Dr. Sandra Madaris, LCSW, CSW

Dr. Sandra Madaris is a licensed clinical social worker in Georgia who helps people navigate addictions, trauma and abuse, anger, low self-esteem, and depression. She emphasizes respectful, sensitive, and compassionate care. Her approach starts with listening and understanding each person's situation before suggesting next steps.

With 23 years of experience, Dr. Madaris adapts conversations and plans to meet individual needs. She focuses on practical skills for managing emotions, motivation, and confidence. Sessions are meant to be direct and supportive, with clear goals that fit the client's life.

Her work includes attention to relationship and attachment concerns, codependency, caregiver stress, and challenges tied to aging and health conditions such as cancer. She also addresses patterns like avoidant or dependent personality traits and struggles with control or communication.

Dr. Madaris draws on approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy. She mixes these methods to suit the person rather than using one fixed method.

People who come to her can expect straightforward discussions about practical coping tools and steps to try between sessions. She invites open conversation about what is and isn't working so plans can be adjusted. Signing up for therapy is framed as a courageous first move and an important step toward change.

How her approaches fit into online therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice painful thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them and then move toward values-based goals. It is useful for depression, anxiety, and coping with health challenges. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful patterns. It often helps with mood, motivation, and addiction-related behaviors. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) focuses on identifying and expressing emotions to improve how people relate to themselves and others, which can be helpful for attachment and communication struggles.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what has or has not helped before. From that conversation, she will recommend methods to try and adjust them as progress is made, keeping the plan collaborative.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the available session formats before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy day, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. Many people find it convenient to continue work between appointments and use exercises learned in session in their everyday routines.