Sandra McQuinn, LCDC, LPC, MA

Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, especially when you’re carrying things that are difficult to talk about or aren’t quite sure where to begin. My goal is to create a space where you can show up as you are—without judgment, pressure, or the feeling that you need to have everything figured out before you walk through the door.

I work with patients navigating anxiety, trauma, difficult life transitions, emotional overwhelm, family concerns, and other challenges that can make life feel difficult to manage. I also have experience working with Veterans and First Responders who have experienced trauma and PTSD.

Patients often appreciate having a space where they can talk openly about difficult, uncomfortable, or even embarrassing things without feeling judged or criticized. I believe some of the most meaningful work in therapy can happen when you feel safe enough to talk about the things you normally keep to yourself.

My professional background as a teacher and school counselor gives me an understanding of the challenges children, parents, and families may experience within the school system. Emotional, behavioral, academic, and family concerns often overlap. I work to understand the different perspectives involved while helping patients identify practical ways to communicate, cope, and move forward.

My approach to therapy is collaborative and individualized. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other therapeutic approaches based on each patient’s needs. Together, we may explore patterns in thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, strengthen coping and emotional regulation skills, and develop realistic strategies for creating meaningful change.

I believe therapy works best when the focus remains on you—your experiences, your needs, and what you hope to gain from therapy. You don’t need to have the right words or have everything figured out before coming to session. My role is to listen, understand, and help you find an approach that works for you.

For patients who would like faith to be part of their counseling experience, I am comfortable incorporating it into therapy in a way that is guided by your individual beliefs, values, and preferences. Faith-based support is always optional.

My professional experience includes education, school counseling, special education, trauma-informed work with Veterans and First Responders, and Equine Assisted Therapy. These experiences have given me an appreciation for the many different circumstances, relationships, and systems that can influence a person’s mental health and well-being.