What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
“Our first session went very well. My wife and I are glad we started counseling. We're going to keep the frequency at weekly. Thanks for connecting us with Sandra!”
More than 1 year ago
About Sandra Valente
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Seniors (65+)
Identity
Gender
FemaleLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Sandra Valente
Ms. Sandra Valente is a psychotherapist working at ReachLink. She is committed to fostering a supportive therapeutic environment where individuals can explore their emotions, feelings, and behaviors.
During her sessions, Ms. Valente follows a patient-centered approach. With empathy and compassion, she guides her patients through challenges, helping them develop effective coping strategies and navigate life transitions.
Ms. Valente earned her PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Connecticut. She aims to facilitate positive change and empower individuals to achieve healthier and more fulfilling lives.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Welcome. My name is Dr. Sandra Valente, and my philosophy is that I believe transformation is possible for every person. I view each client as a unique individual who needs to be understood from their personal world view. I can help you identify coping skills for difficulties you are having and help you become empowered and in touch with your feelings. I can support you in your efforts to resolve problems for which you are seeking treatment, and to help you identify and focus on strengths that will allow you to find happiness and peace within yourself and others.
My undergraduate degree was in special education. I worked in this field for 13 years in schools, Regional Centers and a major institution for the developmentally disabled providing behavioral support plans, counseling and supervision of Behavior Specialists. I hold a Masters in School Psychology and a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology. I worked for many years for agencies serving individuals with mental health and addictions diagnoses before I started my own private practice in 2005. I have continued to work in private practice to this day. I am a retired Full Professor/Coordinator of the Drug and Alcohol Recovery Counselor (DARC) program where I was responsible for education, training and supervision of students seeking a career in counseling individuals with addictions.
I have over 30 years of clinical experience working with and assessing individuals with mental health issues as well as experience working with psychiatrists in monitoring behaviors/medication effectiveness. I worked for many years with the Court system to provide assessment and treatment for individuals referred for substance use, anger and domestic abuse. I specialize in complex trauma, addictions (alcohol/drug, sexual), anxiety, personality disorders (BPD, Narcissistic) bipolar disorder, ADHD, and depression. I also have extensive experience working with individuals going through divorce and am certified as a Guardian Ad Litem.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Going through therapy with a therapist can be a very beneficial experience for individuals who want to work through their mental health challenges and improve their overall well-being. Here are some steps you can take to make the most of your therapy experience:
-Find the right therapist: The first step is to find a therapist who is a good fit
for you. Look for someone who specializes in the type of issues you want
to address and whose style matches your preferences. I hope I can be
that person for you.
-Set clear goals: It's important to have clear goals for therapy so that you
and I are on the same page. In our first session, we will discuss your goals
and work together to create a treatment plan that outlines the steps you
will take to achieve those goals.
- Try to be open and honest with me about your thoughts, feelings, and
behaviors. I am here to help you, and I can only do so if I have a clear
understanding of what's going on.
- Trust the process: Therapy can be a long process, and it's important to
trust that the work you're doing with me will pay off in the end. It's also
important to be patient and not expect instant results.
- Practice self-care: In addition to attending therapy sessions, it's important
to practice self-care on a regular basis. This may include activities such as
exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
- Keep an open mind: Finally, it's important to keep an open mind and be
willing to try new things. As your therapist, I may suggest different
techniques or approaches that you haven't tried before, and it's important
to be receptive to these suggestions.
Remember, therapy is a collaborative process between you and me, so be sure to communicate your thoughts and concerns along the way. With the right mindset and a willingness to work, therapy can be a transformative experience that helps you achieve your goals and improve your quality of life.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
Enter your insurance carrier and plan
choose insurance
In-network insurances
Aetna
Cigna
Emblem Health
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare Oxford
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- University of Connecticut, PhD in Counseling Psychology
NPI number
1689898264
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
5.00
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
12 reviews
Most relevant
Hello, thanks for connecting me with Sandra! It's going really well
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Our first session went very well. My wife and I are glad we started counseling. We're going to keep the frequency at weekly. Thanks for connecting us with Sandra!
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Less than 1 month agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Less than 1 month agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Less than 1 month agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Less than 1 month agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Less than 1 month agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Less than 1 month agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
How soon can I make an appointment with Sandra Valente?
Generally, Sandra Valente has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Sandra Valente's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Sandra Valente accepting new patients?
Sandra Valente generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Sandra Valente's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Sandra Valente accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Sandra Valente is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Sandra Valente online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Sandra Valente using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Sandra Valente work with?
Sandra Valente works with ReachLink.
What are common reasons for patients to see Sandra Valente?
Sandra Valente frequently sees patients for Anxiety, Depression, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Sandra Valente on their profile.
What languages does Sandra Valente speak?
Sandra Valente speaks English.