Meet the Full Circle Health Center Professionals

Sandra Gutierrez is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with several specialties under her belt as noted above. She is the founder of Strength and Hope Therapy Center (established in 2014) and has been in clinical practice since 2010. As an EMDR Consultant and Psychotraumatologist, she has established herself for her passion in compassionately treating emotional trauma wounds and the co-occurring disorders stemming from unhealed trauma. Through her various certifications (EMDR, CST, TCTSY-F, plus more), Sandra approaches treatment from both an evidence-based and a holistic perspective. She believes in treating the root of the presenting problem versus solely treating the symptoms. She enjoys supporting patients through their journey of breaking patterns that no longer serve them. Her goal is to move patients from a life of survival to one of thriving; giving patients a chance to live a more fulfilling life. Sandra believes in providing quality care and culturally responsive care. She also believes in the importance for life-long learning.

EMDR is the primary treatment modality she uses. She does so because it works! EMDR is much more than the reprocessing and desensitization stages. However, EMDR is most known for these two stages. EMDR can clear irrational thought patterns, as well disturbing emotions and sensations. It can be applied to a variety of issues or responses; including but not limited to trauma.

In addition to EMDR, Sandra integrates Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TSY), another evidence-based modality to help in treating trauma through a somatic (body-based approach). TSY is rooted in neurobiology and attachment theory and is great as a stand alone or adjunctive treatment. TSY and EMDR can be delivered virtually or in person. Sandra enjoys combining TSY and EMDR for greater success rates in healing trauma.

Sandra is also known for incorporating creative and expressive art approaches in therapy when applicable to the patient needs and desires. Sandra believes in the healing power of the various forms of art. And of course Sandra has also found ways to bridge EMDR with the arts and integrates EMDR with the arts to ensure best long term results and faster short term symptom reduction. Sandra believes EMDR can reduce suffering and should be utilized creatively, responsibly, ethically and compassionately.

Most importantly, Sandra aims to support you find a glimpse of hope & relief even when life seems chaotic. She wants you to know you are not alone in your situation and that reaching out for support IS an okay thing to do; that NOT BEING OKAY IS OKAY. In Sandra’s practice you will be treated as an individual deserving of respect and empathy regardless of the issue and/or symptoms presented.

Other:
Educationally speaking, Sandra has attended the following institutions: NMSU, the University of Michigan, New York University, MSTI, and Aspen University. Her certifications were completed, enhanced and/or are endorsed nationally and internationally through organizations such as EMDRIA, The Newman Institute in Mexico City, The Center for Trauma and Embodiment at JRI in Boston Massachusetts, Centro de Biomagnetismo in Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico, Oxford Trauma Conference, The International Psychotraumatology Association, The American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors & Therapists, and Revolucion Emocional in Mexico City.

To learn more about Strength and Hope Therapy Center or to book an appointment please visit www.strengthandhopetherapycenter.com and fill out the new patient form. We are excited to be part of your healing journey!