Astrid Santana

About Astrid

“Her theoretical orientation is grounded in attachment theory and trauma-informed care.”

Astrid Santana graduated with her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Montana in May 2025 as an AHEC Scholar. She began her career as an intern at the YWCA of Missoula, working with adults and children navigating complex trauma histories including childhood abuse, addiction, domestic violence, and sexual trauma. 

Astrid's journey to therapy has been shaped by decades of meaningful work. For nearly ten years, she served as a backcountry ranger at Glacier National Park, developing crisis management and de-escalation skills while learning to build rapport quickly with people in emergency situations. She also spent over a decade as a yoga teacher in Atlanta, leading classes, retreats, and teacher trainings regionally and internationally. Her teaching integrated humor, wisdom, philosophy, and storytelling to help students connect deeply with their healing process.

Approach to care

Her theoretical orientation is grounded in attachment theory and trauma-informed care. She integrates the science of trauma recovery with authentic human connection, using creative and somatic approaches to support clients' healing journey. She believes deeply in the transformative power of Dialectical Behavior Therapy and completed DBT Foundational Training through PsychWire in 2025. She is supervised by Annie Florin, LCSW, DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician™.

Beyond the therapy room

When not working, you'll find Astrid exploring Montana's wilderness, practicing silversmithing and oil painting, or snuggling with her deaf cattle dog, Birdie, and any other four-legged creature she encounters. In her off time, Astrid also serves as an on-call emergency advocate for sexual assault survivors with First Step/YWCA.