Hi I'm a clinical social worker licensed in both Maryland (LCSW-C) and Washington D.C. (LICSW). I received my Masters from the University of Maryland Baltimore, School of Social Work and have been practicing for more than 8 years. My practice serves a diverse population of individuals, adolescents, and families, with a strong background in active duty military, veterans, and those affected by cancer. With specialized training in ADHD diagnosis and treatment, I provide a holistic, compassionate approach to therapy.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, then dive into the specific challenges you're facing. This session is different than most others as it requires more information gathering on my part than my typical conversational approach. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I value the intersections which shaped my life, fostering empathy and validating all experiences. Embracing intersectionality, affords me the ability to offers a safe, respectful, and calm space for clients to be themselves and envision their potential. Therapy ranges from conversational to emotionally challenging, but clients are assured they won't navigate the journey alone.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
My ideal client is someone who seeks therapy with a willingness to explore how their experiences impact not only themselves but also their family and broader social circles, embracing a systems approach to therapy. Rooted in neuroscience and attachment theory, my modalities for treatment provide a deep understanding of how dysregulation affects individuals and their ability to connect with others. Successful clients are motivated to instigate change and actively engage in their therapeutic journey, regardless of the duration or complexity of their struggles, finding pathways to transformation with my guidance and support.
About SONJA CHESTNUT
Identifies as
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts cash
Address
1201 Seven Locks Road, Rockville, MD 20854, Suite 360Appointments
Virtual & in-personMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is effective in helping individuals reframe negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with trauma. For neurodiverse clients, CBT can be customized to align with their communication styles and cognitive processes, making it more accessible and impactful.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
CPT is effective in helping clients understand and change how they think about their trauma. For neurodiverse individuals, CPT can be adapted to fit their cognitive and communication styles, ensuring that the therapy is relevant and effective.
Family Therapy
Modalities: Family Systems Therapy, Trauma-Informed Care, IFS, SPACE, Relational Neuroscience Approach: Address how trauma affects family dynamics and relationships. Use relational neuroscience to teach emotional regulation and communication skills. Background: My experience with family practice and diverse family structures enable me to provide holistic and inclusive support.
Play Therapy
Play therapy is particularly useful for children and adolescents, including those who are neurodiverse. It provides a safe space for expressing and processing traumatic experiences through play, which is a natural and comfortable medium for many.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT’s focus on acceptance and mindfulness can aid in addressing trauma by encouraging individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings without judgment. This can be particularly beneficial for neurodiverse clients who may experience heightened sensitivity to emotional stimuli.