Christine Sande MSW, LCSW | Women's Therapy in Albuquerque, New Mexico

I was born and raised in the suburbs of Minneapolis, MN, but thereafter lived in various locations across the USA, including Las Vegas, NV; New Orleans, LA; and Portland, OR. In 2011 I moved to Silver City, NM to join a Tibetan Buddhist dharma center. Though I have since parted ways with them, Buddhism and eastern philosophy have had a strong influence on my life and my work in mental health. I have been living in Albuquerque since 2018.

I received my BA in Psychology at Loyola University, New Orleans in 2004 (right before Hurricane Katrina). I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to live in New Orleans pre-Katrina and get to know the culture and history there intimately. It is still the place I would consider my spiritual home. In 2011 I received my Master of Social Work from St Katherine/St Thomas Universities in St. Paul, MN.

I have worked in the mental health field since 2005. I have extensive experience working with people with serious and persistent mental illness, both as a residential counselor and case manager. In southwest New Mexico I worked as a hospice social worker, working intensively with grief and end of life planning. Recently I spent two years at UNM Hospital, providing therapy at Connect, a program for teens and young adults determined to be at clinical high risk of developing psychosis. 

My current passion is working with people who have experienced trauma, particularly Complex PTSD or developmental trauma. It is my belief that most people have experienced trauma, especially with mis-attuned caregivers while growing up. I’m certified in EMDR therapy for trauma work. I also utilize CBT, DBT and Mindfulness approaches in my work with clients.