I am a passionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology & my Masters in Clinical Social Work. I’ve been in the Mental Health field for over 11 years in which I’ve gained experience in working with youths, young adults, couples, and families. As a military spouse, I’ve grown a love for the military population and their families. I’ve dedicated 11 years to working with military personnel and civilians overseas and stateside. Servicing youth has been my passion for the last 15 years however, working with guardians of my clients has allowed me to develop a love for servicing adults as well. To add, my upbringing and social interactions in the urban community has allowed me to connect with people of different socioeconomic backgrounds. I take pride in servicing my clients through a holistic perspective and integrative approach. This means, I commit to joining my clients on the journey of healing and restoration by examining them as an individual. Utilizing this approach allows my clients to identify underlying issues, and together we find solutions that can help manage or overcome challenging situations in a healthy manner.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In the first therapy session, clients can expect to engage in a welcoming and collaborative discussion where we’ll explore their concerns, goals, and reasons for seeking therapy. I’ll take time to understand their background, challenges, and strengths, creating a safe space for them to feel heard and validated. Together, we will begin to outline a treatment plan, discuss expectations, and establish a foundation of trust and open communication for our work together.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
As a provider, I believe my greatest strengths lie in my extensive experience, compassionate approach, and commitment to creating a safe, non-judgmental space for clients. I prioritize being an empathetic and active listener, allowing clients to feel heard and understood. I am dedicated to building a strong therapeutic alliance, grounded in honesty and transparency, which fosters trust and collaboration. My goal is to support clients in a way that is both professional and genuinely caring, helping them navigate their challenges with a sense of empowerment and understanding.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I am best positioned to serve youth, young adults, couples, and families. My military affiliation allows me to have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by military personnel and their families, both overseas and stateside. My 15-year passion for working with youth has expanded to include adults, as I’ve supported guardians in my practice. Additionally, my urban upbringing allows me to connect with individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Using a holistic and integrative approach, I provide culturally responsive, client-centered care tailored to each individual’s needs.
About Irene Harvey-Clark
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I frequently utilize CBT in my practice to help clients struggling with depression, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. CBT allows me to guide clients in identifying and reframing negative thought patterns that contribute to distress while developing healthier coping mechanisms. In my sessions, I integrate cognitive restructuring techniques to help clients challenge maladaptive beliefs and replace them with more balanced perspectives. Additionally, I incorporate behavioral activation strategies, encouraging clients to engage in meaningful activities that align with their values and improve their mood. I tailor CBT interventions to each individual, ensuring that strategies are practical, strengths-based, and culturally sensitive. By using structured CBT tools such as thought records, exposure exercises, and problem-solving strategies, I empower clients to gain insight into their thoughts and behaviors, ultimately fostering resilience and emotional well-being. My approach emphasizes collaboration, helping clients build self-efficacy and long-term skills to manage their mental health effectively.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I integrate dialectical behavior therapy into my practice to support clients who struggle with emotion regulation, self-harm behaviors, impulsivity, and interpersonal difficulties. DBT's structured approach allows me to teach clients concrete skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness to help them navigate intense emotions and build healthier coping strategies. In sessions, I use mindfulness exercises to enhance self-awareness and grounding, while distress tolerance techniques help clients manage crises without engaging in destructive behaviors. I also incorporate emotion regulation strategies to assist clients in identifying, understanding, and modulating their emotional responses. Additionally, I work on interpersonal effectiveness skills, helping clients set boundaries, communicate assertively, and build healthier relationships. My approach is both validating and change-oriented, fostering a safe space where clients feel understood while also being encouraged to develop new, adaptive behaviors. By utilizing DBT techniques in both individual therapy and skill-building exercises, I help clients cultivate emotional resilience, self-acceptance, and lasting behavioral change.
Motivational Interviewing
I incorporate motivational interviewing into my practice to help clients who are ambivalent about change, particularly those struggling with substance use, behavioral challenges, or lifestyle adjustments. MI is a client-centered, collaborative approach that empowers individuals to explore their motivations, resolve ambivalence, and strengthen their commitment to change. In sessions, I use open-ended questions, reflective listening, and affirmations to help clients identify their values and personal goals. I also like to incorporate techniques such as developing discrepancy, rolling with resistance, and supporting self-efficacy to encourage clients to recognize the gap between their current behaviors and their desired outcomes. Rather than imposing change, I guide clients in discovering their own reasons for making positive life changes, fostering autonomy and intrinsic motivation. By creating a nonjudgmental and supportive environment, I help clients build confidence in their ability to make meaningful, lasting changes at their own pace.
Psychoeducation
I use psychoeducation to help clients better understand their mental health conditions, emotions, and coping strategies. By providing clear, evidence-based information, I empower clients to make informed decisions about their treatment and develop effective self-management skills. In sessions, I tailor psychoeducation to each client’s needs, using discussions, handouts, and interactive tools to explain symptoms, triggers, and coping techniques. I also incorporate family education when appropriate, fostering a supportive environment for healing. By increasing awareness and understanding, psychoeducation helps clients feel more in control of their mental health and enhances the effectiveness of therapy.