Sandra Mary Abraham, PsyD

As a bilingual (English/Arabic) Licensed Clinical Psychologist, I aim to be a vessel to help others search for meaning in their lives and to find hope in the midst of difficulties. I quickly learned that what is apparent from the outside is only a mere reflection of the struggles a person may be experiencing and possibly only a fraction of an individual’s challenges in life. With this awareness came an understanding that people can have deep emotions buried within them and are in desperate need for someone to hear them, but more importantly listen to them. I yearned to be that much needed listener, and thus found myself gravitating toward the field of psychology. I have chosen to adopt an integrative model of psychotherapy that is able to adapt to the needs of various clients. My integrative approach includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy. CBT will help me address thoughts, feelings, actions, and provide structure; while psychodynamic therapy will help me gain a deeper understanding of a person’s multi-layered, complex inner world. Exploring differences between the client and myself as the therapist can also be accomplished using psychodynamic therapy. While CBT focuses on the present and psychodynamic therapy explores the past, I am able to use both in a way that addresses aspects that are most important to help clients improve overall functioning. I strive to produce lifetime effects that will help clients learn problem-solving skills not just to cope with their present issues but instead cope with whatever life has to offer them. I believe people can change and that there is good in everyone. CBT and psychodynamic therapy deal with this view by not labeling the individual and allowing him or her to make their own connections in order to grow and learn. This integrative approach best fits my style because, while I like to have structure and be directive, I also like to dig deeper with my clients in order to get a better overall picture of their life. By integrating cognitive, behavioral, and psychodynamic therapy, I will be able to provide clients with a form of treatment that focuses on providing them with the best care and contributes toward their achievement of optimal functioning. As a therapist, I take the stance of a curious listener, which allows me to learn about clients without judging by or imposing my own biases.