Therapist Spotlight: Sandra Dougherty, BS, LMSW

What do you specialize in?

I specialize in grief and loss and chronic and terminal illness. This includes bereavement related to death and dying, anticipatory grief and other life transitions and losses such as divorce or job loss. I also provide support for those living with chronic illness, as well for those in the end stages of their illness. This includes resources, psycho-education, psychotherapy, caregiver support, disease and symptom management support. 

What do you think is important about your role as a therapist?

As a therapist, I feel I am being invited to join a client on their journey of personal growth and healing. I feel it’s my job to walk alongside them, observing and wondering and exploring, rather than telling them what or how to do something. 

How do you help people, in your opinion?

In the context of my specialization, I help people by normalizing elements of their experience and being present with them in their pain or loss. 

What is something that you wish people knew about your specialty, or about therapy in general?

Grief and loss does not only apply to death! We grieve a variety of changes and transitions throughout our life. 

Name an influential person or experience in your life.

I had an amazing mentor during graduate school who truly influenced the style of my practice!