Virginia

Virginia Sanford, LPC

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Intersecting identities that inform my practice: I identify as a white, cisgender, able-bodied, woman. These are all identities that hold significant power and privilege, which greatly informs both my practice and my place in the world. I am committed to never assuming that my experiences will match those of my clients. I am dedicated to acknowledging and addressing differences in our identities in a way that allows for dialogue and fosters a sense of emotional safety.

Background and approach:  I began working in the field of mental health 9 years ago as a wilderness therapy guide. Using the wilderness as a platform and facilitator for profound growth and healing resonated deeply for me on a personal and professional level. The wilderness challenges us to confront our fears, acknowledge both our strengths and our limits, and recognize the incredible power that can be gained through sitting with and pushing past discomfort. As a therapist, I strive to create an environment that helps to foster these same experiences. In order to step outside of what we know (even if we recognize that it is no longer working for us), we need to feel emotionally and physically safe enough to start peeling back the layers of defenses that first emerged as a form of protection. As an attachment-based and trauma-informed therapist, I believe that healing and change can begin when we feel safe and secure in our relationships. I am committed to sitting with you and supporting you through the challenges, discomfort and pain that often accompany change. 

I have worked with adolescents, adults and families in a range of different settings from wilderness and residential therapy to community mental health. I have worked extensively with adventure and equine therapy as a way to facilitate experiential growth and deepen relationships with self and the world around us. I am passionate about working with grief and loss as it relates to trauma, identity, ability and the multitude of ways that we experience loss as humans. Change can be hard and it can be scary, but it can also be exciting and fulfilling; my hope is to help create space to access the range of experiences that arise through the therapeutic process.

Theoretical & Clinical Orientation: My clinical approach draws from several theoretical orientations. I work from an Attachment based, Trauma informed and Client-Centered lens. From an attachment lens, I explore the ways that relationships and experiences early in life have impacted one’s ability to feel safe and secure in present day relationships, and how relationship patterns emerged as a way to help get basic needs for love and belonging met. Taking a client-centered approach means that I believe you are the expert in your own life, which also means I want to encourage you to take an active role in making therapy personally meaningful and useful. My trauma lens informs my belief that part of the lived experience of being human is to experience trauma and we are all doing the best we can in any given moment to cope and survive. 

Licensure, Certifications, & Fellowships: LPC

Education & Training: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of Colorado Denver

Clinical Specializations: Brainspotting trained, Natural Lifemanship Equine Therapy trained

Professional Service & Membership: American Counseling Association (ACA)

Outside of work: I love spending as much time as I can outside in the mountains, canyons and deserts. My first love is climbing, though hiking with a wildflower guide and binoculars is close behind. In my downtime I enjoy curling up with a book or attempting to learn how to watercolor.