Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Sandoval.
Erica, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Today, I’m an entrepreneur, the founder, and CEO of Sandoval Psychotherapy Consultation, a testament to my healing journey. I’m no stranger to trauma, which stemmed from family conflict, my childhood migration from Ecuador, being a young single mother, and poverty. Only when I began therapy did I finally begin to process my trauma and understand how not to let my past define my future. That personal work inspired me to become a social worker so that I could help other people from my community on their healing journeys.
After a dozen years as a social worker, I founded my own practice with the goal of creating a space that helps clients feel more attuned to themselves so that they can succeed in whatever way they dream. I specialize in working with Latinx families and adults and am often the first Latina – or even person of color – mental health provider they’ve ever seen. I recently became certified in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), which can catalyze healing for mental illness, inner child work, relational conflict, and traumatized communities. Even though the practice is rooted in indigenous cultures, there are only a handful of Latinx therapists certified in this work in the US, so I want to bring it back to us. I host KAP healing retreats across the country, including in Miami, and offer KAP healing circles and work groups, both virtually and in person.
My entrepreneurial journey has solidified for me the importance of community and lifting up other entrepreneurs, so I became a Socia representing NYC for Latina Empire, a personal and business development coaching program, and am connected to Miami through this network of holistic healing and coaching.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have faced systemic struggles as an immigrant, someone who grew up in poverty, a Latina, a woman, and a single mom. I only came to social work after initially dropping out of college, bouncing around the service industry, and working in the music industry. Once I became a social worker, I regularly was passed over for promotions, had my ideas ignored until they were regurgitated by white colleagues who then got the credit, and faced overt discrimination. I struck out on my own to finally build the culturally humble workplace we all deserve.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Sandoval Psychotherapy Consultation?
Our all-women and majority-Latina team of social workers offers individual and couples therapy. I also offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy to unlock the deepest levels of healing. Our team is trauma-informed and culturally humble, and we are experts in mental illness, immigration, discrimination, work, family, and relationship issues. We create a warm, collaborative space where clients can freely explore conflicts in their lives and how they can build a truer, more beautiful future.
In addition to psychotherapy, we offer mental health workshops and trainings for companies, organizations, and schools. The virtual and in-person trainings teach about how to support mental health and wellness as well as workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion. We help participants create safe, supportive, and growth-oriented environments that reduce staff burnout, increase team accountability, and build trust and transparency across operations that last. This would not be possible without the support of my team.
I care about my team and their own wellness, and we often enjoy times out reclaiming our joy to be able to continue to support our communities.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
At three years old, I was given a shiny red tricycle. I couldn’t believe I owned something so beautiful, and on the way home from the store, I held onto the bike for dear life, terrified it would slip out of the truck and my life. The tricycle symbolized freedom. Now, I had the ability to explore my neighborhood, go off with friends, or chart my own path. It was the first time anything seemed possible. This is the same freedom I feel now as an entrepreneur as I do what I love.
Pricing:
- Individual therapy – sliding scale
- Couples therapy – $225/session
- Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy – $300–$400
- Healing retreats – contact to learn more
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sandovalcolab.com
- Instagram: @sandovalcolab
Image Credits
Critstian Peña
Pablo Monsalve
