+ I have been practicing clinical social work since I received my Masters in 1986. Settings I have worked in include: community mental health agencies, youth residential programs, schools (elementary, middle and high school), remote therapy platforms. I love my work and easily connect with all types of clients, placing importance on building trusting therapeutic alliances. I believe that patients exhibit courage to engage in the therapeutic process. I view the therapeutic alliance between myself and client as a partnership. Throughout the process I make sure to check in with the client about how they are perceiving things such as the development of the relationship and the pace of the process for the client. I am always open to feedback.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, we will start with introductions. We will get to know each other a bit then I will ask the client what brings them to therapy at this particular time. In any event where the client has difficulty verbalizing those things I do my best to help with that by asking open-ended questions. After we establish that, we will work together to establish some goals for treatment.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I feel my greatest strengths as a provider are patience, ability to establish trust and empathy. I work to make sure that the client feels heard in their concerns and answer their questions. When appropriate and trust is established, a bit of humor can often help provide perspective and release of stress. Of course this has to be acceptable to the client.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
For most of my career, my work was focused on adolescents and families. However I have been working with adults and absolutely love it. I have done therapy with both young and older adults. Each client I perceive as a wonderful opportunity and gift to help them learn about themselves. I see our work as a partnership as opposed to me "holding the key" to answers for the client. I always explain this approach to people early on.
About MaryAnn Beaton
Specializes in
Licensed in
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I have used person-centered treatment as a way to help patients identify their values, how they show up in their environment, in relationships and what they want to accomplish in therapy. I use a reflective style, reiterating what patient has presented as a problem, share feedback and am very interactive in sessions.
Attachment-based
I like attachment-based therapy as a way to help patients understand their roles, reactions and perceptions when interacting with others. I use reflection, feedback, ask questions and check in with patient's understanding of the process.
Compassion Focused
I like compassion focused therapy as a way to connect with and build trust with patients. The process of patient engaging with a stranger and thinking about sharing personal experiences and concerns can be scary and overwhelming. Building strong therapeutic alliances using pacing, timing, respect and modeling is important.