Hello, I am a Licensed Social Worker and licensed Addiction Counselor. I worked as a School Social Worker in Pawtucket, RI and retired. I was based at a middle school but worked with all students, parents and staff in an inner city school for 17 years. The population was culturally diverse and presented with a multitude of issues. I also worked part-time as an Outpatient Therapist for 15 years and specialized in Trauma and Addictions. As a Social Worker for over 25 years I have worked with a variety of populations. I have worked with dually-diagnosed, chronic mentally ill on a Mobile treatment Team which I found rewarding and challenging. As a Therapist I have dealt with trauma, anxiety, depression, sexual abuse, addictions, chronic guilt and shame , physical illness, LBTGQ life issues, stress and life changes.
My approach is empathetic and non-judgmental. I feel that humor and gratitude can be helpful in dealing with life and day to day stress. I will challenge your thinking and coping strategies and feel it was a good session if you leave thinking about the session. I will assist you in setting goals and moving forward.
Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Relationship issues, Grief, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Anger management, Career difficulties, Depression, Compassion fatigue, Abandonment, Aging and geriatric issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Communication problems, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Drug and alcohol addiction, First responder issues, Forgiveness, Gender dysphoria, Guilt and shame, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Phobias, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-harm, Self-love, Sexual assault and abuse, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
RI LICSW RI ISW01090
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Sandra Leal. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
I am extremely grateful to Sandra for her welcoming qualities and accepting generosity. she is s skilled therapist that has assisted me through two of the most challenging ordeals of my life. I think I'm finally coming out of the fog of grief.
Written on Nov 16, 2024 after therapy with Sandra for 3 years and 10 months on issues concerning depression, grief, and coping with life changes
Sandra is amazing. She really dives deep into your situation and brings everything to light. She understands every situation and knows how to put a lot of your emotions and feelings at ease. Highly recommend her if you have the chance to speak to her.
Written on Apr 12, 2023 after therapy with Sandra for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, and anger management
Sandra is amazing. She is kind, open-minded, and caring. I look forward to most sessions, and even when I'm not in much of a talking mood, she's there for me.
Written on Jan 25, 2023 after therapy with Sandra for 2 years on issues concerning depression, eating disorders, and self esteem
She helps me so much. I truly love her. She is so strong and knowledgeable.
Written on Dec 25, 2022 after therapy with Sandra for 1 year and 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coach
Sandra is a great therapist she is very real, understanding, kind. I like that Sandra’s approach and I appreciate her listening to my concerns and giving me steps to better myself and my situation. I would recommend Sandra!
Written on Nov 18, 2022 after therapy with Sandra for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, parenting issues, and anger management
Sandra is an amazing therapist. She is someone who is supportive, can help you think deeply about issues, but also find a path forward when times are difficult. Would definitely recommend Sandra to anyone.
Written on Apr 08, 2022 after therapy with Sandra for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, self esteem, and coaching