stress, family dynamics, and the unique pressures faced by young people and caregivers.
APPROACH TO TREATMENT
Sanndra is passionate about helping clients create meaningful change and lead more fulfilling lives. She takes a warm, collaborative, and trauma-sensitive approach, recognizing that each person’s story is shaped by their relationships, history, culture, and environment.
Her practice is grounded in creating a space that is safe, validating, and non-judgmental, where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings at their own pace. She works with clients to build insight, develop coping skills, and strengthen their sense of agency and self-worth.
THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES
Sandra integrates several evidence-based approaches, tailoring them to each client’s needs and goals:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Understanding and shifting thoughts, feelings, and behaviours
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) – Emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and balanced thinking
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) – Building on strengths and what works
Her work is also informed by grief-, shame-, and trauma-sensitive perspectives, allowing her to support clients with compassion as they process painful experiences and work toward healing.
PERSONAL BACKGROUND
Sandra believes in practicing what she encourages in therapy—finding balance, staying curious, and making space for joy. She stays active through yoga, cycling, and regular gym sessions, and she enjoys immersing herself in live theatre and discovering new places through travel. Her rescue puppy, Zeus, is her favourite walking companion and a daily reminder of resilience, trust, and the importance of showing up with an open heart.
