Jacob A Sandoval, PhD, LMFT

Thanks for visiting! My name is Jacob, and I have been practicing therapy since 2018. I wasn't always trying to be a mental health professional. My journey here went through several attempts at finding my professional passion, including studies in architecture, criminal justice and theology and ministry. In their own ways, each of these has informed my professional work as a therapist.

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In the less professional realm, I reside in the Denver, CO area where I moved so that I can be near the mountains. While I do love getting out and exploring nature, I also have fun with gaming (board games, RPGs and co-ops), cooking, and creative projects. As a neuro-spicy (ADHD) individual, I tend to try out many creative hobbies, then cycle through them all again and again!

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I am part of the LGBTQIA+ community, in terms of both gender and sexual orientation. My pronouns are he/they, used interchangeably and without preference. I am also White/Hispanic and neurodiverse. I mention these because I recognize the importance of representation and cultural understanding, especially when it comes to choosing the right mental health provider.

I am a couple and family therapist, but I do work with individual, families, and partners in diverse relationship structures. I like to view a person's reported problem as a piece of a larger story. Understanding that larger story in the form of family history, the impact of family relationships, friendships, work, school, and other areas of our lives can effect how we experience the world.

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I invite clients from various backgrounds, identities, and belief and value systems into therapy. I believe that everyone can benefit from therapy at some point in their life. While therapy is not meant to be a one-stop solution to problems, it can be a valuable place to gain insight, release the burden of solving problems alone, or even provide a safe place to decompress from stressors. I also believe that everyone is capable of change.

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When working with clients, I use a social-justice oriented, post-modern (constructionist), and humanistic approach. My collaborative approach allows clients to bring in their own experiences and discover the most appropriate solutions in their own lives. My role is to guide the therapeutic process so that the solution becomes achievable and sustainable.

For those familiar with therapy models, I tend to integrate Internal Family Systems, Gottman Method, Narrative Therapy, and Collaborative Therapy in my practice. I do not often work from any one model, because I believe that therapy should fit the person, not ask a person to fit themselves into the model.

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Specializations: Queer and Transgender mental health, sex therapy, and sex education

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Positionality: LGBTQIA-affirming, ENM/poly-affirming, fat-affirming, neurodiversity-affirming, sex-positive, sex-worker-affirming, kink-affirming

Queer and Transgender Mental Health Care

My primary research area is the development and dissemination of training programs aimed at educating mental health professionals about LGBQ and Trans* identities and how to work effectively with this demographic. This includes education about acceptance, support, allyship, gender identity and sexual orientation affirming care, and best practices in therapy. This also includes trainings about LGBTQ history and writing WPATH v8 informed letters of support for gender affirming care from an informed consent model. Additionally, in 2024 I began working with a colleague to expand research around working with transgender clients in therapy.

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Working with Furries in Mental Health

In 2024, I began working with a colleague on expanding their research into the mental health needs of people in the Furry community. Unfortunately, there is very little research currently available around the Furry Fandom and unique aspects of mental health that may be associated. Because of this, there are often stigmas and misunderstandings placed around participation in Furry and assumptions of inherent mental health needs. Our research hopes to teach more mental health therapists about the Furry community and best practices for maintaining an affirming space for our Furry clients.

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Sexuality Education Across the Lifespan

Another research area that I work in is related to understanding human sexuality throughout the lifespan. This includes the development of a sexual education program and a curriculum for comprehensive sexual education program for children, adolescents, and adults.

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Previous Areas of Research:

Sexual Risk Behaviors (SRBs)

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Father's Experience in Raising a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Case Study

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Selected Manuscripts

Zeiger, K.D., Sandoval, J.A., & Thomas, B. (Submitted). Developing the T-QUIP: Trans-Inclusive Questionnaire for Updating Intake Practices.

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Zeiger, K.D. & Sandoval, J.A. (Journal Article In Progress). Adverse Childhood Experiences Affect on Significant Relationships in Adolescents: Using a Family Ecological Theory and Family Stress and Resilience Theory Framework.

