LCSW, 22 years of experience
My name is Wendy Farah, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW/LICSW). I work with adolescents and adults specializing in issues related to stress, anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, and self-esteem. I use a variety of therapeutic approaches, including mindfulness, strengths-based, solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy to help my clients make progress and reach their goals.
During your first session, you can expect us to take the time to talk about what has brought you to therapy. During this session, I hope to create an open, safe space where you will feel comfortable sharing your experiences and feelings. I will ask you some questions to develop an understanding of your feelings and needs and will provide opportunities for you to ask questions about the process along the way. The first session is about us developing a relationship based on trust and respect. My focus is on you as the individual, and so I spend time listening to you about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences so we can work together to establish the best next steps.
I became a social worker to help create change. I have had valuable experiences working with individuals and communities, and have worked in a variety of settings. I have an open communication style where I work to build trust so that my clients feel safe. I strive to create an inclusive, culturally sensitive, nonjudgmental environment where clients can feel comfortable and heard. I am drawn to working with individuals to empower them to create the change they desire in their lives.
I have experience working with adolescents and adults who present with a variety of mental health needs. My training and experiences have helped to address a wide range of mental health concerns, including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem, and life transitions. I work with my clients as they develop skills that can help them navigate through life challenges and achieve their goals.
I find narrative therapy to be an effective approach because it fosters a collaborative and respectful therapeutic relationship. This approach honors your lived experiences and provides a framework to identify and challenge limiting beliefs and narratives. It emphasizes listening deeply to your story, validating your experiences, and working together to identify alternative interpretations and possibilities. I believe this collaborative process is essential for creating lasting change.
I utilize CBT because it's a collaborative approach. We work together as a team to explore your current challenges and understand how your thoughts and feelings might be contributing to them. It gives us tools to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop healthier coping strategies. Many people find it very helpful in managing a range of challenges.
I believe therapy is most effective when we work together as a team. You're the expert on your own life, and I'm here to help you explore your strengths and find solutions that fit your unique situation. We'll collaborate on identifying what you want to achieve and then develop a plan that uses your existing strengths to get you there.