“We are all much more simply human than otherwise, be we happy and successful, contented and detached, miserable and mentally disordered, or whatever.”
Harry Stack Sullivan, Psychiatrist
Welcome. I treat people, not disorders and the above quote is the essence of my approach. My areas of expertise are specific, and I offer special Night Owl Therapy Hours for those who are awake while others sleep.
I believe therapy is not always a problem-driven or goal-driven process. It can be one in which the internal and external worlds become more aligned, allowing for an increased sense of well-being. In this way, what are often seen as “problems” or “unmet goals” can be reframed more accurately to represent the human condition, and therapy can effectively manage the “slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” (Shakespeare, 1599).
We all have flaws and foibles. The compassion and setting aside of judgment in a therapeutic setting allows the muscle of self-reflectiveness, growth, and change to be flexed. Therapy requires effort - an emotional workout that can be painful but rewarding. It is about your ability to gain insight into your emotional life and behavior, which can open the door to engaging more authentically and intentionally in your life.
We all have inner and outer lives; some lead conservative lives, others challenge cultural norms. Regardless, therapy can be most productive and rewarding when you can bring your whole being into the process. I have 30+ years’ experience and specialize in treating people seeking self-awareness, relief from distress, or both.
If what you’ve read resonates, please explore my site further or contact me directly at Shara.Sand@gmail.com or 917-734-9168 (call or text).
Dr. Shara Sand
Diversity Award | Division 39
Society of Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic Psychology
American Psychological Association, 2019