Dr. Sandra Shachar, PhD, Licensed Psychologist,
Based in Philadelphia PA, with additional office in St. Louis, MO
Offering Telehealth to clients in more than 30 PSYPACT-participating states
Author of The Porn Solution: Relationship Repair After Pornography Betrayal,
Sano Press (2023)
I have extensive training and over 40 years of experience using evidence-based solutions for individuals and couples seeking to increase satisfaction, harmony and peace in their relationships, work and personal health.
I specialize in relationship and communication issues. I have specialized training in and a passion for working with individuals and couples affected by Betrayal Trauma caused by Infidelity, Sex, Love and Porn Addiction and Problematic Sexual Behavior.
Please note: I am not a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist/CSAT and do not do diagnosis and treatment work with individuals who are or may be affected by these issues. Instead I have a network of CSAT colleagues to whom I refer such indiviudals for diagnosis and treatment. I am often one member of a professional team working with either the betrayed partner or the couples affected by these issues.
I strive to receive clients from diverse backgrounds with respect, compassion and in a spirit of working in partnership toward greater health and happiness!
Training, Experience and Credentials:
Ph.D. Counseling Psychology, 1979,
University of Texas at Austin
Marriage & Family Therapy training, 1988-1991, Menninger Clinic,
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis University Medical Center,
Director, Stress Management Center 1980-1982
Private Practice in Counseling Psychology
St. Louis, Missouri, 1982-2001; 2011-2021
Philadelphia PA 2021-present
License & Certifications
Certified Imago Relationship Therapist
Certified Clinical Partner Specialist, Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Treatment Specialists/APSATS
Authorized Telehealth Psychologist, PSYPACT, Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards/ASPPB
Missouri License, State Committee of Psychologists, 201100689
Pennsylvania License, State Board of Psychology, PSO19197
Specialty Training
Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists (APSATS) 2019
Sex and Love Addiction Treatment Training Program, Dr. Alexandra Katehakis, Center for Healthy Sex, Los Angeles, CA 2019
Imago Therapy Clinician training, 2018-2020
Collaborative Divorce Training, 2011 & 2018
Mediation Training, St. Louis University Law School, 2012
Gottman Therapy, 2013 (Level 1)
Professional Activities and Memberships
American Psychological Association
Missouri Psychological Association
Pennsylvania Psychological Association
Imago Relationships North America
Mid-Atlantic Imago Therapists
Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health (SASH)
Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists (APSATS)
Areas of Expertise
Betrayal and Infidelity
Partners of Persons affected by Sex Addiction/Compulsive Sexual Behaviors
Couples affected by Betrayal Trauma/Infidelity
High-Conflict & Poor Communication couples
Low Intimacy, Low-Sex or No-Sex couples
Non-traditional, A-Romantic, Polyamorous or Open Relationships
Discernment Counseling ( considering separation or divorce)
Re-marriage and Blended Families
Dating & Premarital Counseling
Attachment and Early Life Trauma and Emotional Neglect
My approach is:
12 Step Program recovery compatible
LGBTQIA friendly/aware
Kink friendly/aware
Spiritual/faith issues:
While my therapeutic approach with clients is not "faith-based" (I.e., not grounded in any religious or faith tradition), I strive to honor and acknowledge my clients' personal spiritual traditions, beliefs and struggles, especially as they relate to our work with trauma, grief and loss.
My approach to addressing spiritual matters comes both from Judaism, as well as from a 12-Step Recovery perspective of identifying a personal Higher Power and spiritual principles to illuminate your life path forward, whether grounded in a specific faith, Agnosticism, Atheism, Humanism or other paths.
Training and certification:
Rabbinic Ordination, Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, Philadelphia, PA 2010
Rabbinic Intern, The Interfaith Center of Philadelphia, 2009-2010
Certification in Spiritual Direction, 2013