Sviatlana aka Lana  Locanto, LCSW - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Sviatlana aka Lana Locanto

Sviatlana aka Lana Locanto

(she/her)

LCSW
11 years of experience
Virtual

I grew up in Eastern Europe and moved to the USA as an adult. I speak Russian, Ukranian, and English languages. I had to learn a whole new way of living, face my fears, and overcome many barriers and understand how important communication is in building trust and understanding. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with many different people. I've counseled older adults, LGBTQ+, immigrants and refugees from all over the world. I believe in creating a warm and welcoming space where you can feel safe to share your thoughts and feelings, and I am here to help you feel understood and valued.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In your first session with me, here is what you can expect. First, we'll have a friendly chat to get to know each other a bit. I will ask you some questions about what you're going through and what you would like help with. It's a chance for you to share your thoughts and feelings, and there is no pressure to talk about anything you don't want to. I will also explain how I work and what you can expect from our time together. It's all about creating a safe space where you feel comfortable. Don't worry if you feel a little nervous - that's totally normal! By the end of the session, you will have a better idea of how we can work together to be the person you want to be and moving towards the life you want.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

Life can throw challenges our way, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed or unsure. I am here to support you without judgment. Whether it's big concerns or just something on your mind, I am here for you. Together, we can work through it all. You don't have to go through this alone - I am just a call away! We are a therapeutic team

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

ACT is a way to help you handle tough feelings and thoughts in life. Instead of trying to push away or ignore these feelings, ACT teaches you to accept them. It helps you understand that everyone has hard times and that's okay to feel this way.

Schema Therapy

Schema therapy helps you understand and change deep-rooted patterns in your thoughts and feelings known as "schema." These schemas often come from early life experiences and shape how we view ourselves and the world. For example, if you often feel unworthy, this might be because of a schema telling you that you are not good enough. In schema therapy, you will work with me to identify these patterns, learn how they affect your life, and find healthy ways to think and feel.

Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)

This treatment helps people face their fears and worries in a safe and gradual way. If you struggle with Anxiety, like being really scared of certain situations or things, this therapy encourages you slowly confront those fears. For example, if you are afraid of dogs, I might start by showing you pictures of dogs, then progress to watching videos, and eventually meeting a calm dog in person. The idea is to help you get used to what you'are afraid of without feeling overwhelmed. over time, this can reduce your anxiety, making it easier for you to handle what you once found scary, and help you regain control over your life.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

DBT helps people manage intense emotions and improve their relationships with others. It's especially useful for those who struggle with Anxiety, Depression, or feelings very angry. The goal of DBT is to trach you skills to cope with difficult situations without becoming overwhelmed. In DBT, you will learn 4 main skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. By practicing these skills, you can learn to balance your emotions, respond to stress more effectively, and build healthier relationships with people in your life.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i)

This therapy designed to help people, who have trouble sleeping. Instead of just focusing on the symptoms of Insomnia - like not being able to fall asleep or stay asleep - CBT-I looks at the thoughts and behaviors that may be causing sleep problems. You will work with me to identify any unhelpful beliefs about sleep, learn practical strategies like setting a consistent sleep schedule, and develop better sleep habits. I will help you fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer, leading to a better overall quality of life. It's an effective way to tackle Insomnia without relying on medications!