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Wojciak, A.J., Powers, J.J., Goslin, A., Sandoval, J.A., Hooper, L.M. (2022). Perceptions of WeCan! Building relationships and resilience a school wide trauma-informed training, from Trainers and Recipients. Adversity and Resilience Science, 3, 81-97. http://doi.org/10.1007/s42844-022-00055-z

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Selected Presentations

Zaman, H.A., Hamilton, A.M., Zeiger, K.D., Sandoval, J.A. (2024, November). Wild tactics: A conversation discussing potential practices and education for acknowledging, honoring, and engaging with queer and trans of color life during COVID-19 [Poster]. National Council on Family Relations, Bellevue, WA.

Sandoval, J.A. (2024, February 29). Identity development and affirming care with sexual and gender minorities [Keynote Sessions]. Kentucky Association of Systemic Therapists Conference, Louisville, KY.

Sandoval, J.A. (2023, May 17). LGBTQ: An intro to allyship and safer spaces [Training]. Permian Basin Counseling Association, Midland, TX.

Sandoval, J.A. (2020, March). Parent attitudes regarding their children’s sexuality education [Brief session]. International Family Therapy Association World Family Therapy Conference, CANCELED due to COVID-19.

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Selected Program Development

Sandoval, J.A., Zaman, H.A. (In Development). Working with Furry Clients in Mental Health [Training].

Currently under development, this training introduces clinicians to the Furry community and offers insight into working with Furries in an affirming mental health capacity.

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Sandoval, J.A. (2022). LGBQ and Trans* Clients [Training].

Competency training for mental health professionals for preparation to work with LGBQ and transgender clients. Presented April 2022

Sandoval, J.A. (2021). LGBTQ+ and Safe Zone [Training].

Introduction to LGBTQ+ identities, concepts, vocabulary, and issues to develop LGBTQ+ allies. Presented October 2021

Sandoval, J.A. (2018). Human Health, Safety, and Sexuality Education [Psychoeducation Program].

Comprehensive sexuality psychoeducation program for adolescents.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

• Colorado #0002432 (Exp. 08/31/2027)

• Iowa #100407 (Exp. 09/30/2026)

• Wisconsin #2222-124 (Exp. 02/28/2027)

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Certifications

• 2023 - Certificate in Sex Therapy from University of Michigan

• 2023 - Certificate in Sexuality Education from University of Michigan

• 2018 - Certified Prepare/Enrich Facilitator - Premarital curriculum

• 2018 - Certificate in Technology Assisted Services - Providing telehealth services

• 2018 - Certificate in Practice Management

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​Designations

• AAMFT Clinical Fellow (Exp. 07/31/2026)

• AAMFT Approved Supervisor (Exp. 07/31/2029)

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Professional Organization Membership Affiliation

• American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy

• National Council on Family Relations

• American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists

Education

PhD in Couple and Family Therapy (2023). University of Iowa.

Dissertation: The Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of an LGBTQ+ Ally Training for Mental Health Professionals

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Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy (2019). Abilene Christian University.

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B.A. in Family Studies and B.A. in Youth and Family Ministry (2017). Lubbock Christian University.

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A.A.S. in Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement (2010). Austin Community College.

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Selection of Additional Trainings

2019 - Safe Zone: Creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals

2018 - Collaborative Relationships and Generative Conversations – Harlene Anderson (6 hrs)

2018 - Play Therapy Training Workshop – Hardin-Simmons University

2018 - Basic HeartSync Seminar & Practicum

2017 - Good Enough Parenting Facilitator - Parenting Program

2016 - Train Ugly – Growth Mindset (6 hrs)

2015 - Trauma-informed care (6 hrs)

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Continuing Education

In an effort to stay up-to-date with relevant research, I frequently seek out additional continuing education opportunities in the subject areas of sexual orientation, gender identity, and neurodiversity, among other topics.

2023 - National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) Graduate Student Honors

2022 - Clinical Excellence Award - University of Iowa

2021 - Employee of the Month (October) - Life Connections

2019 - Spirit of the Counselor Award - Abilene Christian University

2016 - Student Service Award - Lubbock Christian University