Dr. Sandra Madaris, LCSW, CSW

Dr. Sandra Madaris helps people address addictions, trauma and abuse, anger, self-esteem struggles, and depression. She greets each person with respect and a calm, steady approach. Her manner is direct but warm, aiming to make hard conversations easier to hold.

With 23 years of experience, Dr. Madaris shapes sessions around practical steps and clear goals. She listens first, then works with each person to try techniques that fit their life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) often guides the work because it links thoughts and behaviors in ways people can change.

Her background includes a focus on issues that often sit under the surface, such as abandonment, attachment concerns, body image, codependency, and caregiver stress. She also supports people coping with cancer, aging and geriatric concerns, and the fallout from divorce or domestic violence. This range means she can pull from several approaches to match a person's needs.

Sessions aim to build coping skills, reduce unhelpful patterns, and increase day-to-day functioning. Dr. Madaris tailors the pace and tools to each situation rather than using a one-size-fits-all plan. She encourages small, practical steps that add up to real change.

People who choose her can expect straightforward conversations about goals and progress. She describes therapy as a collaborative process and helps people weigh options for treatment as they move forward.

Online approaches that fit your life

Dr. Madaris commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy when working online. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors to reduce symptoms like depression, anxiety, and problems with anger or substance use. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people accept difficult thoughts and feelings while clarifying values and taking committed action toward goals.

She treats finding the right approach as a team effort. During early sessions she will listen to your goals and concerns, explain possible methods, and help you decide which approach or combination of approaches feels most useful. That shared decision making guides how sessions unfold over time.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which offer flexibility for different needs. Video calls work well for in-depth conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or you prefer not to be on camera. Live chat and text-based messaging are helpful for brief check-ins, skill practice, or when a shorter touchpoint fits into a busy day. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent around work, caregiving, and other commitments.