Dr. Sandra Gutiérrez

Founder and Owner, Ph.D., Ed.D., LCSW

I believe in empowering individuals and communities. I love the sacredness of the therapy room and believe in treating the root of the problem versus solely treating the symptoms.

Sessions in English and Spanish

Why she founded Strength and Hope

Sandra founded Strength and Hope Therapy Center to close the wide gap in quality mental health services in our community. Rural communities are often at a disadvantage in the type and quality of care they receive, and Sandra wanted to change that, so underserved communities can access the care they need and deserve regardless of their financial situation.

Her practice model centers on patients’ needs rather than on a business model. The essence of Strength and Hope is, and will remain, serving patients with the utmost quality while preserving and promoting the dignity of every individual.

In her words

I approach treatment from a holistic perspective, and I’m fluent in both English and Spanish. I believe in treating the root of the presenting problem rather than only the symptoms. I enjoy supporting patients as they break patterns that no longer serve them. My goal is to help patients move from a life of surviving to one of thriving.

Why EMDR

EMDR is Sandra’s primary treatment approach, within an overall eclectic practice, because it works. EMDR is best known for its reprocessing and desensitization stages, but it is much more than that. It can clear irrational thought patterns as well as disturbing emotions, sensations, and images, and it applies to a wide variety of concerns, including but not limited to trauma.

Licensure and certifications

LCSWLicensed Clinical Social Worker
EMDRIA Certified Clinicianand Approved Consultant
NM Social Work BoardApproved Supervisor
AASECT Certified Sex Therapist(CST)
Trauma Sensitive Yoga FacilitatorTrauma Center (TC-TSY-F)
Reiki Master and Teacher

Education

Ph.D., Clinical SexologyModern Sex Therapy Institutes, West Palm Beach, FL
Ed.D., Learning and LeadershipSpecialization in Health Care Administration and Leadership, Aspen University, Denver, CO
DSW coursework completedNew York University, New York, NY
Master of Social WorkUniversity of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, with a minor in Management and School Social Work Certification
Dual Bachelor’sCriminal Justice, and Foreign Languages with a Spanish specialization, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM

Not being okay is okay.

“I aim to help you find a glimpse of hope and relief, even when life feels chaotic. You are not alone in your situation, and reaching out for support is an okay thing to do.

In my practice, you will be treated as an individual deserving of respect and empathy, whatever you’re facing.”

Interested in working with Sandra?

Reach out and you’ll hear back within 24 hours (weekends and holidays excepted).

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