I am a licensed clinical social worker practicing in Florida. I enjoy working with people dealing with life transitions and challenges including parenting (both of children and adult children), changing careers, working with challenging coworkers/friends/partners and anxiety and depression that can occur when facing challenges in everyday life. I enjoy teaching people skills to handle their daily life and future challenges and help the client tweak the skills so it works specifically for them.
The first session is about learning about each other. I want to understand what you are feeling as well as if you have any specific goals. It is ok to not have an understanding of what is causing anxiety or depression. It is my job, with your help, to figure it out. Typically I ask general questions and you are free to answer, or not if you are not ready. At the end of the first session, we come up with a general plan as to how to proceed, including setting a future appointment if you feel comfortable, deciding on a schedule, and sometimes some skills to start practicing to provide you with some relief.
As a provider, I am supportive and motivated to help you feel empowered to make changes. I want you to learn the skills needed as quickly as possible to help you move forward.
I believe everyone has strengths and using these to build confidence helps a client tackle challenges.
The way you feel about yourself dictates how you see the world. Changing negative thoughts can help the client change behaviors.
Motivational interviewing helps the client think about what they want and then we work on how to get there.