Santanello Psychological Services

About Dr. Santanello

My work is built around one core principle: people don't get stuck because they don't know enough. They get stuck because knowing and doing are not the same thing — and because some things are nearly impossible to do alone. I will work with you as a companion in the hard places, helping you take the next small step, and then the next. I specializes in working with people who are stuck and exhausted, helping professionals experiencing burnout and compassion fatigue, adults with ADHD, trauma survivors, and people navigating grief, loss, and major life transitions. What my clients share is this: they're done with surface-level answers. They want something real.

I integrate evidence-based approaches — including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Prolonged Exposure — with Zen wisdom and a deeply human, collaborative style. My approach is compassionate and direct, and I believes that healing can include laughter when appropriate (so prepare yourself for some glorious puns and strategic silliness!)

In additiona to my clinical work, I am also the Co-Owner and Director of Learning and Professional Development at the ACT Academy, and a teacher in the White Plum Asanga.

-Andy

My Values

Creativity, intimacy, bravery, adventure, generosity, spirituality, and SILLINESS are guiding principles in all domains of my life.

Zen Buddhism

Mindfulness and zen practice are very important parts of my life. I believe that having a personal mindfulness practice is essential for psychotherapists. Outside of my professional life, I am very active in my Buddhist community (Clare Sangha) where I serve as a sensei or teacher in the White Plum Lineage of Soto Zen Buddism.

My Hobbies and Interests

I am a HUGE animal lover and am a proud “dog dad” to my faithful hound, Clancy, whom I adopted from the Maryland SPCA. Being creative is also a passion for me, and currently I am “scratching that itch” by home-brewing beer. Also, I think it’s really important to find humor in life. That is why I REALLY enjoy torturing other people with my corny jokes and puns. Exploration and being in nature are also really important to me, and I am currently trying to spend as much time as possible in the woods.

What Does My Logo Mean?

You might be wondering about the image in the logo for Santanello Psychological Services. It is a hanko. In Japanese culture and Zen Buddhism, a hanko is a personal seal that is used in place of a signature when signing documents. I use my hanko when signing my Dharma name, Ryūshin or "Dragon Heart/Mind", in my role as a Zen teacher.

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About Dr. Santanello

My Values

Zen Buddhism

My Hobbies and Interests

What Does My Logo Mean?

Questions? Let's Talk!