A woman with long dark hair smiling, with colorful abstract art in the background, alongside text introducing her as Sandy Valenzuela, a pre-registered therapist.
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You’re tired of quick fixes that don't last.

You know therapy terms, yet intellectualizing hasn’t erased that lingering sense of otherness.

Through a queer-centered, neuroaffirming, decolonial lens, we explore how personal and systemic forces shape your life.

A person taking notes, with a quote overlay that reads, 'Society puts pressure on us to perform until we slowly disconnect from who we are.'

My approach to therapy

A woman with long dark hair, glasses, and tattoos on her arm, is sitting on a beige sofa, speaking and gesturing with her hand. She has an open notebook on her lap, and a pen in her hand. A person in a dark shirt is sitting across from her, holding a white and orange mug. The room has a side table with a lamp, a potted plant, framed pictures, and a bookshelf.

Therapy with me is a collaborative process rooted in co-creating safety.

Together, we explore your lived experience, openly naming how systemic oppression and capitalism impact your wellbeing.

By paying attention to what shows up between us in real time, our relationship becomes a supportive space to experiment with new ways of relating, turning insight into lived, authentic connection outside of therapy.

Schedule a free call

Booking your appointment is simple, and our team is ready to provide the attention, care, and expertise you deserve. Pick a time that works for you.

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You are welcome here.

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Otherness is the isolating experience of having to hide your authentic self from yourself and others.

Adapting to survive, whether to fit in, keep the peace, or stay safe, is exhausting. Together, we’ll get curious about what helps you feel safe enough to rediscover your authentic self.

No pressure to unmask or force trust; we go at your pace.

A bit about me.

Outside of counselling, I have a series of interests, passions, and hobbies that I deeply care about. Here are some of them.

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I complete my Master of Counselling Psychology at Adler University in December 2026.

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I am a co-founder of Care Beyond Capital, which focuses on oppression within capitalism.

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I care deeply about the support and allyship of marginalized communities such as LGBTQIA+.

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I love exploring music from all walks of life and as many cultures as possible. Happy to hear music recommendations!