Dr. Sandra Madaris

Compassionate, experienced clinical social worker

LCSW, CSW Georgia

Experience: 23 years in practice
Focus areas: Addictions, Trauma and abuse, Anger
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Sandra

Dr. Sandra Madaris brings 23 years of clinical practice to helping people address addictions, trauma and abuse, anger, self-esteem concerns, and depression.

Background and approach

She works with clients who are navigating related issues such as codependency, communication problems, caregiver stress, and substance use, shaping work that targets both immediate symptoms and underlying patterns. Her style blends practical skill-building with empathic listening, drawing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Emotionally-Focused Therapy as appropriate.

Sessions emphasize collaboration and individualized plans so interventions fit each person’s needs and goals rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Licensed in Georgia as an LCSW (CSW004312), Dr.

Madaris frames treatment with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. She invites clients to take gradual steps toward change, tailoring conversations and therapeutic strategies to build coping skills, strengthen motivation, and support long-term recovery and emotional regulation.

Approaches and Online Options for Practical Change

Dr. Madaris commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns; CBT typically offers concrete strategies for addressing symptoms like anxiety, low mood, and problematic substance use. She also integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which focuses on clarifying personal values and building psychological flexibility so clients can act in ways that matter despite difficult thoughts or feelings. In addition, Client-Centered Therapy informs her stance of empathy and collaboration, creating space for clients to lead the pace and focus of work.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and she works collaboratively with clients to determine which combination of methods best fits their goals and preferences. Together they assess what is helping, what needs to change, and how techniques such as cognitive restructuring, values-based action, or emotion-focused exploration can be blended to meet individual needs.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility and access. These options allow clients to connect from home or other convenient locations, fit care into busy schedules, and continue work between meetings using modalities that suit their communication style.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Dr. Madaris commonly address?

She focuses on addictions, trauma and abuse, anger, self-esteem, and depression, and also works with related issues like codependency, communication problems, and caregiver stress.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Her approach combines empathic, client-centered listening with practical skill-building, tailoring interventions to each person’s needs and preferences.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has 23 years of professional experience working in clinical settings and with diverse presenting concerns.

What credentials and location apply to this provider?

She is licensed in Georgia as an LCSW with credential CSW004312 and also lists CSW, and her practice is based in Georgia.

Can I work with her if I live outside the United States?

She does not accept international clients at this time and provides services to clients located within her licensed region.

What session formats are available for appointments?

Appointments can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences.

How are fees and payment handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with this therapist?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Addictions Trauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteem Depression

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobias Post-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Jungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

23+ years

Licensed

Georgia

Languages

English