I believe that taking a whole-person approach by addressing both the biological and psychosocial factors fosters a lifetime of healing.
Hello.
I’m Brenda Sanchez, the founder of Esperanza Mental Health. My professional journey is much like a lifetime movie, teaching me all sorts of life lessons along the way.
I believe:
That you’ll find courage in embracing your essence, no one is perfect
In the power of connection between mind, body, and environment, each affecting one another. You must nourish all
In the healing power of spirituality
In finding joy in the simple things in life
In the power of understanding ourselves to recognize and prevent future problems
That your struggles and your experiences are opportunities for growth
That although there’s a grace in denial, conquering the truth makes life meaningful
Our perception of life dictates our ability to adjust
Welcoming change will be your best asset, change is inevitable
In living in the present in the midst of planning for tomorrow
In the value of traditional medication management, but relief may be limited if implemented alone
In the power of combining complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) such as psychotherapy, supplementation, and lifestyle changes to restore balance, fostering a lifetime of healing
That the gut is our second brain, gut health = Serotonin and other neurochemical production
In the healing power of relationships
“Mind, brain, and body make the man, and the man is capable of so much!”
- Wilder Penfield
MY STORY
About Me
From discovering my true place of birth to navigating language and cultural shifts after moving to the United states, I've weathered significant challenges. Marked by resilience and growth, I became fluent in both Spanish and English, married my best friend Gregorio, became a mother of two “blessings” as my parents will jokingly refer, and landed in a profession I love.
Credentials and Clinical Journey
My journey into mental health care began with a deep passion for healthcare, starting as a Medical Assistant at the age of 18. I worked in various medical settings, including Dermatology and OBGYN, while pursuing my nursing degree. After obtaining my Bachelor's and Master's degrees, I worked as a Psychiatric Registered Nurse for over 6 years in inpatient psychiatric hospitals, stabilization-rehabilitation centers, and even within the State Prison system. Since 2019, I've been serving the severe mentally ill community and the general public as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.
Inspiration to Heal
I too experienced internal conflict, and just like you, I was unaware of how it impacted my life. I constantly battled with my self worth and engaged in self destructive behaviors. I attracted toxic relationships and lost good ones along the way. I failed to recognize that these behaviors resulted from the trauma of sexual molestation during my childhood. My sister's struggles with addiction and trauma further deepened my understanding of the complexities of mental health. I understand that although stories may be similar, individual challenges may differ.
A Journey to Wholeness
A turning point in my life came when I faced a series of health challenges. I knew something was terribly wrong when I started questioning “why am I so ungrateful?” and tried to rationalize by “I’ve been through worse things”; sexual molestation, domestic abuse, surviving school while raising a family, “why can't I bounce back” like I always have. “Menopause, really?” The benefits of medication had reached its peak in managing menopausal symptoms and implementing integrative psychiatry was the missing piece. I adhered to an exercise routine starting with small changes and made adjustments as I went. I modified routines, increased intensity, and added supplementation. Investing in my health as a whole healed me in a way I never imagined I'd be healed.
Nurturing Relationships
I experienced first hand the importance of nourishing the biological and psychological factors to restore balance and a lifetime of healing. I've come to comprehend family dynamics and the interpersonal conflict that stems from trauma and although I cherish family connections, I’ve learned that establishing boundaries creates healthier relationships. I humbly believe that my unique blend of professional credentials and personal experiences will empower you in your healing journey.
Let's Start Your Healing Journey
Change in behavior may be subtle and easy to ignore until you find yourself wondering “how did I let myself go this far?”. Symptoms may wax and wane and/or be persistent, whether or not you know the reason for their existence, I can help guide the way.
Warm regards,
Brenda Sanchez, PMHNP-BC
MY CREDENTIALS
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified
Master’s degree of Science in Nursing
An active member of the American Nurses Association
Background in providing psychiatric services to the Severely Mentally Ill (SMI) through Terros Health from 2019 through 2021
Background in providing psychiatric services to the general public since 2014
Background in Ketamine assisted therapy and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Continuing education in teen and adult psychiatry
Continuing education in integrative psychiatry