Prof. Sandra Brackenridge, LCSW

Prof. Sandra Brackenridge brings 31 years of professional experience to her therapeutic work, combining hands-on clinical practice with a lengthy career in social work education. She served as a professor of social work for 23 years and continues to supervise social workers as they pursue clinical licensure, having guided at least 40 social workers across three states. Because of this sustained mentorship and expertise, she is sometimes considered the 'therapist's therapist'.

While teaching and supervising, she maintained an active therapy practice so that her clinical skills remained current and informed by ongoing client work. Her scholarly and professional contributions include teaching, publishing, and presenting widely on grief and bereavement as well as on mental health issues in healthcare settings, with a particular focus on veterinary professionals. She has also researched and written about mental health impacts during and after natural disasters, including the recent pandemic and several hurricanes.

Prof. Brackenridge focuses on the mental health of healthcare workers and their families, understanding the unique stressors that can lead to burnout, compassion fatigue, and relationship strain. Her practice addresses a wide range of concerns such as stress, anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship and family issues, caregiving stress, and life transitions. She holds an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) credential and is based in Texas while accepting international clients. She welcomes the opportunity to work collaboratively with individuals and families seeking support.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Prof. Sandra Brackenridge integrates attachment-based and client-centered strategies as well as the Gottman Method to support clients across relationship, family, and individual concerns. Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early connections shape current patterns of relating and helps people build more secure and satisfying bonds; it is often useful for relationship difficulties, intimacy concerns, and family dynamics. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating an accepting, nonjudgmental space where the client leads the pace and content of therapy, which can help with stress, depression, self-esteem, and navigating life changes. The Gottman Method offers practical tools and research-informed techniques for couples to improve communication, manage conflict, and restore emotional connection.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the work itself, and Prof. Brackenridge collaborates with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. She draws on her teaching and supervisory experience to tailor interventions and to explain options clearly so clients can participate in choosing the path forward.

Online therapy with Prof. Brackenridge is available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, and geographic distance. These modalities make it easier to maintain continuity of care and to access licensed professionals from different locations while adapting to each client's life circumstances.