About Me
Hello! I’m Sandi
Doctorate in Clinical Social Work
I see myself as an elder living the very definition of an elder written by Barry Barkan, a gerontologist who founded Live Oak Living Center, a humanistically-run nursing home in El Sobrante, CA –
An elder is a person who is still growing, still a learner, still with potential and whose life continues to have within it promise for, and connection to, the future. An elder is still in pursuit of happiness, joy, and pleasure, and her or his birthright to these remains intact. Moreover, an elder is a person who deserves respect and honor and whose work it is to synthesize wisdom from long experience and formulate this into a legacy for future generations.
I’m told by family and friends and clients that they experience me that way as well. I believe you and I can connect because I, too, have been to counseling, dealt with the challenges and lived passed them. For me, life is a journey.
A Licensed Board Certified Diplomat in Clinical Social Work
Licensed Board Certified Diplomat in Clinical Social Work signifies that I have received a Doctorate in Social Work (University of Pennsylvania) and completed many years of clinical practice and continuing education.
In Psycho-Spiritual Counseling, I work specifically with Elders who are experiencing emotional and or relational stress. Our work is both psychological and spiritual, such as in dealing with the loss of a loved one, grief counseling might also address spiritual questions. Another example is retiring from your professional career and finding yourself asking Who am I now? What do I do now? and I didn’t know it was going to be so challenging! among other issues.
I am a supportive, skilled counselor who is also an elder and can help you cope with the emotional stresses of life at your age. Your personal concerns are the focus of our work.
Jewish Spiritual Direction Training
- 2009 ALEPH Ordination as Mashpiah Ruhanit
- 2003 Received S’mcha (Ordination) as a Jewish Spiritual Director from Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi
- 1999 Jewish Renewal Life Center; introduced Spiritual Direction practice to their one-year residential study program.
- 1996 Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation, Three-Year Training Program.
A Spiritual Director/Mashpiah Ruhanit
The question What is Spiritual Direction? is answered in many ways at Spiritual Directors International –
Liz Bud Ellman says simply, “Spiritual Direction is helping people tell their sacred stories everyday,” and James Keegan’s writes that “Spiritual Direction is the contemplative practice of helping another person…awaken to the mystery called God in all of life, and to respond to that discovery in a growing relationship of freedom and commitment.”
In Spiritual Direction, one person companions another on their journey with the Divine (in any way that they define the Divine). In Spiritual Direction, the seeker is free to bring anything happening in their lives to the session. The companion asks questions for the seeker’s discernment – no is advice given in this non-judgmental environment.
Contact Me
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