Hi there! I'm Lynn Gordon, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in sunny Florida, and I'm so glad you're here. Life can feel overwhelming at times, and it’s not always easy to ask for help—but that’s what I’m here for. With a master’s degree in social work from Florida Atlantic University and over five years of experience, I’ve had the honor of helping individuals navigate challenges like addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief.
I use tools like cognitive-behavioral therapy to help clients reframe negative thought patterns and build healthier habits. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with diverse individuals, which has deepened my appreciation for how culture and personal experiences shape mental health. This perspective helps me tailor therapy to your unique needs.
What makes me unique as a therapist is my ability to connect Above all, I believe in meeting you where you are. During our first session, we’ll take time to get to know each other, establish trust, and start building a plan that feels right for you. Honesty and collaboration are at the heart of our work together because meaningful change happens when you feel genuinely supported. If you’re ready to take the next step toward healing, growth, and a more fulfilling life, I’d love to hear from you. You don’t have to face this alone—I’m here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a popular type of therapy that helps us understand the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and actions. It’s all about looking at how these parts of our lives interact. By exploring these connections, CBT allows you to spot and challenge negative thoughts, helping you replace them with healthier, more positive ways of thinking. It’s a practical approach to improving your mental well-being! 1) The first step in CBT is a thorough assessment. I work closely with you to explore your concerns, identify symptoms, and uncover thought patterns that might be contributing to your struggles. 2) Identifying Cognitive Distortions (distorted thoughts) A core part of CBT involves recognizing *cognitive distortions* common thinking traps that can lead to emotional distress. These might include: **Overgeneralization**: Drawing sweeping conclusions from a single event. *Example*: "I failed this test, so I’ll fail at everything." **Catastrophizing**: Imagining the worst-case scenario in any situation. *Example*: "If I make one mistake, everything will fall apart." **All-or-Nothing Thinking**: Seeing things in extremes, like success vs. failure, with no middle ground. *Example*: "If I’m not perfect, I’m a total failure." **Personalization**: Blaming oneself for things outside of one’s control. *Example*: "It’s my fault the team didn’t meet its deadline." 3. Challenging and Changing Thoughts Once these distortions are identified, I help you learn ways to challenge or question their accuracy. Together, w gather evidence to support more balanced and realistic perspectives, replacing negative thoughts with positive alternatives. **4. Taking Action with Behavioral Activation** CBT isn’t just about thinking differently—it’s about doing differently. Therapists encourage clients to engage in meaningful activities that boost well-being and reduce avoidance, helping them regain a sense of control and fulfillment. **5. Building Lifelong Skills** Clients also develop practical tools to manage their emotions and behaviors, such as: - **Relaxation techniques** for reducing stress. - **Problem-solving strategies** for tackling challenges. - **Assertiveness training** to set boundaries and communicate effectively. By blending thought work with action, CBT empowers people to break free from unhelpful patterns and create lasting change in their lives.
By practicing mindfulness, we can learn to notice and accept our experiences without judging ourselves. This can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and better control over our emotions. With this approach, we can develop healthier ways to cope with challenges, improve our relationships, and boost our overall well-being. It’s all about being present and kind to ourselves!
In my practice, I focus on strength-based therapy, which means we’ll highlight your unique strengths, resources, and abilities to help you tackle challenges and reach your goals. By emphasizing what you do well and empowering you to build on those qualities, we can work together to create meaningful change and growth. My goal is to help you feel more resilient, confident, and empowered.
In my practice, I use Motivational Interviewing, which is a collaborative and goal-focused way to help us explore any mixed feelings about making changes. Through open-ended questions, active listening, and empathy, this approach helps you gain more self-awareness, build confidence, and create a personalized plan to achieve your goals.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on finding solutions to current problems rather than dwelling on the past. It's a goal-directed approach that emphasizes the client's strengths and resources to help them achieve their desired outcomes in a short amount of time. In clinical practice, SFBT is used for a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and addiction. The therapist works with the client to identify small, achievable goals and helps them develop strategies to reach those goals. The therapist also helps the client recognize and build on their strengths to overcome challenges.