Sanda Jo Spiegel

Sanda Jo Spiegel is a Lecturer in the School of Social Work at San José State University. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley (1978) and a Master of Social Work from San José State University (2007). She is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in California since 2011. Her work focuses on integrating clinical social work, mindfulness, and anthropological perspectives to address mental health, chronic illness, and life transitions.

• Education:
  • PhD in Anthropology, UC Berkeley, 1978
  • MSW in Social Work, San José State University, 2007

Her research and clinical interests include anxiety, depression, stress management, and holistic wellness. She employs cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), art therapy, journal therapy, and mindfulness strategies. She emphasizes client-centered care and self-compassion through practices like breath work and meditation.

With diverse clinical experience across populations—including elderly individuals, those with severe mental illness, and the homeless—she combines professional training with lived experiences to inform her therapeutic approach. Her work prioritizes accessibility and client empowerment through tailored wellness recovery plans (WRAP).