Hi, I'm Ciera! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master's from Indiana University, and I've been practicing therapy for 4 years. With 8 years of experience in the mental health field overall, I’ve had the privilege of working with children as young as 8 years old, pre-teens, teens, adults, and families. My goal is to provide a safe, compassionate space where you can explore, heal, and grow.
In our first session, we’ll start by getting to know each other. I’ll ask you some questions to better understand your background, what brought you to therapy, and what you’re hoping to achieve. I want you to feel comfortable and heard, so there’s no rush—we’ll go at your pace. A therapeutic relationship is a two way street, so it’s also a great time to ask any questions you might have about me, therapy, and how I work. Together, we’ll start to identify the areas you’d like to focus on, and from there, we can create a plan to support your growth and healing.
I believe my greatest strengths lie in my empathy, open-mindedness and a love for continued learning. I strive to create a non-judgmental space where clients feel safe and supported. I’ve been told that I have a unique ability to help clients feel comfortable sharing their experiences, which is important in building trust and fostering healing. I am also adaptable, which helps me meet clients where they are and tailor my approach to suit their needs. Overall, I prioritize creating an environment where clients feel heard and understood.
I specialize in working with adults who are navigating the early years of their careers and those experiencing burnout, stress, and challenges in peer and romantic relationships. Many of my clients feel stuck, overwhelmed, and anxious about the demands of life and the changes that come with it. They're eager to grow but often lack the tools to move forward. I also work with clients who are processing past trauma, providing a safe space for healing and growth. My goal is to help individuals build the skills, empowerment, and resilience needed to manage life's challenges and create a path toward the fulfilling life they envision.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. By exploring the connections between thoughts, feelings, and actions, clients gain tools to manage stress, improve emotional regulation, and build healthier thought patterns. I incorporate CBT in a collaborative way, empowering clients to create positive change and develop coping strategies that support their personal growth
EMDR helps clients reframe past experiences, unhelpful core beliefs, and integrates them in a way that promotes healing and growth. Through bilateral stimulation, we work to resolve distressing memories, allowing clients to move forward with greater emotional resilience and clarity.
I incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques to help clients manage intense emotions and develop healthier coping strategies. DBT focuses on building skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. I use DBT to help clients navigate challenging situations, improve their relationships, and create a more balanced, purposeful life.
I use Somatic Therapy in my practice to help clients tune into their bodies and the physical sensations that come with their emotions. It’s a gentle approach that helps people become more aware of how their body holds onto stress or trauma, which can help them feel more grounded and connected. Sometimes, just talking through emotions doesn’t fully address how deeply stress is felt in the body. Somatic Therapy allows clients to release tension and process feelings that might be too overwhelming to talk about right away. It’s especially helpful when we’re working through difficult emotions or trauma, offering a safe and compassionate way to reconnect with ourselves. I love weaving various somatic techniques in alongside methods like CBT or EMDR, creating a more holistic healing experience that supports both the mind and body.