Sandra Rodriguez, MA (she/her)

Sandra Rodriguez is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) who works with youth and adults. Sandra provides care to individuals, couples, and families. In addition, Sandra has worked in schools for over 18 years and is a licensed school counselor and educator (PEL).

Sandra values creating a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where patients feel heard, respected, and supported. Sandra’s approach to treatment is collaborative and individualized, recognizing that every person’s experiences and needs are different.  Sandra prioritizes empathy, genuine understanding, and a commitment to meeting patients where they are at in their journey, while also helping them move toward the life they want.

Sandra utilizes various evidenced-based approaches to care, such as cognitive-behavioral (CBT), person-centered, mindfulness, play techniques, executive functioning techniques, dialectical-behavioral (DBT), culturally sensitive approaches, and strength-based techniques.

Sandra’s clinical interests include a variety of presenting issues, such as: anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicidal ideation, PTSD and trauma, stress, grief, women’s issues, religious/spiritual exploration, cultural exploration, school and academic issues, behavior struggles, teen and young adult issues, learning disabilities, executive functioning, ADHD, autism, family conflict, as well as marital and relationship difficulties.

Background

Sandra has previous experience working in schools as both a counselor and an elementary teacher.  Sandra earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education degree from Northeastern Illinois University. Sandra earned her Master of Arts in School Counseling degree from Concordia Graduate School.

Sandra is a professional member of the American Counseling Association (ACA), American School Counselor Association (ASCA), and Illinois School Counselor Association (ISCA).

Sandra is a Puerto Rican woman, born and raised in Chicago. She is married and has two daughters. Sandra is bilingual (Spanish and English). Sandra welcomes and respects people of all backgrounds and beliefs. Sandra believes her cultural background and life experiences have shaped who she is and has given her a deep appreciation for family, community, resilience, and the importance of feeling understood and accepted. Her faith is also an important part of her identity and has shaped many of her values, including compassion, hope, and service to others. She recognizes that culture, family, faith, and personal experiences can influence how we see ourselves and navigate life.  She strives to create a space where patients from diverse backgrounds feel comfortable, respected, and supported in being their authentic selves.

Licensed Professional Counselor: IL License #: 178. 020648