Patricia “Patti” Sands earned her Masters’ degree in Social Work at Boston College Graduate School of Social Work.  She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has a background in supporting children, adults and families with grief, bereavement, loss and trauma. She interned and later volunteered at The Center for Grieving Children, serving as a facilitator in the “peer” model for all age groups.

Patti is a member of NASW, National Association of Social Workers and is a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist. She uses a variety of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, Narrative Therapy and incorporates mindfulness and meditation in her practice. Patti has presented on and written about the subjects of grief, loss and uncertainty. 

While working at The Dempsey Center, Patti was responsible for providing counseling to individuals, couples, children and families of those who are managing the impact of cancer, and for overseeing and maintaining high-quality cancer and grief support groups.

In her private practice Patti provides outpatient therapy for children, adults, couples and families with particular focus on supporting those managing the impact of cancer, grief, loss and trauma, as well as anxiety and social skills. She provides clinical consultation to other therapists in areas of clinical expertise and has served as a consultant and trainer for agencies wishing to launch support group offerings. 

Areas of Expertise:

• Oncology Counseling
• Grief Counseling
• Mindfulness-Based Interventions
• TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) 
• Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) 
• Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI) 
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) 
• Modular Approach to Therapy for Children with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma or Conduct Problems (MATCH-ADTC)