Lauretta Sand, MA, LMHC

I am a licensed mental health therapist with a master’s degree in clinical psychology from John F. Kennedy University.  I have over twenty-two years of experience working in various settings in the mental health field to include community mental health, advocacy centers, residential treatment and private practice. 

My Background

I was born and raised in Montana, growing up on a small farm where I had the privilege of learning a healthy work ethic and the benefits animals and nature have in teaching unconditional regard and empathy.  I was very shy as a child and young adult, experiencing significant anxiety when in social settings and confronted with change. 

 In high school I discovered theater and the ability to safely express myself in the forms of characters that were quite different from my quiet personality.  While attending college at Rocky Mountain College, I majored in performance theater, where I continued to utilize acting as an outlet to express myself. While in college I was encouraged by a professor to further my education, utilizing the arts to support others in finding healthy ways to communicate their thoughts and emotions.  I then went onto graduate school where I received my Masters degree in Clinical Psychology and a specialization in Expressive Arts Therapy.

My Approach

My therapeutic approach focuses on the importance of creating a safe environment through genuineness and unconditional regard.

 In addition, I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR, play therapy and a systemic approach.  With the systemic approach, the focus is to address not only the individual, but also their patterns and dynamics in a group setting.

Among my areas of expertise are the treatment of:

• Children, adolescents and adults in individual, couples and family therapy

• Communication

• Relationships

• Parenting

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Trauma

• Grief and loss

• Life transitions

• Anger management

• ADD/ADHD

• Oppositional and defiant behaviors

• Attachment issues

• EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

• Expressive Arts Therapy/sandtray/play therapy