Sandra Francis

Sandra is a caring and compassionate therapist who offers a warm presence and a safe environment for deep healing through individual and family therapy, workshops, and speaking engagements. She uses energy work, meditation and mindfulness practices to guide the work that she does with clients, helping people to open to their higher selves. A deep yearning for learning more about herself and developing meaningful relationships has inspired her career and taken her on a journey through heart-centered experiences that have taught her both professionally and personally.

Sandra grew up on the east coast of Canada and attended Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree with honors in Psychology. She completed a Master of Social Work degree in Ottawa, Ontario, at Carleton University.

After arriving in Pittsburgh, Sandra attended specialized training at the Child Abuse Prevention Center (now Family Resources) to work with children who had experienced sexual abuse. Following that, she developed a play therapy program at the Center for Children and Families in Braddock, PA. That experience led her to work with parents and families.

A change of jobs took Sandra to Gateway Rehab, offering therapeutic play for children of patients in treatment and working with adults on parent skills and addiction issues.

Her work with addiction led her to an interest in Gestalt Therapy, and she beganextensive training at the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, Gestalt International, and the Violet Oaklander Institute, specializing in working with individuals, physical process (body work), couples/families, and children.

Shortly after beginning her Gestalt training in 1993, Sandra started her own private practice, offering children's, family and couples therapy.

Sandra's path led her to the Full Spectrum Healing Arts School, where she learned about integrating chakra balancing with personal growth and spiritual development.

After attending an IMAGO Getting the Love You Want couple's workshop, Sandra was inspired to study the relationship philosophy and couple’s counselling techniques developed by Harville Hendrix, Ph.D. and Helen LaKelly Hunt, Ph.D. She is now credentialed as an Advanced IMAGO Therapist and IMAGO Workshop presenter for couples and individuals.