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Free 30 minute introductory session!

Psycho Therapy & 

Spiritual Companionship 

Sandi Cohen, DSW, BCD, Mashpiah Ruchanit

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Psycho Therapy

In Psycho Therapy, a person comes to a therapist counselor with a particular situation in their life that they want to work on, in order to solve emotional issues in the present (and sometimes from as early as childhood). The goal of this counseling is to achieve a better relationship to oneself and others.

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Spiritual Companionship

Spiritual Companionship is a special form of friendship between equals, in which the “director” serves as a companion to the “seeker.” The intent of spiritual direction is attunement to the presence of the Divine in one’s journey. I use the word ‘Divine’, though my clients use whatever language resonates for them. In these conversations, we look at your life through the lens of the Divine.

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Hello! I’m Sandi

Doctorate in Clinical Social Work

Welcome. Elders like myself – and perhaps you – are often mentors, loving and loved family members, and even, leaders in our community. Then, life takes a different turn, as when I became a widow. My entire life changed. And, with the help of a professional I was able to reclaim myself and my life. This is exactly why I created Elder to Elder – to offer services, both spiritual and psycho-spiritual, to support elders in need.

My Story

My Approach & Values

Any of the issues facing us as elders can be difficult – sometimes just getting through the day can be tough. I consider anyone 50+ to be an elder. As an elder there are more enduring decisions to make, such as downsizing, which might mean selling your home and sorting through treasured mementos to give away or sell. And then, moving into smaller quarters, a retirement community, or the home of a family member. Similarly, when one retires from a long-standing professional career, questions like Who am I? and What will life be like for me now? arise. 

  • I work with people of all religions – and those with no faith at all.
  • My practice is multi-cultural, for both women and men, and LGBTQ-friendly.
  • I work with people world-wide, by phone, Skype or other video conferencing from my office in Northwest Philadelphia (Eastern Time Zone, US).
  • I offer a half-hour introductory session, at no charge.
  • My usual fee is $135 for a 60-minutes session. (Ask about a sliding scale.)
  • Most Spiritual Companionship clients meet with me once every 2-4 weeks.
  • Most Psycho-Spiritual Counseling clients meet with me once a week.
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My Expertise

Downsizing

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Often downsizing from a home you lived in for many years can be a very challenging and often a difficult transition. Particularly if your spouse is no longer with you. Spiritual Companionship can bring you a new way of looking at this transition.

Work Life/ Retirement

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So much of our self identification is related to our work life. Retirement can therefore bring an identity crisis. Either Spiritual Companionship or Psycho-Spiritual Counseling might help you through this transition in your life. And Psycho-Spiritual Counseling might help you find an encore way of being..

Caregiving/ Care-Receiving

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In our later years we might find ourselves in the position of caregiver to a loved one. And, sometimes for the first time in our lives we may find ourselves receiving care from our adult children or others. This can be very challenging for some of us. Finding a spiritual path in our life can be so supportive. I welcome the opportunity to serve you in Spiritual Companionship.

Life Transitions & Grieving

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As elders we face so many life transitions. Retirement, moving into a retirement home, grieving the loss of our loved ones. In this situation, either Spiritual Companionship – finding support from the divine – or working through these emotional issues in Psycho-Spiritual Counseling can be very helpful. I know because as a widow of five years, I had to see a counselor myself. And of course I continued in spiritual direction.

Children & Grandchildren

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Ah, the joys – I know them well. Gratitude, as practiced in Spiritual Companionship, is nourishing to the soul. On the other hand, I have a dearest friend who lost her son to suicide in this last year. She is ever grateful to her counselor for her support and to me for my spiritual support.

Isolation, Loneliness & Illness

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These are the three of the most debilitating experiences elders have at this time of life. Again, Spiritual Companionship, or Psycho-Spiritual Counseling can re-frame one’s life.

Trauma

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Falling, car accidents, early childhood memories haunting us, etc. — Psycho-Spiritual Counseling or finding spiritual support can get you through these hard times.

Gender Identity

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Years ago, it was not safe to come out as who you are. What issues would you like to address for yourself and others? I can help.

"We have known Sandi for over 30 years and she has been instrumental in helping us navigate many trials and tribulations -- from helping us in creating a family, to dealing with family issues, to major illnesses and losses. Her deeply insightful and positive approach has allowed us to weather these storms, gaining confidence and growing spiritually and psychologically as individuals and as a family. She is a major reason we are who we are today."

Maryann and John F.

"I have had the privilege of working closely with Dr. Cohen as my spiritual director for the past 11 years. As someone who entered rabbinical school at age 62 and was ordained at age 68, and who is now moving into elderhood, I’ve experienced first-hand, and continue to benefit greatly from, Dr. Cohen’s wise and compassionate guidance. Her special gift is her ability to listen with full presence and respect to those whom she guides, encouraging them to articulate their deepest questions and to find within themselves the spiritual resources they need to meet the challenges they face.”

Rabbi Dr. Doris Dyen

"I have met with Sandi Cohen monthly for the past six years. We meet in a very comfortable and safe environment. Sandi has helped me to uncover new insights in my spirit, helping me to integrate who I am and who I want to be. At the same time, I have found a deeper connection to the divine through our conversations. I anticipate every meeting with enthusiasm, expecting the unexpected."

Maury Hoberman, MD
Senior Rabbinical Student

"I was mentored by Sandi Cohen in a three year spiritual direction course of study. Sandi taught and supervised my learning with integrity, expertise and care. She showed concern and compassion for continued growth in my personal and spiritual life, in my studies and how these impacted each other. Sandi continues to serve as my spiritual director with skillful, intuitive expertise. It is because of my ongoing relationship with Sandi that I am able to serve others in ministry as a spiritual director. I will always be grateful to her for companioning me on this part of my life’s journey."

Sharon Pearl, MA
Spiritual Director

"I have been blessed to work with Dr. Cohen both in individual Spiritual Direction and as part of a Spiritual Direction group. Sandi brings her full self to each encounter. She listens deeply, and skillfully invites insights and discoveries that lead to deeper conversation. She carries and offers her considerable experience and skill with grace and generousity. Sandi is a gifted Spiritual Companion. I recommend her to individuals of all genders and backgrounds. Her open heart inspires each soul she encounters to grow in wisdom and discernment."

Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell, PhD
Spiritual Director

"Sandi Cohen is a creative, perceptive and insightful Spiritual Director. Among her gifts are the ability for deep and holy listening and patience. She brings G-d into the conversation in myriad ways and is herself always present in her relationship with her directees. Sandi practices the art of spiritual direction with a full and giving heart, with compassion and with directness."

Rabbi Debra Smith

Contact Me

Ask a question or book an appointment below. For emergencies call 911 or visit your nearest hospital

cohensandi1935@gmail.com