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 widely used form of psychotherapy that focuses on how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. By examining these links, CBT helps you identify and challenge negative thought patterns, replacing them with healthier, more adaptive ways of thinking. 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 cultivating mindfulness, clients can learn to observe and accept their experiences without judgment, leading to greater self-awareness and emotional regulation. This approach can help clients develop healthier coping strategies, improve relationships, and enhance overall well-being.
In my practice, I utilize strength-based therapy to focus on your unique strengths, resources, and abilities to help you overcome challenges and achieve your goals. By emphasizing your positive qualities and empowering you to build on them, we can work together to create lasting change and growth. Through this approach, I aim to foster a sense of resilience, self-confidence, and empowerment in my clients.
In my practice, I use Motivational Interviewing as a collaborative, goal-oriented approach to helping clients explore and resolve ambivalence toward change. By using open-ended questions, reflective listening, and empathy, I work with clients to strengthen their motivation and commitment to making positive life changes. This approach helps clients increase their self-awareness, build confidence, and develop a personalized plan for achieving their 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.