Kentara Gaines
For the last twenty years consistently, I have been providing Clinical Social Work services to many communities within the Bay Area. I have a plethora of exposure and experience working with Black families as well as LGBTQIA, LatinX and communities impacted by substance abuse and homelessness. My goal is to bring health and wellness practices to people who look like me.
I have a plethora of exposure and experience working with Black families as well as LGBTQIA, LatinX and communities impacted by substance abuse and homelessness.
First session
For communities of color, who may be engaging in mental health services for the first time, please remember to be kind to yourself through this process, honor any feelings that come up, hold space for yourself before and after (if you are able) Please give yourself a few minutes before and after the session to check in with yourself and see if you can identify what you may need to continue on with a positive day. I encourage daily self-care activities and will be asking you what you have fun, exciting or liberating you have planned for the day/ week. Be prepared to share, even if its fabricated, it is good to imagine yourself in a positive space in every way possible.
Strengths
I am Down to Earth, I am real human with real life experiences that I bring to the therapeutic space indirectly. I can connect with almost anyone.
Ideal clients
Those who would benefit most from my Solution Focused, Trauma informed, Task/person centered style of therapy are those Individuals who are in the Preparation and Action stages of change. Individuals who have their basic needs met (housing, food, income, transportation). and Individuals with No history of personality Disorders. I am familiar with Bay area systems and can assist with navigating challenges associated with utilizing those systems. I have a strong background in Community based Clinical case management and have worked closely with African American, LGBTQ, LatinX and (diverse) neurodivergent communities for over 20 years.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Examining Patients thoughts/ Feelings and finding the connection to behaviors. Identifying behaviors that patient wants to address/change and creating a plan to do so. This process will include identifying environmental resources overlooked, mentors/leaders within community/family and intentional use of reframing techniques to motivate change.
Trauma Informed Care
My style of Trauma informed care will help aid positive therapeutic rapport that will pave the way for healing. Will promote validation, active listening and aspects of narrative therapy to help enhance resilience, positive self image and acceptance.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Individuals engulfed with environmental challenges who believe they have little control over their circumstances would benefit from ACT.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Addresses Emotional impulsivity, specifically to develop skills that increase flexibility and willingness to change.
Strength-Based
Discussion of personal strengths and exploration of resources within systems can provide a solid pathway to self esteem building and an enhance understanding of ones self.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Black / African American
Woman
Top specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Mood Disorders
Other specialties
Family Conflict
Trauma and PTSD
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Gender-fluid
Individual Therapy
Man
Non-binary
Transgender
Woman
Licensed in
CaliforniaLicense 121425