Brezhnev Sanchez, LCSW
I always knew that I wanted to work with underserved communities.
Growing up in Washington Heights in the early 90’s was no easy task. Being the oldest of four created unintentional pressures, which were heightened by growing up in a single parent household and with a mom who’s main focus was to provide. I could have easily succumbed to the streets, but I was fortunate to find solace in after school programs where people took a vested interest in me and showed me different possibilities.
Because so much was given to me, I was drawn to work with children as a young teenager. After spending severals summers as a counselor at Ramapo for Children, a summer camp for children with special needs, I knew that working with children was my passion. Since then, I’ve worked in schools, mental health agencies, community mental health clinics, and residential treatment centers, all of whom served children and families of color. Working within these systems and witnessing families struggle when their children struggle led me to the Ackerman Institute for the Family to strengthen my skillset in working with not only children, but their families as well.
At Ackerman, I had more opportunities to work with adults and men, especially, and noticed a connection between my experiences with children and my adult participants: before my very own eyes, I saw how unresolved issues from childhood transition into adulthood and cause challenges in relationships. In other words, what didn’t get processed got transmitted.
As an immigrant and man of color myself, I am extremely passionate about working with communities of color, and in particular, children, families, and men of color. My work as a therapist is influenced by my lived experience and my training, and informs how I show up in the room: with curiosity, humor, and in my most authentic self.
Education:
Skidmore College, Bachelor of Social Work
New York University, Master of Social Work
Ackerman Institute for the Family, Certification in Couples and Family Therapy
Fun facts:
What I love about being a therapist: I love to be a guide and witness how families make adjustments that make sense to them
What I do for fun: I’m an endurance athlete and avid cyclist
Favorite country I’ve visited so far: Greece