We were lucky to catch up with Adriana (Adry) Sanders recently and have shared our conversation below.
Adriana (Adry), so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Overcoming imposter syndrome is an ongoing process that I approach with self-compassion and a deeper understanding of my unique story. As an adult child of immigrants, I grew up balancing cultural expectations, family dynamics, and the pressure to succeed in ways that sometimes made me feel like I wasn’t enough, no matter how much I achieved.
One of the most significant shifts for me was understanding where those feelings came from—how my early experiences shaped my beliefs about myself—and intentionally challenging those beliefs. My own therapy journey has been instrumental in this process, helping me uncover and reframe the narratives that fueled my imposter syndrome. I’ve come to see imposter syndrome as something I can befriend, understanding that it shows up to protect me. By meeting it with curiosity and compassion, I’ve been able to ease the discomfort and take action anyway. Practical tools have been key to my growth. I practice self-validation (something I never learned growing up), use mindfulness to ground myself when self-doubt creeps in, and intentionally celebrate my wins, no matter how small. These practices remind me that my value isn’t just in what I achieve, but in how I show up as my authentic self. I’ve also embraced the idea that it’s okay to not know everything—it’s not about being perfect; it’s about being real. By acknowledging this truth to myself and others, I’ve found the freedom to show up authentically and genuinely.
I’ve also found immense reassurance in knowing I’m not alone. Listening to podcasts about others navigating imposter syndrome validated my experience. One podcast personality, Patrick Casale’s mantra, ‘Doubt Yourself and Do It Anyway,’ became a guiding light for me when I started my business. It reassured me that I didn’t need to have it all figured out to move forward. I also remind myself that everyone is navigating life for the first time, no matter how confident they may seem. This perspective helps me approach challenges with curiosity and grace, rather than fear. Aligning myself with mentors who modeled the type of leader I aspired to be, and participating in a 10-month leadership course, where I joined others from all walks of life with a shared heart for leading with purpose and intention, was transformative.
Ultimately, imposter syndrome doesn’t have to hold us back. It can serve as a signal that we’re growing, stretching, and stepping into new opportunities. That realization has helped me feel more grounded in my work, my purpose, and my own journey of becoming.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
At SanaMente Wellness, healing begins with understanding the powerful connection between the mind and body. I specialize in supporting individuals navigating the unique challenges of being Adult Children of Immigrants, BIPOC Professionals, Emerging Adults transitioning into post-college life and careers, and those adults from emotionally immature families. These groups often face unique obstacles, such as reconciling cultural expectations with personal aspirations, managing family dynamics that may feel overwhelming or enmeshed, and learning to cultivate self-trust in environments that may not always validate their experiences.
My therapeutic approach is rooted in neurobiology, combining culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care with evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, attachment-focused therapy, and polyvagal theory. This integrative approach helps clients understand how their brain and nervous system respond to stress, empowering them to build resilience and navigate life’s transitions with confidence. Together, we work to cope with depression, anxiety, grief, and heal from relational trauma while creating pathways for authentic living.
At its core, SanaMente Wellness is dedicated to creating a safe and compassionate space where individuals feel empowered to rewrite their stories and build lives that honor both their past and their future. Supporting clients as they heal from generational wounds, align with their values, and step into their power is at the heart of my work. I am committed to honoring each client’s identity, values, and lived experiences, fostering their mental well-being, and helping them cultivate authenticity in their relationships, improve communication, and navigate life with confidence. Together, we address the pressures of high achievement, the emotional toll of caregiving or unmet familial expectations, and the lingering impacts of relational trauma or emotional neglect. By uncovering and breaking free from generational patterns, we create space for growth, transformation, and self-discovery. Along the way, I guide clients in recognizing and celebrating their victories—no matter how big or small—as they rewrite their stories to align with their authentic selves and the lives they aspire to lead.
Throughout my career, I’ve also cultivated a deep passion for mentoring other mental health professionals, knowing firsthand how isolating this field can be. Prioritizing self-care is essential to preventing burnout and sustaining meaningful work. Co-founding the BIPOC Professional Network reinforced my belief in the power of community and collective growth. This initiative supports BIPOC mental health providers by fostering collaboration, expanding cultural competency, and creating innovative ways to better serve diverse communities. It has been an honor to witness clinicians learn from one another, access tools for growth, and amplify their impact.
Drawing on over a decade of experience in the mental health field—ranging from crisis management to business development—I felt ready to expand my therapeutic services and reconnect with my entrepreneurial spirit. In addition to offering online therapy, I’ve launched clinical supervision for provisionally Licensed Professional Therapists and am thrilled to soon offer professional consultation services to other mental health professionals. I believe that supporting mental health professionals not only strengthens the field but also ensures that communities receive culturally competent and compassionate care.
At SanaMente Wellness, our mission is to empower individuals to thrive—not just survive—by providing a safe space to heal, grow, and transform. Whether it’s through therapy, supervision, or community initiatives, my work is grounded in creating opportunities for healing and growth. For anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or alone, I want you to know that change is possible. Together, we can build a life that feels aligned, meaningful, and authentically fulfilling.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Self-Awareness: Understanding myself—my values, motivations, and the experiences that shaped me—has been foundational to my growth. Self-awareness allowed me to recognize the generational patterns I needed to break, the narratives I needed to rewrite, and the spaces where I wanted to make an impact. For anyone starting their journey, I recommend carving out time for reflection and self-inquiry. Tools like therapy, journaling, or mindfulness practices can help you deepen your understanding of who you are and where you want to go.
2. Resilience: Resilience is what helped me navigate setbacks, self-doubt, and the uncertainties of building a business while staying true to my mission. I learned that resilience isn’t about “powering through” but about having tools to care for myself during difficult times and trusting that growth comes from struggle. For those early in their journey, I recommend developing habits that foster resilience—prioritize rest, practice self-compassion, and don’t hesitate to lean on supportive people or seek help when needed. Resilience grows when we embrace challenges as opportunities for learning.
3. Intentionality in Building Community: Mentorship and community have been lifelines in a field that can feel isolating. Co-founding the BIPOC Professional Network reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration and connection. Early in my journey, I sought out mentors who aligned with my values and learned from others’ lived experiences, which was invaluable. My advice for those starting out is to intentionally seek community—whether it’s peers, mentors, or professional networks. Share your challenges and wins, learn from others, and remember you’re not alone in your growth.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been in embracing intentionality—both personally and professionally. I’ve focused on aligning my work, my boundaries, and my goals with what truly matters to me, and this has been a transformative process.
One specific area of growth has been expanding my capacity to lead and support others. Through launching clinical supervision services and mentoring mental health professionals, I’ve deepened my understanding of how to empower others while staying grounded in my own well-being. Co-founding the BIPOC Professional Network has also reinforced the importance of building community and collaboration, reminding me that growth isn’t something we do alone.
On a personal level, I’ve worked on navigating self-doubt with compassion and practicing self-trust—something I encourage my clients to do as well. This has allowed me to show up more authentically, connect more deeply with the people I serve, and take on new challenges with clarity and confidence.
These areas of growth have not only enhanced my ability to serve others but have also reminded me that growth is a continuous process, and it’s okay to honor where I am while striving for where I want to go.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.SanaMenteWellness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanamentewellness/profilecard/?igsh=MTE5aXhoa2pkZjZrYg==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriana-sanders-lpc-s-40b92552?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
